8 Tips for Gardening on a Budget

Budget Gardening Tips

1. Grow from Seeds. Growing your garden from seeds instead of seedlings or plants will reduce your starting cost. Save the seeds from this year's harvest to be reused in your garden next year.

2. Take Cuttings. Some plants can be grown from cutting parts from existing plants and re-growing them into identical plants. If you see a bush or plant in a neighbors garden that you like, you can ask for or trade for a cutting to have an identical plant of your own. You can learn more about types of cuttings and how to grow your own at Natural Living Ideas.

3. Compost. Getting nutrients into your soil is essential to extending the life of your garden. By composting waste from your kitchen, you can place nutrients back into the ground. Ask a local farmer for some manure for a strong base and let it naturally decompose. You can learn more about composting from the Environmental Protection Agency.

4. Make Friends with Other Gardeners. Having friends who garden is a great way to stay under budget. You can swap seeds from your yearly harvest to have a richer diversity in your garden the following year. You can also plan ahead to share vegetables you harvest, certain tools you use, or even a gardening space. Having friends who have a similar interest in gardening will make the hobby cheaper for everyone.

5. Buy Used Equipment. The easiest way to save money is by buying used gardening tools. Shop at garage sales and thrift stores to pay lower prices.

6. Start Small. This cannot be stressed enough. Most first-time gardeners will bite off more than they can chew and begin to despise gardening. Starting small is important in every aspect of the hobby. Only buy a few tools to start off like a pair of shears and a shovel. Only plant vegetables someone in your circle will eat so that you don't have food waste. Only allow a small part of your yard to become your garden; it's much easier (and cheaper) to re-plant a small area of grass instead of a large portion of your yard.

7. Use What Comes Naturally. Notably, rainwater. Don't pay to water your garden frequently. Harvest rainwater and use it to keep your crops healthy. Try this DIY rain barrel stand if you need additional space for your rain collection.

8. Plant What You Buy. Many vegetables can be replanted from what you already buy at the grocery store. You can grow roots from a variety of foods that you can buy once and not have to worry about buying again! Check out these 13 foods that can be regrown forever.