A garden can be a beautiful addition to any home. Plus, if you focus on food-producing plants, you can lower the cost of your grocery bill.
But starting a garden isn’t always cheap. In fact, it can cost you a pretty penny if you approach the task the wrong way.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to plant an impressive garden on a budget. Here’s how to get started.
If You Want to Garden on a Budget, Use Seeds, Not Starts
By and large, seeds are significantly cheaper than starts. Often, you can find packs with a few hundred seeds for a few dollars, usually for less than a six-pack of seedlings.
Yes, using seeds means it will take longer for your garden to establish itself. But the cost-savings is substantial, so your patience pays off.
Join a Seed Swap to Save Even More
If you want to have a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, consider joining a seed swap. At these get-togethers, you can trade the seeds you have for the ones you want.
As a bonus, you’ll get to meet other gardeners, giving you access to get tips and advice. In some cases, you’ll even learn more tricks about growing a garden on a budget, helping you save even more.
Ask Other Gardeners for Cuttings
Not every fruit or vegetable can easily be grown from seeds. However, cuttings can let you add other plants to your garden, and you may be able to get them for free.
If you join a seed swap or have neighbors that garden, ask if you can have cuttings. Just a few pencil-sized snips are enough to get started. You’ll need to plant the cuttings in pots first, giving them a chance to take root. Then, transfer them to your garden.
Forgo New Supplies in Favor of Used
Acquiring the tools of the trade can be costly. But, you don’t have to buy new to get quality tools.
Turn to Craigslist, Facebook groups, Letgo, and even Freecycle to find the equipment you need for less. As long as the item is in good repair, and you’re willing to clean it, you can certainly find some bargains.
You might be able to find good tools at thrift stores and resale shops too. Check out your area Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity store, or other places where people donate items to see what you can find.
Ultimately, starting a garden on a budget doesn’t have to be hard. But, it may require some patience.
Once your garden starts springing to life, however, all of your efforts will be worth it. Plus, you’ll have some great fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy, which is always a bonus.
Have a great tip for gardening on a budget? Share it in the comments below!
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Tamila McDonald has worked as a Financial Advisor for the military for past 13 years. She has taught Personal Financial classes on every subject from credit, to life insurance, as well as all other aspects of financial management. Mrs. McDonald is an AFCPE Accredited Financial Counselor and has helped her clients to meet their short-term and long-term financial goals.