We all crave to be near nature in one form or another. Investing time, effort, and, yes, money into your outdoor space can make a massive difference to the quality of your home and the life you lead there. Though you can splurge like crazy putting together a beautiful garden, know you don’t have to. There are so many fun and effective ways that can help you save big on your horticulture dreams, and these are just a few of them to get you started:
How to Get Plants for Your Garden
There are many ways that you can get plants for cheaper. You can shop at the end of the growing season to score some great deals at garden centers and nurseries, for example. You could also keep an eye out for clearance items that need a green thumb to be brought back to life. Another great way to get plants for cheaper is to shop at flower markets (which usually sell a mixture of potted and outdoor plants alongside the cut flowers. Try your luck looking online at the second-hand market, where people sell plants all the time in preparation for moving or because they’re working on a big project. You can also enhance your home’s exterior with a window box that never rots.
How to Get a Better Deal Before You Checkout
There are two main ways that you can get a better deal before you pay, and the option that’s appropriate will depend entirely on where you’re shopping. If you’re in a garden center, for example, then a discount code can help you save more at the till. You can even do this online. With a gardeners.com coupon code, you can knock off the price of your order and have it delivered to your door. When choosing coupon codes, know that you can actually do more than just get a deal. There are coupon sites that are attached to charities like the American Cancer Society, which means they get a kickback when you save. It’s a win-win!
The second way is to negotiate the price down. This option is better suited to the second-hand market and flower markets since sellers there has a vested interest in moving products quickly.
Repurpose Items
Planters and décor can eat up a huge amount of your budget, but you don’t need to get them new. Start by looking around your home for items that can be repurposed in your garden. Old wheelbarrows, buckets, and other containers can be used as planters. Wooden pallets can be transformed into garden beds. Use your imagination to find new uses for items that might otherwise be discarded.
This creativity will help even when buying new. For example, you could create your own planters from items such as old shoes, teacups, or even a broken birdbath.
Divide and Conquer
If you have existing plants that have become overgrown, consider dividing them to create more plants. This is an easy way to fill in empty spaces in your garden without spending money on new plants. Divide plants when they are in their dormant period, and be sure to water them well after planting.
This also applies to plants that can be propagated. All you need for this is to take a cut and apply root powder to the cut end. You won’t want to put it in the water straight away, as this can lead to rot. Once it’s dried out for a day or two, you can then put it in a small glass of water, where it will then start growing roots.
Embrace Natural Pesticides
Use natural pest control methods instead of spending money on pesticides. For example, planting marigolds can help keep root-knot nematodes away. You can also use a mixture of water and dish soap to spray on plants to deter pests. These aren’t just budget-friendly methods; they’re great for the environment, too, as they support natural biodiversity without the use of harsh chemicals.
Get Your Hands Dirty and Make Your Own Compost
Creating your own compost is a great way to nourish your plants without spending money on fertilizer. Collect kitchen scraps, leaves, and yard waste, and add them to a compost bin. Over time, the materials will break down into rich, nutrient-filled compost that can be added to your garden soil.
Join Your Local Gardening Community
Many communities offer free resources for gardeners. Look for free mulch, compost, or even plants that have been donated by other gardeners. Another great option is to seed swap. Seed swapping with friends and neighbors is a great way to acquire new plants without spending any money. Collect seeds from your own plants, and share them with others. You can also look for online seed swaps or seed libraries in your community.
