4 Tips for Gardening on a Budget

Thinking of sprucing up your yard with a pretty garden this summer? Or maybe even planting vegetables to put fresh produce on your kitchen table? Gardening gadgets, seeds and plants needed to grow your garden can add up quickly. Check out these 4 tips to help gardening on a budget, saving you cash while you watch your garden take root:

Gardening on a Budget Tip No. 1:

Create a budget and stick to it – deciding what you can live with or without this year can determine the amount needed to either start or expand your green space. Use a budgeting tool like our Trends Personal Finance Manager in Online Banking to help track your purchases, plan for upcoming expenses and more.

Gardening on a Budget Tip No. 2:

An inexpensive way to grow your garden is to trade seeds and plants with friends, family and neighbors who have a green thumb. Also check your local newspaper and online for garden clubs, seed swaps and organizations like Greater DuPage Wild Ones® to get started or add more color to your existing flora.

Gardening on a Budget Tip No. 3:

Whether you’re planting lilacs, roses or rhubarb, every gardener needs the right tools to skillfully tend their plot. Shop garage, estate sales and dollar stores for gardening tools, pots and vases – you may even come across bags of fertilizer, mulch, packets of seeds or a gnome to add a touch of whimsy.

Gardening on a Budget Tip No. 4:

Repurpose everyday household items like milk jugs for watering cans, K-Cups to plant seedlings, vinyl mini blinds for plant markers and so on. Recycle rain water by collecting it in a rain barrel and using it to water your flowers and plants.

And before tossing out last night’s leftovers, reuse it by creating organic compost to add nutrients to your garden. Check with your city’s and/or your Home Owner’s Association bylaws before tossing your coffee grounds, wilted lettuce and lawn clippings into a heap on the side of your home.

Do you have any tips for gardening on a budget? If so, please share below: