I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for spring. This has been a cold, rainy, snowy, winter here in East Tennessee. I’m over it. I’m ready for warmer, sunnier days.
There are so many things I love about spring. From the longer days, to the warmer (but not too hot) temperatures… but what I look forward to most is gardening. Planting the vegetable seeds that will provide my family with wholesome goodness throughout the summer months.
Gardening is a great way for you and your family to eat healthier. Gardening is healthy both physically and mentally and spiritually. It is therapeutic… working with the earth and nature.
However, gardening can be expensive if you’re not careful.
Everyone that knows me, knows I’m frugal. Yet when I started gardening several years ago I spent more money than I needed to… but I’ve learned a lot over the years. Now, I can garden without spending a lot of money.
Whether you have a huge garden or a small patio garden, there are ways to save money gardening and reaping big rewards.
Gardening on a budget can be as simple as…
Why Buy If You Can Get It For Free
Check Craigslist and/or your local classified sections for free mulch. One man’s unused mulch can be another man’s treasure. Or check yard/garage sales for gardening tools and planter boxes, flower pots, etc. for cheap buys.
Share, Swap, & Barter
My f-i-l has this wonderful system set up where he and his neighbors share and help each other with their gardens.
Check out Discount Stores
You can find gardening tools, seeds, seedling plants, etc., at chain department stores like, Walmart, or even the Dollar Store.
Water, Water, Everywhere…
Watering a garden can raise your water bill, so use rain barrels to collect water.
Here’s a few more tips:
- Start plants from seeds instead of buying seedlings. Check out these deals on Burpee seed starting kits.
- Plant potatoes from the potatoes you buy at your grocery store. Cut one into 4 pieces and plant each piece.
- Use yard waste to make compost and mulch.
See, not only can you garden on a budget, but you will also be saving money by growing vegetables and herbs.
I hope you find these tips useful and you’re able to save money gardening this spring. I have some great news that could really help one of YOU with your gardening. Or maybe you need a spring break vacation, whatever the case may be how does $500 cash sound?
Thanks to Rather-Be-Shopping.com, one of my readers has a chance at $500 cash. Now how many vegetable plants and seeds could I buy with that?
Giveaway ends 3/31/13. Open Worldwide. Enter on the Rafflecopter form below. I have my fingers crossed one of YOU, my blog readers wins! Good luck!
Disclosure: Blog by Donna was not compensated for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.
Buy diapers, wipes, and other baby stuff for my baby boy due in 3 1/2 weeks!
I’d get a new laptop
I so want to garden again! I have been unable to for several years, since I became disabled. I really miss it. I have recently learned of upright garden planters, that would be perfect for me to resume my love of gardening, however, they are quite pricey, at about $200+ per planter. If I won, I would order two of them immediately! LOL! My indoor seedlings are almost ready to plant.
Thanks for the great opportunity, and money saving tips!
I would get my daughter an ipad
I would pay off a credit card!
Buy a camcorder
I would pay some bills, buy some treats/toys for my pups, and definitely splurge on some garden supplies.
With the $500, I would put it directly into savings, because we’ve been having troubles lately that have eaten into it, and an extra $500 would be a godsend!
buy new dryer
I’d use it for a trip to visit home!
I’d fly out to San francisco to visit my son who turns 25 on Sunday!