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. And I’m ready to start gardening.
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 an excellent 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 really can be simple.
How to Save Money Gardening This Spring
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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.
My mother-in-law and father-in-law have purchased many gardening supplies and tools at super cheap deals.
My Dad has this wonderful system set up where he and his neighbors share and help each other with their gardens. If anyone needs to borrow a till or a hoe, they just share their tools.
Check out Discount Stores
You can find garden tools, seeds, seedling plants, etc., at chain department stores like Walmart, or even the Dollar Store. You can also find great deals at the Tractor Supply Co., and Rural King is one of my favorite stores to shop for garden supplies.
Water, Water, Everywhere…
Watering a garden can raise your water bill, so use rain barrels to collect water. It’s not only cheaper, but it’s more of a natural way of watering your garden.
Here are 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. And if you want, you can even make money from your garden by setting up at your local farmer’s market. It’s the best way to reap what you sow.
I hope you find these tips useful and you’re able to save money gardening this spring.
I love gardening and it’s finally that time of year again. Almost anyway. Thanks for the great article.