Gardening on a budget for everyone

Gardening is not a hobby for the rich and famous. Nor do you need to own a large estate with a ‘Mercedes and room for a pony‘ a certain generation will know the reference. No, gardening can be enjoyed by all regardles of your budget and garden size. The main thing is that you enjoy it.

Before you pick up a trowl or buy a bag of compost think about what you want from your garden; do you want to grow vegetables or have pots of beauiful flowers? regardless of your intentions, everything can be done on a budget.

We’ve but together a list of things which we found can be done in the garden on a low budget or even for free.

Collecting rainwater

These days the moment you turn your tap on, the water company have a hand in your pocket. Collecting rainwater is a free way of watering your plants and flowers. Plus most plants prefer rainwater to mainwater as it not as hard nor has it been treated. Collecting rainwater can be as easy leaving buckets under a downpipe or installing a water butt.

Free plants by taking cuttings

Yes that’s right, you can make FREE plants. Taking softwood cutting in the summer months will allow you to make more plants in your garden. You could always exchange these with freinds and neighbours. Watch how to take softwood cuttings

Collecting seeds

Another way of creating free plants is to collect seeds from your existing plants and the end of their flowering season. No, most seeds are not particular expensive however today we are watching every penny. Again you could also exchange these with freinds and neighbours.

TLC plants

Next you’re in the local garden centre, look out for the discount section. Here you might find some plants that require a TLC to bring them back to their former glory. Some National Trust sites also have parts of their walled gardens where you can leave a donation for plants they leave out.

Make your own compost

Banana skins, coffee grounds and much more, homemade compost are another great way to save money in the garden. Read our article on the different types of composts you can try at home.

Shipping pallets

Discarded shipping pallets are a gardeners best friend. These has so many possibilities is difficult to list them all but the post popular we seen are; as raised beds, wall mounted displays and even outdoor coffee tables. Visit YouTube and search of ‘Pallet ideas for my garden’

Pathways

Save money on hiring a landscape gardener to lay a path. Instead you can simply use bags of grave to create a winding path through your garden. You could also consider using wood chippings.