9 Ways to Save Money in the Garden
video description
2. Rescued the poles from an old tent that was demolished in a wind storm and now use them as supports.
3. Saved the pole from a patio umbrella (once the umbrella part was beyond repair, attached a screw hook to the top end, and reused twine from hay bales to make a teepee for runner beans.
4. As much as possible, make our own compost and compost tea. Our equines help with this.
5. Good quality is worth the investment. I have been using the same Felco pruners for 15 years. This year, I purchased Epic Gardenings Epic seed cells and - wow - what a difference they make! I anticipate using them for many years to come.
6. Along with getting good quality, we take care of our investment in tools, planters, terracotta pots, seeds, gloves, watering cans, etc.
7. I mostly grow from seeds, but Ill also pick up some modestly priced perennials from the yearly fundraiser hosted by local our master gardeners group.
8. Allow plants to volunteer! We usually get volunteer winter squash in one of our compost bins - and for no extra expense or effort, will harvest wheelbarrows full of butternut, delicata, or acorn squash.
9. Learn about the wild edibles already growing on our property. Weve harvested morels, wild raspberries, mint, and a variety of leafy greens.
10. Spend time in the garden - pay attention and stop little problems before they become big problems.
Date: 2022-07-18
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Comments and reviews: 14
Elizabeth
a) Seed starting - yes, it's cost-saving. .. after you've bought the supplies. When faced with buying even the simplest something to start seeds in and medium to use in it vs starts, some of us have to go for starts. (If you're able to direct-sow, that's another matter)
b) Composting - i wish. i can't seem to get it going. .. too dry, too cold, not enough N, whatever. Have to guess by feel and smell. Don't have space for a nice setup like Jacques has; can't afford a worm-bin.
c) Perennials - huzzah, i live in San Diego, i can make most plants perennial. 8)
d) Overwintering - see above (but i've only had luck with herbs and tomatoes; the peppers survived overwinter, but have 1cm leaves and no fruit. . )
e) DIY - alla time - if i have the materials already. i like that i can customise for my purposes.
f) Planning - guilty. But we can move pots (most) around, so that helps.
g) Patience - oh hell yes. My problem is not so much patience, but memory. ;) (Would love to know what passionfruit tastes like. .. )
h) Good quality tools - yes. Hell yes. But it helps if you have somewhere to put them out of the weather to store them (and others who use them do the bloody same.
Do love the tips. .. but still cost money. 8( It's like making your own clothes. You'd think it'd be less expensive than buying them - but it's not. WHYYYYY?
8)
reply
a) Seed starting - yes, it's cost-saving. .. after you've bought the supplies. When faced with buying even the simplest something to start seeds in and medium to use in it vs starts, some of us have to go for starts. (If you're able to direct-sow, that's another matter)
b) Composting - i wish. i can't seem to get it going. .. too dry, too cold, not enough N, whatever. Have to guess by feel and smell. Don't have space for a nice setup like Jacques has; can't afford a worm-bin.
c) Perennials - huzzah, i live in San Diego, i can make most plants perennial. 8)
d) Overwintering - see above (but i've only had luck with herbs and tomatoes; the peppers survived overwinter, but have 1cm leaves and no fruit. . )
e) DIY - alla time - if i have the materials already. i like that i can customise for my purposes.
f) Planning - guilty. But we can move pots (most) around, so that helps.
g) Patience - oh hell yes. My problem is not so much patience, but memory. ;) (Would love to know what passionfruit tastes like. .. )
h) Good quality tools - yes. Hell yes. But it helps if you have somewhere to put them out of the weather to store them (and others who use them do the bloody same.
Do love the tips. .. but still cost money. 8( It's like making your own clothes. You'd think it'd be less expensive than buying them - but it's not. WHYYYYY?
8)
reply
Gwendy
While some don't really think about this, SET A BUDGET! When you get those lovely catalogs in the late winter/early spring months, it's SUPER easy to want to buy EVERYTHING you see! :D (Or, even at the nursery/big box stores) However, if you set a budget, it makes you think about what you REALLY want to spend your money on and helps to reduce impulse purchases. Every year, I make a spreadsheet where I put (among other things) what seeds I need to purchase, what seeds I was interested in purchasing last year that I didn't (due to my budget) and what seeds I would like to purchase this year. Then, I have the spreadsheet from last year that I can look at next year to help me have an idea of whether I need to budget less, the same or more for next year. I also separate out my seed budget from my tools budget. Since tools can be REALLY expensive (especially when you are purchasing quality products, having a tool budget helps me prioritize what tools I truly need vs. what I may be able to DIY until next year.
Great tips! :D
reply
While some don't really think about this, SET A BUDGET! When you get those lovely catalogs in the late winter/early spring months, it's SUPER easy to want to buy EVERYTHING you see! :D (Or, even at the nursery/big box stores) However, if you set a budget, it makes you think about what you REALLY want to spend your money on and helps to reduce impulse purchases. Every year, I make a spreadsheet where I put (among other things) what seeds I need to purchase, what seeds I was interested in purchasing last year that I didn't (due to my budget) and what seeds I would like to purchase this year. Then, I have the spreadsheet from last year that I can look at next year to help me have an idea of whether I need to budget less, the same or more for next year. I also separate out my seed budget from my tools budget. Since tools can be REALLY expensive (especially when you are purchasing quality products, having a tool budget helps me prioritize what tools I truly need vs. what I may be able to DIY until next year.
Great tips! :D
reply
FrozenWolf150
A few of my own:
1) Use Chip Drop. You'll never buy mulch again. You can also grow mushrooms in the woodchips to break them down faster, as well as in any logs you might get.
2) Grow from kitchen scraps, not for an immediate harvest, but to get the seeds of those particular plants. This is a great way to get thousands of carrot and onion seeds, for example.
3) Save fruit seeds and germinate them. I've been saving hundreds of pome, stonefruit, and cherry seeds just to see what grows.
4) Eat your weeds, and intentionally cultivate them. Dandelion, wild amaranth, purslane, and lamb's quarters are some that I'm letting grow on purpose.
5) Take advantage of invasive plants. This one can be controversial, but if you have poor soil conditions or a habit of neglecting plants, then tenacious and fast spreading crops might be right for you. I'm growing sunchokes, horseradish, and all kinds of mint.
reply
A few of my own:
1) Use Chip Drop. You'll never buy mulch again. You can also grow mushrooms in the woodchips to break them down faster, as well as in any logs you might get.
2) Grow from kitchen scraps, not for an immediate harvest, but to get the seeds of those particular plants. This is a great way to get thousands of carrot and onion seeds, for example.
3) Save fruit seeds and germinate them. I've been saving hundreds of pome, stonefruit, and cherry seeds just to see what grows.
4) Eat your weeds, and intentionally cultivate them. Dandelion, wild amaranth, purslane, and lamb's quarters are some that I'm letting grow on purpose.
5) Take advantage of invasive plants. This one can be controversial, but if you have poor soil conditions or a habit of neglecting plants, then tenacious and fast spreading crops might be right for you. I'm growing sunchokes, horseradish, and all kinds of mint.
reply
Embrace
SHOP AROUND PEOPLE.
I spent a lot to set up (for a disabled pensioner, anything is a lot) but now Im getting much more back than I ever realised; Im even looking into selling some of my seedlings to fund expansion (to chickens, and Ill probably have too many eggs, but Id rather have excess to sell or help those who are struggling as prices hike further) I have pets that could benefit from an egg in their meal as well, so that saves on pet food (I make most of their wet food, its cheaper and more balanced than the can variety, although I have that too, like far out, Ive only been on this journey for 5 months, oh and I buy bulk dried goods online for flour etc, pet supplies (kibble and healthcare) from a mind boggling discount store for pets (all straight from the producer, in date, and exactly the same as elsewhere; . just not as exuberantly priced). This is the first time in years, Ive have food security.
reply
SHOP AROUND PEOPLE.
I spent a lot to set up (for a disabled pensioner, anything is a lot) but now Im getting much more back than I ever realised; Im even looking into selling some of my seedlings to fund expansion (to chickens, and Ill probably have too many eggs, but Id rather have excess to sell or help those who are struggling as prices hike further) I have pets that could benefit from an egg in their meal as well, so that saves on pet food (I make most of their wet food, its cheaper and more balanced than the can variety, although I have that too, like far out, Ive only been on this journey for 5 months, oh and I buy bulk dried goods online for flour etc, pet supplies (kibble and healthcare) from a mind boggling discount store for pets (all straight from the producer, in date, and exactly the same as elsewhere; . just not as exuberantly priced). This is the first time in years, Ive have food security.
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Kittie
1) Along same lines save money seed starting by making your own mix vs purchasing the expensive starting mixes.
2) Wait for gardening buying rush is over & shop clearance plant sales. Even if the plants are struggling you can make them viable with TLC. There plenty of season left after the garden rush in spring & garden center/big box clearance. I just scored a hibiscus tree was marked 30+ but my price 12.
3) Oh & shop fall & winter in snow areas you would be shocked what on clearance in winter where you can't grow. Yeah might be 6 inches of snow on the ground but I venture outside to check out garden centers and worth the effort!
Great video!
reply
1) Along same lines save money seed starting by making your own mix vs purchasing the expensive starting mixes.
2) Wait for gardening buying rush is over & shop clearance plant sales. Even if the plants are struggling you can make them viable with TLC. There plenty of season left after the garden rush in spring & garden center/big box clearance. I just scored a hibiscus tree was marked 30+ but my price 12.
3) Oh & shop fall & winter in snow areas you would be shocked what on clearance in winter where you can't grow. Yeah might be 6 inches of snow on the ground but I venture outside to check out garden centers and worth the effort!
Great video!
reply
Louise
Save seed where possible! Some of the purchased seed I have has spotty germination (namely my spinach) but the seed I saved from the bolted spinach last year germinates easily. I also have self seeded snapdragons everywhere, they blossom well and thrive for the most part, but at least one of the plants I grew from bought seed is already sick after just a couple of weeks of flowering. I plan to save a lot more seed from things this year, with the exception of hybrids and squashes. Not that I havent already played around growing seed from an f1 pepper; I now have pretty purple chillis of an unknown type on a plant I decided to keep as ornamental!
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Save seed where possible! Some of the purchased seed I have has spotty germination (namely my spinach) but the seed I saved from the bolted spinach last year germinates easily. I also have self seeded snapdragons everywhere, they blossom well and thrive for the most part, but at least one of the plants I grew from bought seed is already sick after just a couple of weeks of flowering. I plan to save a lot more seed from things this year, with the exception of hybrids and squashes. Not that I havent already played around growing seed from an f1 pepper; I now have pretty purple chillis of an unknown type on a plant I decided to keep as ornamental!
reply
umiluv
Ive using dried grass clippings/dethatched lawn waste that has given me all the mulch I could ever need and its good for the lawn!
I ask my husband to give me all the grass clippings so that I can make compost with it.
I ask neighbors for their extra leaves. I cleaned out the culverts for my elderly neighbor which was full of leaves. She got good drainage and I got wheelbarrows full of leaves!
I have an entire pile that one neighbor never gets rid of and just adds to every year. Its HUGE. He told me I can have all of it and he has more in the back! Im going to turn it into leaf mold!
reply
Ive using dried grass clippings/dethatched lawn waste that has given me all the mulch I could ever need and its good for the lawn!
I ask my husband to give me all the grass clippings so that I can make compost with it.
I ask neighbors for their extra leaves. I cleaned out the culverts for my elderly neighbor which was full of leaves. She got good drainage and I got wheelbarrows full of leaves!
I have an entire pile that one neighbor never gets rid of and just adds to every year. Its HUGE. He told me I can have all of it and he has more in the back! Im going to turn it into leaf mold!
reply
eklectiktoni
My tip goes along with Kevin's planning tip. START SMALL. Often people make the mistake of wanting everything in their garden from the beginning (a mistake I made myself, but that's expensive. Start out with just the plants/crops you REALLY want or need to grow. Invest in a few very high quality all purpose tools (like a good shovel/spade and a wheelbarrow. Set aside a little bit of money for soil amendments. If you're just starting out, it's likely that your soil isn't ideal for growing and needs some additional nutrients to be productive.
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My tip goes along with Kevin's planning tip. START SMALL. Often people make the mistake of wanting everything in their garden from the beginning (a mistake I made myself, but that's expensive. Start out with just the plants/crops you REALLY want or need to grow. Invest in a few very high quality all purpose tools (like a good shovel/spade and a wheelbarrow. Set aside a little bit of money for soil amendments. If you're just starting out, it's likely that your soil isn't ideal for growing and needs some additional nutrients to be productive.
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Linda
I made the mistake of trying to grow every vegetable I could grow from seed! Some of them I did not eat! Now I only grow what my family likes and that I would rather grow than purchase from the grocery. It is more satisfying and less expensive. I also compost now so have my own amendment nutrients for my garden. Watering is still an issue for me however here in San Diego. I believe I tend to over water and trying to be more conscious of that. Thanks for the video.
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I made the mistake of trying to grow every vegetable I could grow from seed! Some of them I did not eat! Now I only grow what my family likes and that I would rather grow than purchase from the grocery. It is more satisfying and less expensive. I also compost now so have my own amendment nutrients for my garden. Watering is still an issue for me however here in San Diego. I believe I tend to over water and trying to be more conscious of that. Thanks for the video.
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Cristie
Compost! Whether it's in place composting (an unused bed in rotation or entrenched between rows) or a couple compost bins to turn your compost between then. I am astounded how much this one item makes such a huge difference in potted plants, building soil, spot watering compost tea, and even seed starting soil. I don't have to buy fertilizer, my soil holds more rain water so I save on water use, and I never worry a bout damping off
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Compost! Whether it's in place composting (an unused bed in rotation or entrenched between rows) or a couple compost bins to turn your compost between then. I am astounded how much this one item makes such a huge difference in potted plants, building soil, spot watering compost tea, and even seed starting soil. I don't have to buy fertilizer, my soil holds more rain water so I save on water use, and I never worry a bout damping off
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Luke
Great video on money saving tips! I have a question regarding the seed starting trays. I am alternating rotations in Florida between KY Wonder Beans and Orca beans. Will the 6-cell trays support the long root system of both bean seedlings without root bounding? The seed company that I purchased the Orca Beans from recommends starting them inside first.
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Great video on money saving tips! I have a question regarding the seed starting trays. I am alternating rotations in Florida between KY Wonder Beans and Orca beans. Will the 6-cell trays support the long root system of both bean seedlings without root bounding? The seed company that I purchased the Orca Beans from recommends starting them inside first.
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Majo
I'm so guilty of buying seedling or propagating from seeds this plants which I don't know where to put. It's like compulsion to buy and collect plants that I know I want and use, but don't have a space. Hahaha
I got excited seeing the thumbnail that Chris, Jacques and you Kevin are in 1 video all together. Hopefully, more videos seeing the 3 of you.
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I'm so guilty of buying seedling or propagating from seeds this plants which I don't know where to put. It's like compulsion to buy and collect plants that I know I want and use, but don't have a space. Hahaha
I got excited seeing the thumbnail that Chris, Jacques and you Kevin are in 1 video all together. Hopefully, more videos seeing the 3 of you.
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FMNsocial
Another money-saving tip: allow some of your plants to bolt and save your own seeds! Especially if you're growing heirloom or open-pollinated plants, you'll be getting clones of not just the plants you like, but of the ones that do particularly well in your environment. So in a way, you're optimizing your seeds every time you do it!
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Another money-saving tip: allow some of your plants to bolt and save your own seeds! Especially if you're growing heirloom or open-pollinated plants, you'll be getting clones of not just the plants you like, but of the ones that do particularly well in your environment. So in a way, you're optimizing your seeds every time you do it!
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Donna
Everything that is growing in my garden bed this year was started by me from seed. The only thing that is growing is a volunteer tomato plant. Maybe it's an offspring from my Early Girl tomato that I grew last year. It's already got a couple of blossoms on it. But, I did save a lot of money by starting from seed.
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Everything that is growing in my garden bed this year was started by me from seed. The only thing that is growing is a volunteer tomato plant. Maybe it's an offspring from my Early Girl tomato that I grew last year. It's already got a couple of blossoms on it. But, I did save a lot of money by starting from seed.
reply
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