Money Saving Gardening Tips

All I ever learned about gardening, I learned from Stevo. Thought I would share some of his great money saving tips for gardening.

Plan. Start early, plant seeds. Plan out your garden needs so you don't over plant. Start plants from seed. rather than buying your plants. For higher quality vegetables, consider planting organic seeds.

Buy smaller plants. If you're short on time or don't have the space to grow from seed, purchase smaller plants rather than larger plants for your garden. Smaller plants range $1-2 while larger plants range $4-5. Smaller plants will grow, they'll just need some extra nutrient-rich soil and water to thrive.

Swap plants. Limited space or hard to grow soil conditions? Coordinate your plantings with a good friend and neighbor. Minimize the overlap on similar plants. Trade seeds, slips/cuttings, and your garden's bounty.

Check with your local Arboretum, Conservation District, Botanical Gardens, or 4-H Club ! They usually have special sales a few times a season on plants that are well taken care.

Buy plants at the supermarket. Local supermarket chains often plants at lower costs than local nurseries. Example: 1 6-pack of pansies at the supermarket cost me $1.79; at the local nursery, it costs $3.79.

Plant perrenials. Perennials tends to cost slightly more, be a little less colourful, but return every year. Plant once, enjoy year over year.

Go green with garden care. (1) Spray vinegar on your plants to kill the weeds. (2) Rid your garden of unwanted insects by combining 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap with one cup of cooking oil, then adding 3 tablespoons of this to one quart of water. Spray this mixture directly on to your plants. Line your garden bed with old newspapers to suppress the growth of weeds. (3) Use old popsicle sticks as plant markers (4) Use old coffee ground as fertilizers. Swing by your local Starbucks for a free 5lb bag.

Join a Garden Club. Terrific way to gain valuable tips and get free plantings from other members.

Check Craigslist. Enter "free plants" in the search box and click. You'll find several offerings for free plants and gardening materials. I checked the local Craigslist board, and found 7 offers for free garden related materials!