Getting green in the garden is a great way to save pennies on grocery bills, whilst also supporting a low carbon and sustainable approach to living. But getting set up and sustaining an efficient plot can take some cash investment in itself. There are sneaky, thrifty cheats to many green fingered pursuits â“ here are just a few ideas on how to save money in the garden.
Compost
Whether you’re growing for food or simply aesthetic pleasure, composting is the way forward for providing plants with a rich, wholesome environment, whilst making big savings on gardening expenses. You don’t even have to invest in an expensive compost bin â“ a few pallets salvaged from the local builders yard can be knocked together to make a frame. Any raw food from the kitchen is good to compost, along with paper, cardboard and grass clippings. Time spent turning the heap pays dividends in keeping the material aerated and fresh.
Nettle brew
Composting is the ultimate illustration of the beauty of recycling, but there are loads of other ways to turn junk to jewels in the garden. Nettles might not be the first choice for herbaceous borders, but make great tomato feed. Pull from the patch, submerge in water and leave to brew for two weeks â“ the highly smelly result works wonders on all veggie plants.
Any old iron
A tea pot, old boots, vases⦠anything and everything has the potential to become a new plant pot and the results create a unique and eclectic look for any garden, without spending a penny.
DIY seedling pots
Save old newspapers and a wine bottle â“ wrapping the paper around the bottle and folding at the base to create perfect seedling pots that are biodegradable, make good use of waste paper and save money on plastic pot purchases.
Save seed
Save your own seed â“ allow some veggies and flowers to go to seed, select a healthy, disease free head and remove the seed pod. Place the pod in a paper bag or envelop and store somewhere dry. Check regularly and when the seed pods have split, separate the seeds, discard the pod and stash until planting season.
Swap shop
Network with local gardeners and get together for a swap shop â“ if you’re saving seed or are lucky enough to have a bumper crop of one variety of vegetable, now is the time to take your offerings and swap for products you’re lacking. Save money, make friends and create a bountiful, beautiful garden.
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