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The Cost of Gardening: How to Start Pruning Back the Expenses

Whether you a pro gardener or whether you are simply dealing with the upkeep of your little patch of land, gardening can be a really expensive endeavour. From plant pots and features through to simple tasks like pruning, looking after a lawn and keeping your plant borders under control, all of the equipment that you need will cost money. This can be a little disheartening for the novice and professional gardener alike. Keeping our small patches of paradise properly organised, pruned and planted while simultaneously feeding our plants the proper nutrients and keeping on top of seasonal planting schedules can seem a little overwhelming once you add in the cost of it all. But there is no need to worry. We have worked hard to compile a list of expert hints and tips to help you keep costs under control while looking after your garden. From making your own compost to making your own plant pots, we have all you need to cut the cost of your gardening endeavour. Here are our favourite ways to spend less while gardening. 1). Make your own plant pots A great tip for saving money on your gardening is to start making your own plant pots. Not only can this save you a good amount of money in the long run, but it can also be a really fun activity to undergo as well. Small paper mache pots are perfect for seedlings to start growing in. Not only this but using old tins, jars and baskets can give your garden a really rustic and artistic feel. Some people even use old chest of drawers, wellingtons and tyres to plant their flowers in. This can be a great way to save money and add a little aesthetic interest to your garden. Get creative and start planting in your unused goods today! Top tip: Make your unused goods look a little prettier by painting or decorating them. Simply wrapping a ribbon or piece of string around an old tin can can make it look that extra bit rustic, artistic and homely. 2). Make your own compost This is one of the best ways that you can save money and establish sustainability into your plant propagation process. Plus it is super easy to do! By getting a composter that sits on a layer of soil and manure (to attract worms that speed up the dematerialisation of your garden waste), you will be investing in a future endless supply of compost! You can put all sorts in there from kitchen fruit peelings, pruning cuttings and leaves to weeds and grass cuttings. You’ll have fresh compost without spending a penny! 3). Get seeds not plants Instead of buying expensive plants you could just buy the seeds instead. It may take a little more time to grow than just buying the plant that you want, but that is what gardening is about after all! So save yourself some money and remind yourself of what gardening is all about by growing the plants that you want from seeds! 4). Second hand and cheaper equipment When buying equipment for your gardening endeavours, it is always a great idea to buy second hand or reduced items. Do a little bit of research before buying your products! You can get some great gardening tools at reduced prices when you use money off Argos codes. There are so many offers out there, so make sure that you always have your eyes peeled. 5). Water butts work wonders Getting a water butt in your garden is not only going to save you money on your water bill, but it is also going to make your gardening habits more environmentally friendly. Collecting water in a butt for watering later in the season is a great economical and cost effective way of giving your plants the nutrients that they really need. 6). Get to know the other gardeners in your area Getting to know the other gardeners in your area is a great way for you to not only socialise with like-minded people and get hints and tips from them, but it can also be an in road to saving money as well. Here are just a few of the ways that you could save money by joining a community gardening group, allotment or talking with your neighbours:
  • Swapping goods: Getting to know fellow gardeners in your area is a great way to start swapping things. Whether it’s seeds, plants or pots, swapping your goods is a great way to promote financial savings within your gardening community.
  • Free fruit and veg: Often when you have your own allotment it is common place for you to grow more vegetables than you actually need. Many allotment communities share their produce with one another for free! This is a great way to save money.
  • Borrowing: If you need to do a little digging or some heavy pruning but are lacking the right equipment then knowing gardeners in your local area may open up opportunities to borrow equipment form people. Most gardeners are happy to lend out their tools!
  • Taking cuttings: Rather than heading out to buy new seeds and plants, you can simply take cuttings from your original ones, or even from a local gardening friend’s plants. This is a great way to save money on new plants!
7). Go for a wild look One of the best ways to save money on expensive gardening habits is to simply opt for a wilder, more organic look. Rather than getting expensive plant pots and borders you could let your garden grow a little higher and a little more sporadically. A wild garden can be just as beautiful as an organised one. Consider swapping the expensive plants and pots for a more natural look this season and cut your gardening costs at the same time. Overall there are so many ways that you can start cutting the cost of your gardening. Whether you want to tidy up and get some plants on the go, or whether you are planning a full garden revamp, there are plenty of tips to help you save money here. Make sure that you consider using discount code sites, make your own pots, get seeds not plants and consider getting a water butt too. You can also get to know the gardeners in your area, go for second hand equipment, opt for a wild look and make your own compost. With all of this in mind we hope that you find the financial balance that you need to fulfil your planting dreams. Happy gardening!