When You're Broke but Want a Garden

Hey there, plant lovers! Do you dream of a vibrant garden bursting with life, but your wallet whispers sweet nothings about self-control? Well, it’s OKAY, we got you! You can absolutely cultivate a thriving garden without breaking the bank. In fact, a budget-friendly garden can be even more rewarding, a testament to your resourcefulness and love for the natural world.

So, grab your gardening gloves (thrift stores are great for these!) and let's delve into some tips to get your budget garden flourishing.

Start Small:

Don't overwhelm yourself with a huge garden right off the bat, start with a manageable space you can easily take care of. This can include using something like our fantastic Cedar Planters’ Grow Bags. These lightweight wonders are perfect for balconies, patios, or smaller yards. They're also surprisingly spacious, allowing you to cultivate a variety of veggies, herbs, or flowers.

Reuse & Recycle:

Let's face it, we all have containers lying around – old buckets, water bottles, coffee cans, even mismatched shoes (for hanging herbs!). Before you toss them, consider their gardening potential! Drill drainage holes, give them a good scrub, and unleash your inner artist with a splash of paint. Instant, upcycled planters – frugal and fabulous! You can even turn the experience for a paint night in with your friends! 

Swap Seeds & Plants:

Forget about the catalogs and swap with your green thumbs instead! Gather your gardening buddies for a seed and plant swap party, you will be surprised at how much gardeners love to receive and/or swap seeds. It makes for the best gifts! Share seeds you've saved from last season's tomatoes or peppers, or swap cuttings from your favourite herbs like rosemary or basil. Friends and neighbours can contribute their extras too! It's a fantastic way to save money on seeds and plants, discover unique varieties, and bond over your love of gardening.

Save More with Perennials:

Think long-term! Invest in perennial plants that return year after year, like lavender, rosemary, and daylilies. These beauties offer a constant splash of color and fragrance, eliminating the need to buy new plants every season. Plus, many perennials are also low-maintenance, requiring less care than annuals.

Make Your Own Compost:

Instead of throwing away veggie scraps and eggshells, turn them into nutrient-rich compost! All of the scraps from foods that you eat can be easily used to enrich the life of your plants. It's surprisingly easy to create a simple compost bin using recycled materials like wooden pallets or wire mesh. Free fertilizer for your flourishing flora? Yes, please! It’s even better for your plants because it is all natural. 

Start from Seeds:

Starting your plants from seeds is a fantastic way to save money. Seeds are readily available online or at local garden centers, and the feeling of nurturing a plant from a tiny speck to a vibrant specimen is truly rewarding. Just be sure to research the specific needs of your chosen seeds for optimal germination.

Choose Wisely:

When choosing plants, think of what YOU want to harvest, what you eat the most, things that won’t go to waste, consider their bounty. ​​Whether it's maximizing your grocery savings with vegetables, enjoying a constant supply of fresh herbs, or having a continuous display of flowers. Opt for high-yield varieties like cherry tomatoes, bush beans, or compact basil bushes. These plants produce a lot of food in a limited space, maximizing your harvest and minimizing your grocery bills.

Natural Pest Patrol:

Nature has a wonderful way of taking care of itself. Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings by planting marigolds or nasturtiums. These fragrant flowers deter harmful pests while adding a pop of colour to your garden. Another natural pest control method is using insecticidal soap or neem oil – a budget-friendly alternative to harsh chemical pesticides.

Use Mulch:

A layer of mulch around your plants works wonders. It retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and helps regulate soil temperature. Look for a budget-friendly option like shredded bark or leaves you can collect yourself, or try something like Facebook MarketPlace to find people who may have too much of it and give it away for free, LIKE US. Here at Cedar Planters we giveaway wood chips to people to take for free, so this can be an option in the area you live too! 

Remember: Gardening is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the process, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, have fun! With a little creativity and these budget-friendly tips, your cedar grow bags or repurposed containers will soon be overflowing with the joy of homegrown goodness. Happy planting!