Close-up image of seedlings in black pots on a windowsill

11 Frugal Gardening Tips to Transform Your Yard and Save Hundreds

Gardening can be a fun hobby, but it can also be pricey. As someone always looking to save money, I’ve learned many tricks to keep my garden growing without breaking the bank.

You can have a beautiful, thriving garden without spending a fortune. It just takes some creative thinking and a willingness to try new things.

I used to spend way too much on fancy tools and expensive plants. But after some financial struggles, I had to get smart about my gardening budget. Now, I love finding cheap and free ways to grow my garden.

It’s so satisfying to see plants flourish using thrifty methods. You can enjoy gardening and save money at the same time. These frugal tips will help you grow more for less.

1. Start seeds indoors

Hand gently planting seeds in biodegradable pots
katrinshine / Adobe Stock

Starting seeds indoors is a great way to save money on your garden. You can begin weeks before the last frost date in your area. This gives your plants a head start and extends your growing season.

Use everyday items as seed containers. Egg cartons, yogurt cups, and plastic takeout containers work well.

You can poke drainage holes in the bottom and fill them with a homemade seed-starting mix of peat moss, vermiculite, and compost.

Label your containers clearly. You don’t want to forget what you planted where. Popsicle sticks or cut-up plastic milk jugs make good plant markers.

Keep your seedlings warm and moist. A sunny windowsill or inexpensive grow lights help them thrive. Water gently from the bottom to avoid disturbing delicate roots.

As your seedlings grow, “harden them off” by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start with an hour a day and increase over a couple of weeks. This prepares them for transplanting into your garden.

2. Use eggshells as fertilizer

Crushed eggshells for improving soil quality
Inese / Adobe Stock

You can turn eggshells from your morning breakfast into free fertilizer for your garden. Instead of tossing them, save them. Rinse the shells and let them dry on your counter.

Once dry, crush them into small pieces. You can do this by hand or pulse them in a blender. Sprinkle the crushed shells around your plants or mix them into the soil.

Eggshells are packed with calcium, which helps plants grow strong stems and leaves. They also contain other nutrients like magnesium and potassium. Your tomatoes and peppers will especially love the extra calcium boost.

As the shells break down, they slowly release nutrients into the soil, giving your plants a steady food supply. Eggshells can also help balance soil acidity and improve drainage.

For an extra nutrient kick, try making eggshell tea. Steep crushed shells in water overnight, then use the water on your plants. It’s like a smoothie for your garden!

3. Create a compost bin

Row of three compost bins for plant waste
Светлана Мищенко / Adobe Stock

You can easily make a DIY compost bin for under $15. Grab a large plastic trash can with a lid and drill holes around the sides and bottom for airflow. This simple setup lets you turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into free fertilizer.

To use your new bin, layer “green” materials like fruit peels and grass clippings with “brown” materials like dry leaves and paper. Aim for a 3:1 ratio of browns to greens. Give the bin a roll every few days to mix things up.

There is no need for fancy compost activators—just sprinkle in some regular garden soil. Keep the contents moist but not soggy. You’ll have rich compost to nourish your plants in a few months.

This frugal composting method keeps waste out of landfills while saving you money on store-bought fertilizers. Your garden will thrive with this “black gold” you’ve created for free.

4. Collect rainwater for irrigation

Water tank for rainwater harvesting
Steve / Adobe Stock

Collecting rainwater is a smart way to water your garden for free. You can start with a simple rain barrel under your gutter downspout. A 55-gallon drum costs about $20 and will fill up quickly during a good rain.

For bigger savings, consider installing a larger tank. A 500-gallon tank can collect over 300 gallons from just 1 inch of rain on a 1,000-square-foot roof, enough to water a medium-sized garden for weeks.

You don’t need fancy equipment to get started. An old trash can works great as a DIY rain barrel. Add a spigot near the bottom and cut a hole in the lid for the downspout. Cover any openings with fine mesh to keep out mosquitoes and debris.

Use gravity to your advantage by elevating your rain barrel on cinder blocks. This creates water pressure for a hose attachment. You’ll save time and effort watering compared to using watering cans.

5. Repurpose old containers

Plants on a repurpose vintage milk can container
Anna / Adobe Stock

You don’t need to buy expensive pots for your garden. Look around your home for items you can reuse as planters. Old milk jugs, wooden crates, and even worn-out boots can become unique homes for your plants.

Tin cans make great herb containers. Punch holes in the bottom for drainage, wash them thoroughly, and remove sharp edges. Paint them with fun colors to brighten up your space.

Got a broken wheelbarrow? Fill it with soil and flowers for a charming garden feature. Large plastic tubs work well for bigger plants like tomatoes or peppers.

Coffee cans, teacups, and mason jars are perfect for small succulents or starting seeds. Be sure whatever you use has drainage holes. If not, drill some yourself.

Using recycled containers saves money and keeps items out of landfills. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet. Get creative and have fun finding new uses for old things in your garden.

See Related: Frugal Habits: Money-Saving Tips for a Thrifty Lifestyle

6. Make a DIY greenhouse

DIY and the homemade greenhouse raised garden bed with vegetables
zlikovec / Adobe Stock

You can build a budget-friendly greenhouse using simple materials. Old windows or clear plastic sheets work great for walls, and pallets or reclaimed wood make sturdy frames.

Start small with a lean-to design against a sunny wall. This will save money and space. A 6×8-foot greenhouse costs about $100 in materials.

Reuse items creatively. Plastic bottles can form walls, and old shower doors make perfect roofing. Check local buy-nothing groups for free supplies.

Consider a hoop house design using PVC pipes. It’s quick to set up and can be moved easily. Cover it with heavy-duty plastic sheeting.

Add shelves inside for more growing space. Cedar crates or salvaged wire shelving work well. Hang strings for climbing plants to maximize vertical space.

To keep costs down, use passive solar heating. Paint water-filled drums black to absorb heat during the day and release it at night.

7. Share plant cuttings with friends

Plants and seedlings inside a greenhouse
Audrey Durose / Adobe Stock

Sharing plant cuttings with friends can save money and expand your garden. Many plants, such as herbs, succulents, and flowering shrubs, grow easily from cuttings.

Snip a 4-6 inch stem from a healthy plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone. Plant it in moist potting soil and keep it in a warm, bright spot.

Trade cuttings with fellow gardeners to get new varieties for free. Join a local garden club or online plant swap group to find other enthusiasts. You might score rare or pricey plants this way.

Don’t forget to label your cuttings. Use popsicle sticks or plastic tags to note the plant name and date. This helps you keep track as they grow.

Sharing cuttings builds community, too. Invite neighbors over for a plant swap party. Everyone brings cuttings to trade, and you can enjoy snacks while chatting about gardening tips.

8. Utilize coffee grounds in the soil

Putting coffee grounds as a compost on a pot of rose flowers
Federico Magonio / Adobe Stock

Coffee grounds can be a great addition to your garden soil. They’re free and easy to come by if you’re a coffee drinker. Used grounds are close to neutral pH, so they won’t make your soil more acidic.

Mix coffee grounds into your compost pile. They add nitrogen and help break down other materials. Don’t use more than 20% coffee grounds in your compost mix.

You can also sprinkle a thin layer of ground around plants as mulch. This helps retain moisture and may deter some pests. Be careful not to pile them too thickly or right against plant stems.

Try using coffee grounds to make a liquid fertilizer. Mix 1-2 cups of ground with a gallon of water. Let it sit overnight, then use it to water your plants. This gives them a gentle nitrogen boost.

Some gardeners swear by coffee grounds for keeping slugs away. Sprinkle them in a ring around plants that slugs like to munch on. You might find this natural method works well for you.

9. Practice companion planting

Vegetable companion planting of kohlrabi chives and carrots in the garden
Doris Gräf / Adobe Stock

Companion planting can save you money and boost your garden’s health. Try planting basil near your tomatoes. The basil repels pests and may even make your tomatoes taste better.

Marigolds are another great companion plant. Scatter them throughout your garden to deter harmful insects. They’re cheap to grow from seed and add cheerful pops of color.

Plant beans or peas near corn. The beans climb up the corn stalks, saving you money on trellises. Plus, beans add nitrogen to the soil, which corn loves.

Carrots and onions make good neighbors, too. Onions help keep carrot flies away. By planting these together, you can fit more veggies in less space.

Don’t forget about herbs. Many repel pests and attract helpful insects. Mint keeps ants and rodents at bay, while dill attracts beneficial wasps that eat caterpillars.

10. Build raised beds from scrap wood

Vegetables growing in a raised garden bed
Bento / Adobe Stock

You can create sturdy raised garden beds without spending a dime on materials. Look around your property for old wooden pallets, fence boards, or deck remnants. These scraps work great for building beds.

Start by cutting four 2×6 boards to your desired bed length. For the sides, cut shorter pieces about 15-16 inches long. Assemble the frame by attaching the sides to the longer boards with screws.

Line the inside with cardboard or landscaping fabric to block weeds. This also helps retain moisture. Fill your new bed with a mix of topsoil and compost.

For extra flair, nail some decorative trim pieces along the top edges. A coat of non-toxic exterior paint can make your beds pop while protecting the wood.

Building raised beds saves you $50-100 per bed compared to buying new lumber. Plus, you’re keeping usable wood out of landfills. You can expand your garden cheaply with some basic tools and a free afternoon.

11. Mulch with wood chips

Hand putting a wood chips mulch  in a plant
Brebca / Adobe Stock

Wood chips make an excellent free or low-cost mulch for your garden. You can often get them free from local tree services or your city’s green waste program. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer of chips around your plants.

Be careful not to pile the chips against plant stems or tree trunks. This can lead to rot and pest problems. Leave a few inches of space around the base of plants.

Fresh wood chips may temporarily deplete nitrogen from the soil as they break down. To avoid this, let chips age for 3-6 months before using them as mulch, or add extra nitrogen fertilizer when applying fresh chips.

Wood chip mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. It also slowly adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. Pine, cedar, and hardwood chips all work well. Avoid treated lumber or dyed mulch.

A 2-3 inch layer is ideal for veggie gardens. Deeper mulch can make it hard for some plants to sprout. Refresh your wood chip mulch yearly as it breaks down.

See Related: How to Live Frugally: Easy Habits That Saved Me $15,000 in One Year

Soil Management on a Budget

Man planting harvesting tomatoes in a vegetable garden
anandart / Adobe Stock

Good soil is key to a thriving garden, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some smart techniques and readily available materials, you can improve your soil cheaply.

Creating Your Compost

Hand pouring biodegradable items onto a compost heap
Viktor Iden / Adobe Stock

Start a compost pile in your backyard. It’s free and easy! Collect kitchen scraps like fruit peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells.

Mix these with dry leaves, grass clippings, and small twigs. Turn the pile every few weeks with a garden fork. In about 3-6 months, you’ll have rich, dark compost to feed your plants.

For faster results, try a tumbling composter. You can make one from an old trash can with holes drilled in it.

Give it a spin every day or two. Your compost will be ready in just 4-8 weeks.

Worm composting is another option. Get a bin, some bedding, and red wiggler worms.

Feed them your veggie scraps, and they’ll create nutrient-rich worm castings for your garden.

Affordable Soil Amendments

Man planting seeds of pea in a healthy soil
encierro / Adobe Stock

You don’t need fancy fertilizers for healthy soil. Many household items can boost your soil’s nutrients.

For example, sprinkle used coffee grounds around acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. They add nitrogen and improve soil texture.

Crushed eggshells provide calcium for tomatoes and peppers. Just rinse, dry, and crush them before mixing into the soil.

Wood ash from your fireplace adds potassium and helps balance soil pH. Use it sparingly – a little goes a long way.

For sandy soil, mix in some clay cat litter. It helps retain moisture and nutrients.

If the soil is too clay-heavy, add sand or perlite to improve drainage. These are much cheaper than specialty soil mixes.

Water Conservation Techniques

Garden rainwater harvesting system and irrigation in large blue barrel
Nishi Sharma / Adobe Stock

Saving water in your garden helps the environment and your wallet. Smart irrigation and collecting rainwater can make a big difference.

DIY Rainwater Collection

Two connected rainwater collection barrels
Nishi Sharma / Adobe Stock

Set up rain barrels under your gutters to catch water when it rains. A 55-gallon drum can fill up fast during a good storm.

Use this free water for your plants instead of tap water. Cover the barrel with a fine mesh to keep out bugs and debris.

You can connect multiple barrels for even more storage. Paint them to match your house or decorate them with the kids. Some gardeners build platforms to raise the barrels, using gravity to increase water pressure.

In dry spells, your stored rainwater becomes a gardening lifesaver. Your plants will love the natural, unchlorinated water, too.

Efficient Irrigation Systems

Vegetable garden irrigation system  for gardening
fotosr52 / Adobe Stock

Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are water-saving champs. They deliver water right to plant roots, cutting waste from overspray and evaporation.

Set up a basic drip system with a timer, some tubing, and emitters. Snake soaker hoses through garden beds. Both options work great for veggie gardens and flowerbeds.

Water should be used early in the morning to reduce evaporation. Mulch around plants to hold in moisture. Check for leaks regularly and fix them fast.

Try grouping plants with similar water needs. This way, you’re not overwatering some while others go thirsty. Your garden will thrive with less water, and you’ll see the savings on your bill.

See Related: Eye-Opening Differences Between Frugal and Stingy: Which One Are You?

Upcycling in the Garden

Upcycling garden with planting plans in a plastic bottle containers
Яна Нестеренко / Adobe Stock

Breathing new life into old items can transform your garden while saving money. You’ll be amazed at how everyday objects can become unique garden features with a little creativity.

Repurposing Household Items

Flowerbed and garden beds of made of old automobile tires
Sergey / Adobe Stock

Look around your home for potential garden treasures. Old tires make great planters – just paint them bright colors and stack them for a tiered effect. You can turn wooden pallets into vertical gardens by attaching small pots or lining the slats with landscaping fabric.

Chipped teacups and bowls work well as quirky succulent containers. Broken ladders can become plant stands when laid horizontally. Even worn-out boots can find new life as charming flower pots.

Don’t toss those plastic milk jugs! Cut the bottoms off to use as mini greenhouses for seedlings. Old colanders make perfect hanging baskets—just line them with coco fiber and fill them with trailing plants.

Sustainable Plant Supports

Garden plants with bamboo canes as a support
Paul Maguire / Adobe Stock

Supporting your plants doesn’t have to be costly. Bamboo poles or fallen tree branches make excellent stakes for tomatoes and beans. Tie them together to create teepee-style supports.

Do you have old bicycle wheels? Prop them up vertically to make eye-catching trellises for climbing vines. Wire coat hangers can be bent into plant supports for smaller potted plants.

Repurpose broken umbrellas by removing the fabric and using the frame as a unique trellis. Old guttering attached to a fence creates an instant vertical garden for herbs or strawberries.

Remember those plastic milk jugs? Cut them into strips to make plant labels. You can also use wine corks or painted rocks for cute, budget-friendly markers.

Frequently Asked Questions

A garden with 11 labeled frugal gardening tips displayed on colorful signs amidst various plants and gardening tools

Gardeners often have questions about saving money while growing beautiful plants. These common queries cover thrifty ways to source plants, compost, conserve water, and deal with pests on a budget.

What are some cost-effective ways to source plants for my garden?

Start seeds indoors to save big on plants. A packet of seeds costs just a few dollars and can yield dozens of plants.
Join local gardening groups on social media to swap plants with others. Many gardeners are happy to share cuttings or divide perennials. Check out end-of-season sales at nurseries for great deals on leftover plants.

How can I create my compost to save on gardening costs?

Making compost is easy and free. Start with a simple pile in a corner of your yard, or use a bin made from old pallets. Add kitchen scraps like fruit, veggie peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells.
Mix in dry leaves, grass clippings, and small twigs. Turn the pile every few weeks. You’ll have rich, free fertilizer for your garden in a few months.

What techniques can I use to conserve water and lower my gardening expenses?

Collect rainwater in barrels or buckets to use during dry spells. Add mulch around plants to keep moisture in the soil longer. Water should be used early or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
Group plants with similar water needs together. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to target water directly to plant roots.

Can you suggest methods for repurposing household items as gardening tools?

Old milk jugs make great watering cans—just poke holes in the cap. Plastic forks make great plant markers, and yogurt cups work well as seed-starting pots.
Make a mini greenhouse by cutting the bottom off a clear plastic bottle and placing it over young plants. Repurpose old buckets, tires, or wooden crates as planters.

What is the most budget-friendly way to deal with garden pests without using expensive chemicals?

Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle to combat soft-bodied pests like aphids. Sprinkle used coffee grounds around plants to deter slugs and snails. Plant marigolds to repel many insects naturally.
Make sticky traps from yellow paper and petroleum jelly. Handpick larger pests like caterpillars and drop them in soapy water.

How do I choose low-maintenance and cost-efficient plants for my garden?

Pick native plants adapted to your local climate. Native plants need less water and care. Opt for perennials that come back year after year instead of annuals.
Choose disease-resistant varieties to reduce the need for treatments. Look for plants that self-seed or spread easily. Hardy herbs like mint, oregano, and thyme are useful in cooking.

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