10 Ways to Save Money Gardening

With the rising cost of groceries, many gardeners are seeking cheaper alternatives by choosing to grow their own food. According to the National Gardening Association, an average backyard garden can save up to $500 on groceries. In recent years, the farm-to-table movement has grown in popularity, with more and more people rediscovering the joys of growing their own crops and bringing them to the table. Here are some tips that can help you save money and maximize your gardening space. 

1. Grow Crops Using a Raised Garden Bed 

Raised garden bed gardening can help optimize the health and productivity of your garden bed. Raised garden beds possess a myriad of benefits, including improved drainage, control over soil quality, and better growing conditions. When shopping for a garden bed, opt for galvanized steel beds instead of wood beds, which have a tendency to rot and bow in after a few years. Steel beds are sturdier and durable, with some able to last decades. 

Research shows that galvanized steel beds have extra benefits of improved fruit set rate, blush color and maturity. The elevated structure of the raised beds allows you to grow more crops in a set space than you could in a traditional garden bed. While the initial investment may be costlier, the end result is well worth it. 

2. Choose the Right Vegetables and Fruits 

The smart gardener will seek ways to maximize yield while minimizing cost. If you are budget conscious, start by planting vegetables that are cheap to grow and have a high yield. Some popular cost-effective vegetables include tomatoes, lettuce and salad greens, and peas. Below are a few simple tips to help you select the right vegetables to grow. 

• Grow crops you enjoy eating. Though this might seem obvious, some gardeners make the mistake of growing certain crops because they are easier to grow rather than what they like to eat.  
• Choose vegetables that are expensive to buy. Some grocery items will be more expensive. Compile a list of which vegetables are expensive in your area, then decide whether they are feasible to grow in your garden. 
• Consider your space and climate. It is important to take into account the area of your backyard as well as your growing zone. For gardeners in the Gulf South, this planning guide can help you stay on track. 
• Avoid vegetables that are not cost-effective. Some vegetables take up a lot of space, require long growing seasons, or are difficult to grow. Winter squash, melons, and corn are not recommended due to factors such as long maturity rates or low yield. Conversely, onions and potatoes are plentiful and cheap – unless they’re used as companion plants, it is better to buy them at the grocery instead of dedicating a plot to them.

3. Use a Hori Hori Knife 

Derived from a Japanese word meaning to dig, a hori hori knife is an extremely versatile knife that is used for both digging and cutting. Though it’s referred to as a ‘weeding knife’ or ‘soil knife,’ this knife has many practical applications that can help you cut down on the amount of tools you need in the garden. Vego Garden’s innovative

10 in 1 knife kit takes a classic hori hori to the next level with 10 unique functions and a heavy-duty case that clips right to your belt. With this knife, you can dig, transplant, cut, and even unscrew bottle caps. 

 

4. Make Your Own Compost   

Making your own compost can help you save money by reducing the amount of fertilizer and mulch needed. Below are some tips to consider. 

• For those who are deterred by the smell and hassle of traditional composting, consider vermicomposting. Vego Garden’s worm composter utilizes the digestive power of worms to turn your organic waste into rich, nutrient-dense garden bed material. Unlike above-ground systems, you do not have to harvest the worm castings that are produced – simply fill with scraps and let nature do work. 

• For a high-quality soil amendment, use worm castings. A natural organic fertilizer, worm castings are produced as a byproduct by worms. Possessing a variety of benefits, they provide essential nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus to plants. They also improve the soil structure by increasing aeration, improving drainage, and enhancing moisture retention. 
• Avoid throwing certain material into your compost bin. For a more detailed list, read this guide to vermicomposting. 

5. Start Small 

If you are a beginner, start small by purchasing one garden bed or choosing to grow just a few vegetables. When you become more confident in your abilities, you can expand the reach of your garden and start experimenting with a wider variety of crops. Encourage neighbors and friends to pick up gardening, which can encourage a sense of community.  

6. Use Reusable Seed Starting Trays

When starting from seed, a seed starting tray is essential. A seed starting tray can help you get an early start on planting before the weather warms up. Some trays may come with additional features such as lights, heating pads, domed lids, and labels. The wide assortment of options online can make it challenging to decide on a choice. When deciding, it is important to take into account the material, capacity, and additional accessories. Vego Garden’s Seed Starting Bundle, which features a seed starting tray with spacious growing cells and with air-pruning strips, offers a comprehensive bundle deal that includes everything you need to get started. Available in both standard and jumbo sizes, this innovative product includes a specialty drip-irrigation lids for each tray. 

7. Check out the Clearance Section 

The input costs associated with maintaining a garden can quickly add up. To avoid impulse buying, only buy things you really need. For additional savings, check out the clearance section of your local center or craft store for seeds and gardening supplies. During the summer, gardening supplies will likely be on sale as stores need to get rid of them. 

8. Use Recycled Materials     

It can be surprising to see what material can be repurposed into gardening supplies. A causal search online on inspiration sites such as Pinterest can yield many interesting results. Egg cartons and old pots can be reused as containers for plants. Garage sales and antique shops are fun ways to forage for unique or interesting material to add visual interest to your garden.  

9. Attract Beneficial Insects     

Though their contributions are largely overlooked, beneficial insects can dramatically reduce the need for insecticides and pesticides, which are detrimental to the environment. They play a large role in pest suppression and can potentially save $4.5 billion annually in pesticide costs. Cultivate a flourishing ecosystem in your yard by growing plants that attract beneficial insects to the garden. These can include pollinators or beneficial insects that prey on pests. 

10. Propagate Plant Cuttings      

Propagation is a popular option for houseplants and landscape plants, but can be extended to some vegetable crops. Instead of buying the plants money separately, save money by growing them from cuttings. Although some sources make the process seem tedious, a simple potting mixture or water will suffice for many of them. The optimal time to take cuttings depends on the type of the plant, with cold weather usually to be avoided.