Gardening is one of the most rewarding activities one can have as a hobby. It’s the sweet essence of life in a gardener’s hand. Every flower, every tree, every seed planted has their own special connection with the person who nurtures them. That nature of love is tacit and natural.
But as peaceful an activity as gardening is, it often turns out to be an expensive one. You are lucky if you can even own garden space. And then the exotic seeds, rich manure, and specialized pots don’t come for free.
However, if you are smart enough about using your resources, you can save a lot of money while gardening. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you hack your way into an affordable gardening experience.
Money-saving Gardening Hacks
Save Money on Petri Dishes and Starting Pots
Many flowering seeds need to be potted in a petri dish or starting pots before they can be planted in the main garden. People do this because saplings have a better chance of blooming than seeds. But Petri dishes and starting pots are expensive and can be avoided.
You can make DIY starting pots out of newspapers and unused plastic containers. A simple web search can lead you to hundreds of tutorial videos that explain simple ways to do so.
Make Your Own Compost
Organic Compost costs a lot in the market but is free if you have the patience to make it. Use the wet waste from your kitchen, wild grass clippings, and leaves to make your Compost. Throw it all in a compost pile and place it under pressure. Wait for a few days till your fertile Compost gets ready.
Mulch Your Garden
If you have been gardening for a while, the chances are that you already know what magic a layer of mulch can do for your garden. It not only saves lots of water, but it also prevents plant overgrowth and weeds from popping up in the area. It helps lessen the need for weeding or herbicides.
Experts say that mulching also enhances soil fertility and smoothes its texture. A thick layer of mulch (around 2-3 inches) around shrubs and trees can also help isolate their roots from intense weather conditions like excessive rains or wind storms.
Natural Disinfectant and Pesticides
Vinegar is a magical element with a plethora of uses in both the kitchen and laundry. But what most people don’t know is that it works just as well in the garden. It is a natural disinfectant that can salvage plants from certain harmful microbes.
Also, don’t throw away your lemon and orange peels just yet. You can use citrus peels as organic pesticides while saving your money on chemicals. Clip the citrus peels into small pieces and place them in contact with the affected area of the stem or leaves.
Reuse Tea Bags
Tea leaves are excellent fertilizers for soil. They improve soil structure by raising nitrogen levels in the molecules. So once you are done with drinking your delicious tea, take the tea bags out, open them, and scatter them around the garden.
Use Cooking Water for Plants
When you boil or wash vegetables, the essence and scrapings of plant peel diffuse in the water. This diffusion makes the cooking water extremely fertile. Next time you cook vegetables, don’t drain the water. Let the water sit in a container till it cools down to room temperature and then use it to water your thirsty saplings.
Preserve What you Reap
The best way to save your money while gardening is through it. You can eat and even sell all the plants you grow. There is a lot of demand for fresh and home-grown vegetables, and fruits. You just have to freeze and preserve the excess growth safely till you can use it.
The Bottom Line
Gardening can help you find peace in an otherwise chaotic life. It is the most fragrant taste of a monotony you don’t want to escape. The connection you form with the humble work keeps you on your feet and helps you stay calm. And now that you know the most clever money-saving gardening hacks, there is no reason for you not to start it.
