Having a beautiful garden shouldn’t require you to spend a fortune. There are plenty of homeowners with tiny gardens and tight budgets who have successfully turned their small green space into a stunning natural haven for flora and fauna.
The rising cost of living may have pushed your gardening skills to the bottom of your priorities list but there are many benefits to spending time in your backyard. Gardening is excellent for your mental health, as you are immersing yourself in nature and developing your skills and confidence in the meantime. An attractive garden adds monumental value to any house too, which will be useful if you come to sell it in the future. And at the very least, putting effort into your yard will give you a place for much-needed peace and quiet.
Transforming a garden can be done very cheaply with the right strategy. All it takes is some creativity, planning, and a little bit of hard work. In time, you will be an avid gardener and have an outdoor space to be proud of. To get you started, here are a few great tips for gardening on a budget.
Start with a plan
Just going for it without a plan will only end in disaster, particularly if you are not yet a skilled gardener. You’ll end up spending more time and money fixing your mistakes. Instead, take some time to think about what you want to achieve with your garden. For example, do you want its primary purpose to be relaxation, growing food, aesthetic appeal, or a place for children to run around and have fun? Your answer to this question will determine how you proceed.
Assess what you already have and work out exactly what you need to do to get there. Set a realistic budget and timeline to ensure you don’t go overboard, and use this to keep you focused throughout the process.
Refresh, don’t replace
Rather than buying a whole load of new stuff straight off the bat, try to work with what you already have. You can easily reinvigorate tired old patios, fences and decking with a coat of paint or varnish. Clean and repair your existing features, and consider repositioning plants and furniture to create more space and a new vibe. Only throw things out when they are absolutely beyond all hope of repair.
Choose low-cost plants
Plants and flowers can be incredibly expensive, particularly if you are opting for exotic imports or species that are Instagrammable and on trend. Pick lower cost plants that require less maintenance and will last a long time. Opt for perennial plants such as lavender and iris, and buy them small so you can let them grow and develop your abilities at the same time. You could even ask friends and neighbours for cuttings or seeds to get your garden going. Take a look at your local garden centre for any end-of-season bargains that can help you save a little money.
Do it yourself
DIY projects are a great way to make your garden your own, while enhancing your skills and confidence with tools and materials. Start with a simple task like building a planter, raised bed, or trellis. Rather than buying expensive new wood from your local hardware store, try to reclaim wood from pallets or recycled containers to reduce your expenditure.
You could upcycle household items or repaint old furniture to give it a new lease of life. Learn to make your own compost or mulch with an online YouTube tutorial and build up your skills gradually. Before long you’ll be constructing your own garden shed or laying a limestone gravel pathway.
Just remember, for anything more complex or substantial, it is always worth consulting a landscape architect.
Focus on the small detail
You don’t need to always go big when it comes to your garden. Sometimes the little details are what makes all the difference. Installing solar lights for ambience can have a huge impact on the atmosphere created by your outdoor space. Add gravel, bark or stone paving slabs for texture, or create focal points with pots and ornaments. Think about how you can use color strategically through painted plant bods, furnishings, and flowers.
Work with nature
The easier it is to maintain and care for your plants, the less money you will spend. Choose plants that are well-suited to your garden’s soil and climate. This way you will reduce the risk of failure and having to start again. Speak to an expert at your garden centre if unsure. Reduce water costs by collecting rainwater, and even let areas grow a little wild to save time and money. Not every part of your garden has to be immaculately manicured at all times.
Shop secondhand
If you do need to buy new tools, garden furniture or other features, try to shop secondhand rather than buying brand new. A good look through your local marketplaces, charity shops and recycling centers will pay dividends. Facebook Marketplace is another great place for finding free or heavily-discounted items in your area. Check with your local garden center to see if they have a discount section or run regular sales promotions that you can take advantage of.
Take it slow
It’s important you don’t rush into things when trying to turn your garden into something spectacular. You will no doubt make mistakes, and it’s essential that you limit these and use them as learning opportunities.
Try to tackle only one project or area of your garden at once, taking the time to hone your craft and really get it right. Spread the costs over different seasons to make the process easier on your household budgets and remember that it is not a race. Celebrate the small wins but don’t feel you immediately have to move on to the next thing. There’s no harm in keeping things along while you save a bit more money for the next phase.
In summary, gardening on a budget is all about creativity and strategising. Start with what you have, and work your way up slowly from there. Over time, you will enhance your skills and transform your garden without putting a huge dent in your finances.
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