Maintaining a beautiful lawn and garden doesn’t have to be expensive. It is a fun and rewarding hobby that provides you with fresh air, exercise, and a connection to nature. You just need a little planning and resourcefulness to create a thriving outdoor space under your budget. Here are 18 money-saving tips to help you keep your outdoor space looking great without breaking the bank.
Use Native Plants
Native plants adapt to your local climate quickly, so they need less maintenance and care.
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, using native plants can help you save money and the planet. They are more resistant to local pests and diseases, which means you’ll spend less on pesticides and fertilizers. Visit a local nursery to find native plants that will thrive in your garden.
Collect Rainwater
Rainwater is free and great for your plants. Set up a rain barrel to collect water from your roof.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality states that rain barrels can save an average homeowner about 1,300 gallons of water in the peak summer months. You can use this water to irrigate your garden, wash your car, or even water your indoor plants.
Compost Kitchen Scraps
Turn kitchen scraps into compost to enrich your soil. Plants grow better when compost is used instead of chemical fertilizers. Start a compost pile with vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard waste. In a few months, you’ll have rich compost to add to your garden.
DIY Fertilizer
Make your own fertilizer using household items like coffee grounds, eggshells, and banana peels. These items add nutrients to the soil and are cost-effective. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. Crush eggshells and sprinkle them around your plants to add calcium to the soil. Bury banana peels near the roots to provide potassium.
Mulch Your Garden
Mulching helps retain soil moisture, reduces weeds, and adds nutrients. Use organic mulch like grass clippings, leaves, wood chips, or straw. Mulching reduces evaporation, so irrigation requires less water. Sprinkle a layer of mulch around your plants to keep the soil cool and moist and to prevent weed growth.
Mow High
Set your mower blade higher to leave grass at about 3 inches tall. Taller grass shades the soil, reduces water loss, and promotes deeper root growth. This can save you from watering and make your lawn more drought-resistant. Mowing high also helps prevent weed seeds from germinating and taking over your lawn.
Water in the Morning
Water your lawn and garden in the early morning when temperatures are cooler. This reduces evaporation and ensures plants get the water they need. And it’s an amazing hack to prevent the growth of mold and fungus on plants.
Plant Perennials
Perennials come back year after year, saving you money on buying new plants each season. They also tend to need less care once established. Popular perennials include lavender, hosta, and daylilies. These plants fill your garden with color and texture without the need for frequent replacements.
Start from Seeds
Seeds are much cheaper than seedlings or mature plants. A packet of seeds costs a few dollars and can produce many plants. You can begin planting seeds indoors to start your growing season early. Use seed trays or repurpose egg cartons to start your seeds. Once the seedlings are strong enough, transplant them into your garden.
Reuse Containers
Save money by reusing containers for your plants. Repurpose old buckets, tins, and even broken pots as plant containers. This reduces waste and adds a unique look to your garden. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage. Paint them to match your garden decor.
Aerate Your Lawn
Aerating your lawn helps water and nutrients reach the roots. You can rent an aerator or use a garden fork to make small holes in the soil. Aeration once a year can improve your lawn’s health and reduce its water needs. This process prevents soil compaction and promotes root growth, resulting in a lush, green lawn.
Use a Soaker Hose
A soaker hose supplies water directly to the plant roots, reducing water waste. It’s more efficient than a sprinkler and can save you money on your water bill. The soaker hoses use less water than traditional sprinklers. Place the soaker hose on the soil surface, sprinkle some mulch over it, and let it do the watering for you.
Group Plants by Water Needs
Sort the plants into groups based on their water requirements. This makes watering more efficient and reduces water wastage. It’s called “hydrozoning,” and it can save you time and money by ensuring each plant gets the right amount of water. Create zones in your garden for high, medium, and low water-use plants to optimize irrigation.
Use Free Resources
Take advantage of free resources like local compost programs, plant swaps, and gardening classes. Many communities offer these services to help residents maintain their gardens affordably. Check with local gardening clubs or community centers for information on free events and resources.
Install a Drip Irrigation System
Drip irrigation systems pump water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation. They are easy to install and save a significant amount on your water bill. Drip irrigation systems are 90% efficient compared to 65-75% of traditional sprinklers. These systems are perfect for flower beds, vegetable gardens, and container plants.
Control Weeds Naturally
Avoid spending money on chemical weed killers. Instead, use natural methods like vinegar, boiling water, or manual weeding. Mulching also helps prevent weed growth by blocking sunlight. Keep a tool handy to pull weeds as soon as you see them, which is easier than tackling an overgrown garden.
Buy in Bulk
Buying soil, mulch, and other gardening supplies in bulk can save you money. Many suppliers offer discounts for large quantities. Share with a neighbor to split the cost and reduce waste. Bulk purchases not only save you money but also save you time and fuel by reducing the frequency of shopping trips.
Use Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a cheap and potent way to add magnesium and sulfate to your soil. It helps plants absorb nutrients and grow better. Dissolve a tablespoon in a gallon of water and use it to water your plants once a month. You can also sprinkle Epsom salt around the base of plants and work it into the soil.