If you’re an avid gardener, you know that buying organic plants and seeds can be expensive. However, making the switch to organic gardening can be beneficial for both you and the environment. Luckily, there are ways to save money while still achieving your organic gardening goals.
1. Buy Smaller Plants to Save Money
Save money by purchasing smaller plants and seed packets instead of full-grown plants. Seed packets offer a variety of plants and you can grow the exact number you need, avoiding waste. Small plants are also easier to transport and easier to fit into tight planting spaces. Plus, smaller plants have a better chance of adapting to your specific growing conditions, allowing them to establish a healthier root system. Don’t be discouraged by the size of small plants either as they will grow and fill out over time.
2. Make Your Own Compost
When making your own compost, it’s important to have a proper balance of carbon-rich materials (browns) like dry leaves and woody material, and nitrogen-rich materials (greens) like grass clippings and food scraps. To make the process easier, consider building a compost bin using inexpensive materials like a lidded plastic trash can or leftover pallets. Once you have a sufficient supply of well-decomposed compost, you can even use it to make your own liquid fertilizer in the form of compost tea or include it in a seedling mix for your garden. Making your own compost doesn’t need to be complicated, and it’s a great way to save money on organic soil and fertilizers while reducing waste.
3. Look for Group Plant Sales
Saving money on organic plants and seeds for your garden is a smart strategy for anyone looking to stretch their gardening budget. One way to save money is to look for group plant sales, which are typically abundant in the spring. This is a great opportunity to buy plants in bulk and at reduced prices. Local nurseries and garden centers often hold these sales, where you can find high-quality plants that are suited for your area at cheaper prices. You can also check newspaper calendars, ask friends, or contact your local extension office to find out when and where these sales are taking place.
4. Use Plant Cuttings to Propagate
Using plant cuttings to propagate is a cost-effective, easy, and fun way to multiply your plant collection without breaking the bank. Propagating plants involves creating a new plant by reproducing a parent plant using various methods like cutting, grafting, or layering. Cutting or stem propagation is the most common method, where a piece of a plant is cut to create an independent one. Many houseplants, herbs, shrubs, and trees can be propagated easily from cuttings. To create a cutting, choose a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end into rooting hormone and place it into a pot with moist soil. Soon, you will have a new plant for your collection!
5. Swap Seeds with Other Gardeners
One great way to save money on organic plants and seeds for your garden is to swap seeds with other gardeners. This not only saves you money but allows you to try out new varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. It’s easy to do, too! You can search for local seed swaps in your area or even set up one with friends or neighbors. You can also connect with other gardeners online through social media and plant forums. Plus, when you swap with other gardeners, you’re supporting a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for gardening and sustainable living.
6. Learn to Save Seeds from Your Own Harvest
When saving seeds, stick to open-pollinated plants to ensure that you’re getting the same high-quality produce year after year. It’s also important to note that some plants can cross-pollinate and produce seeds with mixed traits, so keep plants of the same variety at least 50 feet apart to prevent this from happening. Once you’ve got the hang of saving seeds, you’ll be able to continue growing healthy, productive plants with minimal cost and effort.
