When first getting started, it is easy to be overwhelmed by just how much gardening can potentially cost. I’ve certainly learned to save scraps and recycle as part of how to garden on a budget. Below are a few ideas of what I’ve learned to get you started.

Save Package Cardboard

If you want to try planting in a raised garden bed, plain package cardboard makes a great weed barrier to reduce the amount of weeds that grow around the plants. Let’s face it, a large roll of weed barrier can be costly unless it’s being used for a large area. The cardboard is a free byproduct of something else purchased, and over time breaks down to add more nutrients to your plants and soil. If using package cardboard, be sure to remove tape and labels as those do not break down like the cardboard.

Recycle Food Containers to Start Seeds

Containers from fruit and dairy products can also be recycled to start seedlings and effectively make your own mini greenhouse. While starter trays are effective and helpful, they can range from $7-$15 dollars per tray. That is money you can keep in your pocket by reusing grape and strawberry containers that effectively already have drainage holes. If I have to buy, I always look for sales or buy off season to capitalize on savings.

Recycle Watering Solutions

Planting essentials really allow for creativity and setting up a watering system that works for you is a great area to explore. Wine bottles can be washed out and coupled with terra cotta stakes to create a self watering system for your plants. While it doesn’t replace going around with the hose or watering can, it helps you do so less often.

The corks can also be used to plug terra cotta pots if you prefer putting pots in the ground to better support watering the roots of plants.

Buying plants

If buying plants from the big box stores, always look for containers that contain more than one plant. In many cases, seedlings will be started with more than one seed. In that case, you can often get two or three plants for the cost of one. I often see this with plants like squash varieties, lettuce, melons and herbs. Always be careful when separating plants. Certain herbs, like rosemary, lavender, thyme and oregano maybe easier to grow from rooting a cutting. For more tips on growing herbs from cuttings, check out this beginner’s guide.