The core fundamentals of gardening can be very inexpensive with some cost saving measures or as elaborate as you like, if budget allows. A lot of these things are very obvious to the seasoned gardener but to those starting off or less experienced, many things listed may need more explanation so feel free to let me know if you want a separate article on any topic.
Seed Raising
The biggest cost saving is growing from seed instead of buying seedlings. Due to our great, warmer climate, this can usually be done without the expense of grow lights, etc.
For example, a punnet of 4 to 10 now ranges from $4 to $15 (Bunnings average). A packet of seeds cost between $2 and around $5 (various outlets), and each packet has between 25 and 500 seeds then factor in the seed raising medium, if not planted directly in the garden, then each plant is substantially less.
Free Plants
Ask friends or neighbours for cuttings; save and propagate when pruning plants, especially herbs; divide perennial plants as there is a massive multiplication potential just by this simple process. Most gardeners are happy to share cuttings, etc and I am very grateful and thank the many who have shared with myself to help me start a garden from scratch on my new property since moving here. It's finally starting to look like a garden 😃
Save Seeds
A very simple way to have free plants, herbs and vegetables. Harvest seeds from vegetables you eat, wash, dry and store. Most floral plants and herbs are easy to collect seeds from. Keep in mind some seeds don't give the same variety next season due to cross pollination.
DIY Fertilisers
The cost of fertilisers is ridiculous now and synthetic ones actually hurt your garden over time.
Compost tea is one of the best and natural fertilisers designed for your specific garden; making your own compost; decomposed leaves and something everyone has access to every single day 🤔ðŸ¤. Even weeds can become a great fertiliser. Ask me how 🙂
Repurpose, Reuse and Upcycle
You don't have to buy everything from new. Most things purchased to grow in has a free or inexpensive alternative.
This includes raised beds because you can simply pile the compost into a new bed and start planting if you can't afford to make timber or buy prefab.
I had over 100 packing boxes when I moved and as it takes time to establish garden beds especially on my hard clay, I cut them in half, placed them where I wanted a new bed, filled with quality potting mix and once I had harvested that crop they had started to break down and I had an instant, no dig garden bed. I've grown potatoes, water and rock melons, herbs and tomatoes this way.
Permaculture and Companion Planting
Pest control doesn't need expensive, harmful chemicals. Clever companion planting and some common household items in the kitchen can keep most pests at bay.
Recycle Old Potting Mix
Depending on what you use it for, potting mix can be reused with a few simple, inexpensive amendments.
Don't Buy Tools From the Cheap Shops
Buy 'quality' because the cheap tools make your gardening much harder and cost more in the end because they don't last. I have some tools handed down which are probably over 50yrs old. Second hand from garage sales, markets is a great place to look. However, the cheap stores have excellent bargains for containers, netting, seeds and a plethora of items which save you money.
Trellis, Tee Pees and Stakes
All these can be expensive to buy but if you have access to bamboo , it can be repurposed. Fallen branches and tree prunings can also be used. Recycled PVC, tubing or pipes or anything that has some rigidity. Old metal bed heads/bases, for example, can be an attractive trellis, old wire fencing ... Keep your eyes and imagination open.
Buy Bare Rooted
Bare rooted fruit trees, roses, etc are much cheaper than buying potted up versions. The down side is there is a smaller window/time for purchasing but if you plan your planting for late Autumn/winter when they are available, you will save substantially.
Research Hardscape Materials
If you need paving, edging, stone, furniture, anything, don't go straight to retail, try community pages, Marketplace, Ebay where bargains, including bulk soil can be found.
Use Fillers
When filling a large planter with annual plants that have shallow roots, fill the bottom with an upturned pot, plastic drink bottles with lid on, etc to fill the space instead of using expensive potting mix. If planting perennials fill with soil as roots are much deeper and need the space for a permanent home.
Ground Cover Plants
Use perennial ground covers to suppress weeds and retain moisture instead of using mulch which needs to be renewed yearly.
As I said above, use your imagination because so many things being thrown out, recycled, etc can be utilised in the garden and often for FREE 😀💕
Happy Gardening