Gardening is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can take up. Not only does it provide a sense of accomplishment, but it also offers the opportunity to save money by growing your own food. However, the myth that gardening requires a huge investment in fancy tools, soil, and plants often deters people from starting. The truth is, you can grow a bountiful garden without breaking the bank. It’s all about using a little creativity, planning ahead, and embracing frugal gardening techniques.
In this post, I’ll share how my gardening journey began, the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and how you can grow more and spend less—whether you have a small backyard or a larger property.
1. Start Small and Plan Smart
When we moved into our new home a few years ago, we were excited by the space we had—more land meant room to garden! I started small, planning a few key crops that I knew would grow well in our climate and soil. I quickly learned that planning is key when it comes to frugal gardening.
For example, I chose crops that were easy to grow, didn’t require a lot of space, and produced high yields. Some of my favorites include:
- Herbs like basil, mint, and thyme. They are not only easy to grow but can also be pricey at the store.
- Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce, and kale, which thrive in cooler weather and grow quickly.
- Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and radishes, which are simple to grow from seed and do well in containers or raised beds.
- Tomatoes and peppers—I started these in pots, and they produced far more than I could ever buy from the store.
Once I’d picked my crops, I sketched out my garden layout. That way, I knew exactly what I needed, how much space to leave between plants, and could avoid any impulse purchases when I visited the garden center.
2. Grow from Seed, Not Seedlings
One of the first things I learned was that starting from seed was a huge money-saver. I had heard this advice before, but it really clicked when I compared the cost of buying pre-grown seedlings to the cost of a small packet of seeds.
I started seeds indoors, and it was like a magic trick. With just a few dollars, I had enough plants to fill an entire raised bed. Some plants I started indoors and then transplanted outside included tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers—all of which grew beautifully and saved me so much money.
3. Protect Your Crops with Creative Solutions
Gardening isn’t just about growing—sometimes it’s about protecting your crops, especially if you have wildlife that wants to nibble on your hard work. Here’s where I got a little creative: Deer, rabbits, and squirrels love to munch on garden plants, particularly corn. After planting corn in my new garden, I quickly realized that I needed to figure out how to keep the deer out.
So, I turned to a practical, frugal solution: A wire chicken coop! I ordered one off Amazon (which I highly recommend—here’s the link if you want to check it out) and set it up around my corn patch. It wasn’t overly expensive, and it worked wonders! I had corn growing tall and healthy without the deer devouring it, and it’ll last for years. It felt great knowing I could enjoy homegrown corn without the stress of worrying about wildlife.
4. Supercharge Your Soil with Free Wood Chips
Healthy, nutrient-rich soil is the key to a thriving garden, and you don’t need to spend a lot of money to achieve it. After moving into our new home, I started ordering free wood chips in the fall through ChipDrop, and they’ve been a game-changer for my garden.
I used the wood chips to create new planting beds and enrich the soil. The chips break down over time, adding organic matter to the ground and improving soil structure. It’s an affordable way to boost my garden’s health without needing store-bought soil amendments or fertilizers.
By using wood chips, I not only improved my soil for free, but I’m also reducing waste and adding a sustainable practice to my gardening routine. It’s an eco-friendly way to grow more while spending less!
5. DIY Garden Tools and Materials
When you’re gardening on a budget, there’s no need to splurge on expensive tools. Instead, you can repurpose materials you already have at home. Some of my favorite frugal gardening tools include:
- DIY plant markers: I used leftover popsicle sticks and plastic spoons to label my plants. Simple, effective, and free!
- Recycled containers for seedlings: Instead of buying plastic pots, I repurposed old yogurt cups and even cut off the tops of milk cartons. It worked perfectly and saved me money.
And of course, shopping secondhand for gardening tools is a great way to cut costs. I’ve found some fantastic deals at local thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces.
6. Use Natural Pest Control
When I first started gardening, I was tempted to buy chemical pesticides, but I quickly realized there were natural, budget-friendly options that would protect my plants without harming the environment. Some natural pest control methods I’ve used successfully include:
- Companion planting: Certain plants can help deter pests naturally. For instance, planting marigolds around tomatoes will repel aphids, while basil can protect your tomatoes from hornworms.
- Homemade sprays: I’ve also used a simple garlic and soap spray for aphids and other bugs. It’s made from things I already had in my kitchen, so it cost me absolutely nothing!
7. Harvest and Preserve Your Crops
One of the best parts about frugal gardening is the ability to preserve your harvest for later use. Whether it’s canning, freezing, or dehydrating, preserving your crops is a great way to stretch your gardening dollar.
For example, you can can tomatoes for pasta sauces, freeze spinach for soups and smoothies, or dry herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary. It not only can save you money on store-bought produce but can give you fresh, homegrown ingredients year-round.
8. Perennials: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Perennials have become my secret weapon in the garden. While they require a little extra care to get established, once they’re in, they’ll keep producing fresh, delicious harvests year after year—no need for replanting. These low-maintenance plants are perfect for anyone looking to grow more food while spending less over time. Some of my favorite perennials that I’ve planted include:
- Blackberries: I planted a small blackberry bush, and now it’s thriving, giving us fresh, sweet berries every year. It’s one of my most rewarding investments.
- Rhubarb: Another low-maintenance favorite that comes back year after year with very little effort. It’s perfect for making pies, jams, and other treats.
- Herbs: Mint, thyme, and oregano are hardy perennials that grow back every season. They’re especially great in warmer climates and are super easy to maintain, providing fresh herbs throughout the year.
By planting perennials, I’ve been able to create a garden that keeps on giving with minimal effort. It’s a frugal, long-term solution that saves me money on groceries and adds more variety to our meals.
Conclusion: Frugal Gardening Is All About Patience and Planning
Frugal gardening is more than just a way to save money—it’s a mindset. With a little patience, creativity, and planning, you can enjoy the rewards of a thriving garden without spending a fortune. Whether you’re protecting your corn from deer or starting your own compost pile, frugal gardening gives you the satisfaction of growing your own food while sticking to a budget.
I’ve learned so much in the past few years about gardening and budgeting, and I can’t wait to continue building on this journey. You don’t need a huge budget to create your dream garden—just a little know-how and a lot of planning.
If you want more tips on frugal living, gardening, and saving money, check out my YouTube channel, where I share more of our journey to building a debt-free, sustainable lifestyle.
