Gardens are fantastic spaces, especially if you have a family. They are a safe place for the kids and dogs to hang out and play during the day. In the evenings, they turn into an oasis for everyone. Somewhere to enjoy a meal, chat, have a drink or sit down and read.
The only problem is that looking after a garden can work out expensive. Plants, tools and pest treatments are not cheap. However, fortunately, as you will see there are actually lots of ways for you to keep these costs under control.
Shop online for your plants
My first tip is to shop around for the plants you need. Websites like The Tree Center make this super easy to do. You can easily compare prices and find the best deals.
Look out for 2nd hand tools
Gardening tools are not cheap. So, keep an eye out for 2nd hand ones. They are relatively easy to pick up at garage sales. Occasionally, you will see them for sale online or in your local paper.
If you are looking for something specific it might be worth your time ringing around a few local scrap dealers. Some people take tools to this kind of business when they no longer want them. It is a bit of a long shot but is certainly worth a try.
Join a gardening club
In many areas, you will come across gardening clubs and co-operatives. It is always a good idea to become an active member of these.
When you do, you will get access to plenty of great advice and support. People regularly share cuttings, which will save you from having to pay to buy them. A lot of clubs also run tool sharing schemes. If you use them, just be careful to take care of the tools and return them on time. Doing so will ensure that you will always have access to them.
Put scrap items to use
Taking scrap items and sprucing them up is a great way to enhance the look of your garden. It could be anything from old ornaments that just need a good power wash to look their best again to waste wood for edging your lawn.
Once you start looking you will be pleasantly surprised by what you can pick up. Given a bit of time and patience, it is perfectly possible to pull together enough scrap materials to build a shed or something similar.
Learn to grow your own food
There is even the potential to make your garden pay for itself. It does not take a huge amount of time, money and effort to be able to grow a significant percentage of the fruit and vegetables you eat. You can easily find out how to plant all kinds of produce from the web.
Provided you follow these tips and tricks it is possible for a family living on a budget to maintain a nice looking garden. Sure, you will have to put in a little extra work, but it will be worth it. Besides which, gardening is a great way to keep yourself strong and healthy.
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