My Front Garden Walkway
Frugal Gardening Tips
I posted this last year but thought it would be great to repost it since we are just starting to prepare our gardens.
Planting a flower garden does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Nor does it have to take up your entire weekend. There are some simple things you can do that are quick, easy and free. And as I always say, if it’s for free, it’s for me!
1. Clean out the gardens
Get your hands dirty. Clean out those garden beds. Remove all the dead plants and leaves. All that should be in the garden are your beautiful plants. And you don’t have to replace your mulch every year. Turn it, fluff it and make it look fresh.
2. Separate existing plants
Go through your garden and look for plants that can be separated. Separating them and using them in different locations in the garden has a double benefit. The first is that it keeps your existing plants from getting too big and second, it enables you to expand your garden for free. And we like free!
3. Don’t plant too close
Sometimes when the plants are small, we tend to plant too close together especially in the spring when everything has yet to get to full size. I am known for doing this way too often. Resist the temptation. Keep your plants far apart other wise you will have a crowded mess when they get bigger and wind up moving them all around. Hmm, that sounds familiar. Honey, can you move this plant over here and this plant over there. 
4. Keep deer out naturally and inexpensively
A great way to keep deer out of your garden is to use hair. Yes hair. Deer do not like the smell of humans so unless you want to lay across your garden bed 24/7 you can use the next best thing. Human hair. So, the next time you get your hair cut, bring a bag along and ask for the hair clippings. Spread them along the edge of your garden bed.
5. Get rid of weeds naturally and inexpensively
Use undiluted vinegar to spray on weeds and even grass in sidewalk cracks or bricks. Keep the vinegar in a sprayer and shoot those weeds when you see them.
6. Make your own fertilizer
Epsom salt is a great alternative to fertilizer. It’s made up of magnesium and sulfate which plants love, especially houseplants, roses, tomatoes & peppers. And, not only is it frugal, but it’s also better for the environment. Combine 1 tablespoon Epsom Salt with 1 gallon of water in a watering can. Water your plants with this solution once a month.
7. And the last and to me the most important. Edge your garden beds!
I’m actually amazed at how many people don’t do this simple task. Which, in my opinion, finishes off the whole garden. At the beginning of the spring, when you have cleared out all the dead plants and leaves and turned your soil and/or mulch, edge the garden beds. Simply take a lawn edger and go along the entire length of the garden where it meets the grass. It makes for such a beautiful defined garden. I do it about 3 more times during the summer and fall. Plus you can edge it with the garden trimmer as well each time you mow & trim your lawn. Turn the garden trimmer on it’s side and move it along the edge of the garden bed. You can also do the same thing where the grass meets up with sidewalks or driveways for a professional look.
What do you do to make your garden beautiful? Share your frugal gardening tips!
Cindy Livesey is the force behind Living Rich With Coupons which provides its readers with all the resources they need to shop smart so they can get life’s luxuries for a lot less. Her family of 5 has saved over $11,000 a year in groceries. And you can too.
