17 of the best money-saving gardening ideas for your home garden

Home gardening allows you to bypass the often steep costs of buying fruits and vegetables from the grocery store.

You have control over the growing process, so you know that the food is fresh and healthy. You also get the chance to grow food plants that may be difficult to find or expensive to purchase.

However, getting started with a home garden can come with its own set of costs – from buying seeds and plants to investing in tools and equipment. For those on a tight budget, the initial outlay required to launch a successful home garden may seem daunting.

Fortunately, there are a wealth of money-saving strategies and best practices that home gardeners can employ to minimise expenses and maximise their returns. By tapping into free or low-cost resources, repurposing household items, and employing smart growing techniques, it’s possible to establish a thriving home garden without breaking the bank.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 17 of the best money-saving gardening ideas that can help you grow an abundance of fresh, affordable produce (and beautiful flowers).

We’ll cover a variety of creative, budget-friendly approaches that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year.

With some planning and effort, you can transform your garden into an attraarctive space and a bountiful source of nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

1. Start from seed

One of the biggest money-saving opportunities in home gardening is starting your plants from seed rather than purchasing seedlings or starter plants. Seeds are extremely affordable, often costing just a few dollars for a packet that can grow dozens of plants.

Compared to the $3-$5 price tag on a single starter plant, seed packets represent huge savings.

The only downside is that starting from seed requires a bit more time and effort, as you’ll need to grow the seedlings indoors before transplanting them outside.

If you are growing some flowering perennial plants from seed you may also have to wait two or three years before they flower. But given that most perennials last many years, it is worth being patient.

Look at the Verbascum Olympicum pictured above, for example. I grew this from seed and it didn’t flower until the 3rd summer. But it was worth the wait.

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2. Repurpose household items as planters

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on fancy planting containers for your home garden. Many everyday household items can be repurposed into perfectly good planters, saving you a bundle.

Some ideas for repurposed planters include:

• Plastic containers like milk jugs, yogurt tubs, or takeout containers
• Ceramic bowls, mugs, or teacups
• Wooden crates or pallets
• Recycled tin cans
• Old shoes or boots

Get creative with what you have around the house, and you can create unique planters for a fraction of the cost of buying new ones.

Where I live, the local ‘Britain in Bloom’ society gets very creative, as this planted-up bicycle illustrates.

In all cases, though, you need to put some drainage holes into the ‘planter’, otherwise, the plants will not survive. Plant roots need access to water, but other than aquatic plants, these also need air and will rot if saturated for any length of time.

3. Harvest and save your own seeds

In addition to starting from seed, you can save even more money by harvesting and saving your own seeds from one growing season to use in the next.

This is especially valuable for plants that are easy to save seeds from, like tomatoes, onions, peppers, beans, and squash.

Simply allow a few of your healthiest, most robust plants to fully mature and go to seed. Then collect the seeds, dry them, and store them properly so you can plant them next year.

This allows you to continuously grow your favorite plants for free, year after year.

However, you should avoid collecting seeds from F1 hybrid plants if you want the offspring to consistently resemble the parent plants. F1 hybrids are created by crossing two distinct parent lines, resulting in plants with specific desirable traits.

Seeds from these F1 plants (the F2 generation) will not “come true,” meaning they won’t reliably reproduce the characteristics of their parents. Instead, F2 plants exhibit a wide range of traits due to genetic segregation, often losing the hybrid vigor and desirable qualities of the F1 generation.

For consistent results, you should focus on saving seeds from open-pollinated varieties.

4. Build raised garden beds for vegetables

Raised garden beds can be a great investment for the home gardener. They provide a number of benefits, including improved soil quality, better drainage, and easier access and maintenance. And while the initial cost of building a raised bed can be higher than planting directly in the ground, the long-term savings can be substantial.

Raised beds, like the ones above that I built in my garden (pictured above), allow you to maximize your growing space, which means you can fit more plants in a smaller area. This translates to higher yields and increased cost savings over time.

To start, choose a sunny spot in your garden. Build a simple frame using wood or bricks. Make sure it’s at least 15 cm deep, but 30 cm is even better for root vegetables. Fill it with good quality, nutrient-rich soil mixed with compost.

Plant your favourite vegetables in rows or squares. Tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and peppers all thrive in raised beds. Space them properly to allow for growth. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

Raised beds warm up faster in spring, so you can start planting earlier. They’re also easier on your back as you won’t need to bend down as much. Plus, you can add netting or covers to protect your crops from pests.

Try companion planting in your raised bed. Grow basil near tomatoes to improve flavour and ward off pests. Plant marigolds around the edges to deter insects naturally.

Raised beds also tend to have better soil composition, as the soil ususally becomes less compacted, reducing the need for expensive soil conditioners and requiring less effort in digging over.

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5. Compost your food scraps and your garden waste

Composting your food scraps and garden waste is one of the best ways to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden at no additional cost. Rather than paying for commercial fertilisers or composts, you can turn your own waste into a free, all-natural fertiliser/organic matter.

Not only does this save you money, but it also reduces waste going to landfills.

As you can see picutured above, when I had the large garden featured here, at a fairly obsessive stage of my gardening journey, I had 8 separate compost bins.

But you can get started with a single bin or pile, and over time you’ll have a steady supply of nutrient-dense “black gold” to mix into your garden beds.

To start composting, choose a spot in your garden that’s easily accessible. You can buy a ready-made bin or build your own using wooden pallets or wire mesh.

Add a mix of ‘green’ and ‘brown’ materials to your bin. Green items include fruit and vegetable peelings, grass clippings, and coffee grounds. Brown materials consist of dry leaves, shredded paper, and small twigs.

Keep your compost moist but not soggy. Turn it regularly with a garden fork to add air and speed up the decomposition process. In a few months, you’ll have dark, crumbly compost ready to use in your garden.

Use your homemade compost to enrich your soil, top up raised beds, or mix into potting soil for container plants. Your vegetables and flowers will thrive on this natural, free fertiliser.

Remember to avoid adding meat, dairy, or diseased plants to your compost bin. These can attract pests or spread plant diseases.

6. Install drip irrigation

Manually watering your garden can be time-consuming and often leads to wasted water and inefficient irrigation. Installing a drip irrigation system can be a smart investment that pays off in the long run through water savings.

Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing evaporation and ensuring that water goes exactly where it’s needed. This can reduce your overall water usage by 30-50% compared to other watering methods.

The upfront cost of a drip system may be higher, but the long-term savings on your water bill can be substantial.

7. Grow perennial plants

While annual plants like vegetables need to be re-sown each year, perennial plants will continue to grow and produce for multiple seasons. That is why investing in perennial plants for your home garden is a great way to save money over time.

Some examples of valuable edible perennial plants to grow include:

• Fruit trees
• Berry bushes
• Asparagus
• Rhubarb
• Herbs like mint, thyme, and rosemary.

And, of course, there are thousands of and ornamental perennial plants.

These plants require less ongoing work and provide a reliable harvest year after year, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious gardeners.

8. Plant salad veg

Rather than buying expensive pre-packaged salad mixes from the grocery store, consider planting your own salad garden. Growing your own greens and other salad ingredients can provide you with a steady supply of fresh, healthy produce for a fraction of the cost.

Good options for a salad garden include lettuces, spinach, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and edible flowers.

Many of these crops are easy to grow and take up minimal space, making them perfect for small-scale home gardening.

9. Grow your own herbs

Fresh herbs can be shockingly expensive to purchase from the grocery store, especially when you consider how quickly they can spoil. Growing your own herb garden, even in a small space, is an easy way to save a ton of money.

Many herbs are very low-maintenance and can thrive in containers or small garden beds.

Options like basil, parsley, chives, rosemary, and mint are all great choices that will keep your kitchen well-stocked with flavorful, fresh herbs all season long.

Sow the annual herbs, like basil and parsley every two or three weeks so you have a constant supply. The perennial or shrubby herbs, like mint and rosemary, will provide you a good supply of flavours for years.

Growing herbs on your windowsill is also a brilliant way to save money on groceries. You can easily start with small pots or a long planter box that fits your window. Choose herbs you use often in cooking, like basil, mint, parsley, or chives.

Most herbs need at least six hours of sunlight daily. A south-facing window is ideal, but east or west-facing windows work too. If your window doesn’t get enough light, you can use grow lights to help your herbs thrive.

Use well-draining potting soil and containers with drainage holes. Water your herbs when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Regularly trim your herbs to encourage bushier growth. This also gives you fresh herbs for cooking. You’ll save money by not buying expensive fresh herbs from the shop.

10. Preserve and store your harvest

To get the most value out of your home garden, be sure to preserve and store any excess harvest that you can’t immediately use. This allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor long after the growing season has ended.

Canning, freezing, drying, and pickling are all great ways to preserve your garden bounty. You can turn extra tomatoes into sauce, pickle cucumbers and peppers, or freeze berries and greens for smoothies.

Preserved foods can provide you with healthy, homegrown produce for months to come.

There is a useful article here to get you started with preserving food: “Keep things fresh: master the art of preserving your produce“.

11. Incorporate Edible Landscaping

When planning your home garden, think beyond just traditional vegetable beds. Incorporating edible plants into your overall landscaping is a clever way to grow food in unexpected places and maximise your growing space.

Some ideas for edible landscaping include:

• Planting fruit trees or berry bushes as part of your yard’s landscaping
• Using vegetable plants as ornamental borders or in flower beds
• Growing vining crops like peas or pole beans on trellises or arbors
• Interplanting herbs and edible flowers among your ornamental plants

This allows you to get more food production out of your available space without dedicating entire sections of your yard to a traditional vegetable garden.

12. Harvest rainwater

Setting up a rainwater harvesting system can help you save money on your water bills and keep your garden thriving. You can collect rainwater from your roof using gutters and downspouts, directing it into a storage tank.

Start by installing a water butt or larger tank to capture the rain. Make sure it’s placed on a sturdy base near your downpipe. You’ll need to fit a diverter to your downpipe to channel water into the tank.

Once collected, you can use this free water for your plants and vegetables. It’s perfect for watering during dry spells. Rainwater is also softer than tap water, which many plants prefer.

To make the most of your harvested water, consider adding a pump system. This will help you distribute water more easily around your garden. You could even set up an automatic irrigation system for your veggie patch.

Remember to cover your tank to prevent algae growth and mosquito breeding. Clean your gutters regularly to ensure the water flowing into your tank is free from debris.

13. Dwarf fruit trees

Dwarf fruit trees are a brilliant way to grow your own fruit in small spaces. These compact trees are perfect for gardens of any size, and they can even thrive in large pots on patios or balconies.

You’ll find that dwarf fruit trees are easier to care for than their full-sized counterparts. They’re simpler to prune, harvest, and protect from pests and diseases. Plus, you won’t need a ladder to reach the fruit!

Apples, pears, peaches, and cherries are all popular choices for dwarf fruit trees. When selecting your tree, make sure to choose a variety that’s well-suited to your local climate.

Plant your dwarf fruit tree in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. If you’re growing in a container, use a large pot with drainage holes and high-quality potting mix.

Water your tree regularly, especially during dry spells and when it’s fruiting. A layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is crucial for dwarf fruit trees. It helps maintain their shape and size, and encourages healthy fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

With proper care, your dwarf fruit tree will provide you with a bountiful harvest for years to come. Enjoy the satisfaction of picking fresh fruit straight from your own garden!

14. Hydroponic kit

A hydroponic kit can be a brilliant way to grow your own produce without soil. You can set up this system indoors, making it perfect for flats or homes with limited outdoor space.

With hydroponics, you’ll use nutrient-rich water to feed your plants directly. This method often leads to faster growth and higher yields compared to traditional soil gardening.

Many starter kits are available that include everything you need to get going. These typically contain growing trays, nutrient solutions, and sometimes even seeds. You can grow a variety of herbs, leafy greens, and small vegetables in your kit.

One of the best things about hydroponic gardening is its efficiency. You’ll use less water than traditional methods, as the system recirculates the nutrient solution. This can lead to significant savings on your water bill.

Hydroponic kits are also quite low-maintenance once set up. You’ll need to check water levels and pH regularly, but daily watering becomes a thing of the past. This makes it an excellent option for busy gardeners or those new to growing their own food.

By investing in a hydroponic kit, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce year-round. It’s a fantastic way to supplement your grocery shopping and add some green to your indoor space.

15. Potato grow bags

Potato grow bags are a brilliant way to grow spuds in small spaces. You can use these bags on patios, balconies, or even indoors near a sunny window. They’re perfect if you lack a garden or want to avoid digging up your lawn.

These bags are usually made of sturdy fabric or plastic. They come in various sizes, but most hold about 40 litres of compost. That’s enough space for three to five seed potatoes.

Growing potatoes in bags is dead easy. Start by filling the bag a third full with compost. Pop in your seed potatoes and cover them with more compost. As the plants grow, keep adding compost until the bag is full.

One of the best things about potato grow bags is how easy they make harvesting. Instead of digging up your garden, you simply tip out the bag at the end of the season. It’s much less messy and you won’t miss any potatoes.

You can reuse these bags year after year, making them a cost-effective choice. Just remember to clean them between uses to prevent disease.

16. Get a greenhouse

A greenhouse can be a game-changer for your home gardening efforts. It certainly was for me – that is my current greenhouse pictured above.

It’s like having a mini paradise where you can grow plants nearly all year round. You don’t need a huge space or a big budget to set one up.

You could start small with a lean-to greenhouse against a sunny wall. This type uses less space and materials, making it perfect for beginners. You can build it yourself using recycled windows or buy a ready-made kit.

Inside your greenhouse, you can grow veg that normally wouldn’t thrive in your climate. Tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines will flourish in the warm, protected environment. You’ll save money on these pricey items at the shops.

Use your greenhouse to start seeds early in the season. This gives your plants a head start, leading to earlier harvests and bigger yields. You can also extend your growing season into autumn and winter.

And, of course, don’t forget about herbs. A small greenhouse shelf dedicated to basil, coriander, and parsley means fresh herbs at your fingertips all year. No more buying those overpriced supermarket packs.

Remember to ventilate your greenhouse on hot days. Open doors and vents to prevent overheating. Water regularly, as plants in greenhouses dry out faster than those outside.

17. Chicken coop

Setting up a chicken coop in your garden can be a brilliant way to save money on groceries. Fresh eggs from your own hens are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. You’ll know exactly what your chickens eat, ensuring top-quality eggs.

Start by choosing a suitable spot in your garden for the coop. It should be sheltered from harsh weather and predators. Make sure there’s enough space for your hens to roam comfortably.

When building the coop, use sturdy materials that will withstand the elements. Include nesting boxes for egg-laying and perches for roosting. Don’t forget to add a secure run where your chickens can scratch and peck safely.

Caring for chickens is fairly straightforward. Provide them with a balanced diet, fresh water, and regular health checks. You’ll need to clean the coop regularly to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy.

Besides eggs, chickens offer other benefits to your garden. Their droppings make excellent fertiliser for your plants. They also help control pests by eating insects and slugs.

Remember to check local regulations before setting up your coop. Some areas have restrictions on keeping chickens in residential zones. With proper planning and care, your chicken coop can be a valuable addition to your money-saving garden.

Summing Up

Implementing even just a few of these money-saving gardening ideas can make a big difference in your food budget. By starting from seed, reusing household items, composting your own organic matter and preserving your harvest, you can grow a thriving and productive home garden on a shoestring budget.

The key is to take advantage of the many free or low-cost resources available, while also employing smart growing techniques that maximise your yields and minimise your costs.