Works for Me Wednesday - Gardening Cheaply
My sister asks sneeringly, anytime I mention my garden, “Do you mean those two flower beds?” She would not be impressed by me offering gardening advice to anyone, but for those of you on a tight budget like we are, here’s a few tips that work for us.
1. Plant at the right time of year. You know this already, of course, but I cannot count the number of times I have bought a plant too late into summer for planting because it was on sale, only to see it wither in the hot sun. On sale is not a deal if it dies.
2. Be honest about yourself. The best thing I ever did for my garden was admit that I am terrible about watering regularly. I bought drought tolerant plants instead, and they have thrived.
3. Plant native. Plants native to your area will need less soil ammendment or special care. They will reproduce well. They are a deal all the way around.
4. Plant perennials. They might cost more than annuals, but they come back year after year, which saves you money in the long run. If not perrenials, at least look for something that will reseed itself.
5. Get cuttings or divisions from friends. Nothing is cheaper than free. And if your friend’s plants are healthy enough to be divided, you know they will grow in your climate.
6. Give up on seeds. Maybe growing from seeds works for you, and this is not useful advice. I have been tempted by seeds many times in the past, and they have always been a disapointment. Again, it’s not a deal if everything dies.
Tags: Uncategorized
cloudscome
Yup I agree on all of it. One other thing I started to practice: stop worrying about keeping it up in August. That might not be a good tip, but it’s working for me so far.
AnIowaMom
# 5 really worked for us last year. We split things from neighbors that needed to split and ended up landscaping an entire side of our house … and it didn’t cost us a dime! Looks GREAT!
Thanks for the tip!
I have a WFMW up with an idea on how to preserve your child’s school and/or art work.
Antique Mommy
It’s not a deal if everything dies. There is something hauntingly existential about that.
The Fisher Family
This is a great post! I’m new to gardening and found all these tips to be so true. I learned the hard way though.
Our WFMW is up!
MLight
And if you have a little greenhouse thing, and forget to open it on a sunny spring day, and all the seedlings on the top shelf fry before lunchtime…seeds (again) aren’t a deal.
Heather
VERY VERY GOOD ADVICE!!! I’m so proud! Also if you have kids and a kiddie pool - instead of dumping it into the grass after a day or 2, teach the kiddies about conservation and have them water the plants with the pool water!
One more - BUY QUALITY PLANTS. Unless thoses babies JUST came into Wallyworld that day — PASS! they are not watered well, are usually root bound, or sick. Again - not a bargain if they DIE.
Spend the extra couple dollars at a relaible nursery. And find an associate who can answer your questions well.
miche
Veronica! I hope this comment takes, since my last one didn’t. I love your garden advice and agree 100% with all of it - I must say though that I did succumb to the 1 Gallon shrubs 3/$10 at Lowes the other day - in an effort to revive my garden that had perished with neglect while we were on vacation. They were fortunate to have a gift of rain - during and after their planting!
I have so many beautiful (hardy and spreading) perennials that I would love to share with you - but if I give them to you - you have to promise not to move!!!) selfish of me I know….I don’t think they would survive a move - and if they did - am not sure they would thrive in their new digs. Anyway….. if you want some let me know - and I will bring Saturday!
Reagrding your two beds- my darling husband keeps trying to get me to stop building new beds - reminding me that it’s no good if you put in more flowers than you can realistically take care of - I am sure their are metaphors a-plenty in that conversation!!
I love your pictures! I am recommending your site to all of my friends! You write so beautifully and real-ly (is that a word??)
sweatpantsmom
You forgot #7, for those of us with a pathetically inept brown thumb:
7. Hire a gardener.