Gardening on a budget. No 1

Raising your own plants is an excellent way to save money while enjoying a productive and beautiful garden. Instead of purchasing expensive nursery plants, growing from seeds or cuttings allows you to cultivate a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and even fruit trees at a fraction of the cost.

One of the biggest savings comes from starting plants from seeds. A single packet of seeds often costs less than one mature plant and can produce dozens of seedlings. By saving seeds from your own harvest, you can eliminate the need to buy seeds each year. Heirloom varieties are particularly useful for this, as they grow true to type, meaning they can be saved and replanted season after season.

Propagating plants through cuttings is another cost-effective method. Many herbs, flowers, and even shrubs can be grown from cuttings placed in water or soil. Instead of buying new plants, you can expand your garden for free. Additionally, dividing perennials, such as hostas, daylilies, and strawberries, gives you multiple plants from one original purchase.

Investing in basic supplies, such as seed trays and soil, will pay off quickly. Using household items like egg cartons or yogurt cups as seed-starting containers helps reduce costs even further. Making your own compost also eliminates the need for expensive fertilizers while improving soil health naturally.

Growing your own vegetables and herbs not only saves money on grocery bills but also provides fresh, organic produce free of pesticides. Fast-growing crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes can be harvested within weeks, offering continuous savings. Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary are easy to grow and can be dried or frozen for year-round use.

Finally, swapping seeds and plants with friends or joining local gardening groups can expand your collection without spending extra money. By raising your own plants, you gain greater control over their quality while significantly reducing gardening expenses. With a little effort and planning, you can enjoy a thriving, cost-efficient garden that provides both beauty and sustenance.

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