Garden and Green

The Save Money Garden

Unfortunately money doesn't grow on trees, although it could be argued money is made from trees, well at least the notes are. However, there are plenty of opportunities to save money gardening, from making your own garden sculpture to seed swaps. Here are just a few ideas to help you save money on your favourite hobby.

1. SEED SWAP - Why not organise a get together with other local gardeners or allotment holders and hold a seed swap event. Gather up what you've got in your draws and place in envelopes, agree on an approximate number of seeds for each envelope beforehand. Then it really is a case of mixing not matching so everyone gets something new to grow.

2. MAKE YOUR OWN COMPOST- Instead of buying plastic sackfuls of compost soil, ensure you have a compost bin and place all your green kitchen waste and garden cuttings in it, for a good regular supply of nutrient rich soil. Check with you local council because many have arrangements with wholesale companies and can deliver basic plastic compost bins for sometimes as low as a fiver.

3. RECYCLED GARDEN ORNAMENTS - If your garden is in need of a dramatic feature then there are ways and means of getting something unique at an affordable price. Scour local classifieds, car boot sales etc as ornaments are often for sale at these places. Also try reclamation yards for something weathered and charming. If you want a wood sculpture phone around local country estates, parks etc, they may be able to source you a big log or piece of trunk that can be kept in its natural state or for you to get creative and chisel out a piece of modern sculpture, instead of that exotic driftwood from thousands of miles away.

4. SEED POTS - Make biodegradable seedpots using old newspaper strips. Cut in lengths then coil around a toilet roll. Use a bit of non toxic glue then once set remove the tube. Place seeds direct into the pots and once they are seedlings they can be placed directly into the soil. The paper will insulate the roots while young, as well as preserving moisture and they will gradually decompose into soil matter.

5. HARVEST RAINWATER - If you live in a house with a water meter, it makes financial sense to collect rainwater in butts and buckets which then at a later date can be used to water plants and vegetables. This will reduce the amount of water needed from your garden hose using metered water.

6. TAKE CUTTINGS - If your at a friends house and see a great shrub, ask if you could take a small cutting. Cut a fresh branch approximately six inches from the tip at an angle. Buy some rooting powder and place in a glass milk bottle on a windowsill. Once the branch has grown roots place in a pot before eventually potting out into the garden.

7. TRACTOR TYRES RAISED BEDS - Old Tractor tyres turned on their sides make great looking raised beds. Fill with soil and plant your vegetable plants in them for great attractive features.

8. SOLAR GARDEN LIGHTS - Solar lighting now comes in a range of types, not just for decorative purposes. It is now possible to buy solar sensor security lights and solar shed lights both with enough power and bright LEDs to make them worthwhile. A small saving on electricity, but look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves.

9. TOOL SHARE - If your new to gardening and have some friendly neighbours who are also keen or have some friends on the allotment, why not organise a shared tool shed. Get each person a key and get everyone to commit that when they are finished using something they will return it as soon as possible. As a result if you all have £20 to spend you all don't have to buy a spade but you can buy a spade, fork, trowel, whellbarrow etc. By sharing your range of tools will be greatly increased.

10. GROW YOUR OWN - Turn any spare patch you have over to vegetables, even if they are just a clump of Rhubarb or salad potatoes or an apple tree. This handy produce can be bartered for other peoples harvest, so even if you don't grow a wide range of stuff you might soon find your kitchen shelves are full of locally grown onions, peas, beans etc.

Money might not grow on trees but done correctly there is definite savings to be made in the thrifty garden!

C.gardenandgreen.co.uk 2008