Photo Credit – girlingearstudio

It’s almost that time of year again, and I am so happy that it is warming up! It is time to start thinking about gardening! This year is going to be the first year that we will actually have room for a garden, so we are looking forward to it. Thing is, it CAN be pricey to start, but if you follow these frugal tips, you can save a lot of start up costs!

According to the Wall Street Journal, the average family can save $600 a year by planting a vegetable garden. Follow these frugal gardening tips and you could save even more.

Getting started
If you’re new to gardening, borrow or rent tools like a tiller. If you rent, offer to split the cost with a neighbor. If you need gardening tools such as a shovel and a hoe, check garage and moving sales. When people move they often get rid of good gardening tools.

Seeds
Growing plants from seeds takes longer, but is less expensive than starting with plants. Look for sales on seeds at grocery and drug stores and stock up. Plant the seeds indoors to get a head start on gardening season. You don’t need fancy seed starting kits. Save the plastic clamshell containers from purchased salad greens or baked goods. Fill with potting soil and you have an instant mini greenhouse for your seedling.

Compost
Compost enriches the soil and will help you grow more vegetables. Collect your coffee grounds, egg shells and vegetable peelings, as well as yard waste, and start a compost pile in a corner of the yard. If you don’t have space for a compost pile, bury the scraps right in the garden.

Free Plants
Let friends know you’re starting a garden and offer to trade plants with them. This is a great way to expand your garden.