Embarking on the journey of gardening often entails a modest initial investment—while it might not be entirely cost-free, the prospect of cultivating a thriving urban garden that saves you money is well within reach. If you’re yearning to discover the art of frugal gardening, you’ve landed on the perfect platform.
Picture this: my backyard transformation came to life at a surprisingly modest cost of under AU$150 (equivalent to US$100 or €90). The astounding return on this investment? Abundant harvests of vegetables, verdant leaves, juicy fruits, fragrant herbs, captivating flowers, and the gentle hum of industrious bees. The magic of an urban oasis, achieved without breaking the bank!
In the pages that follow, I’m excited to unravel a treasure trove of insights drawn from my personal journey. Here, you’ll find a compendium of tips, tricks, and invaluable experiences garnered while fashioning an urban garden within the cozy confines of small spaces, all on a budget-friendly blueprint. So, whether you’re a penny-pincher by choice or simply someone who values the harmony of nature and economics, let’s embark on this botanical adventure together. Welcome to a realm where green dreams flourish without the heavy burden on your wallet!
1. Before you get started
Keep in mind : less money, more DIYs
If you’re keen to keep your cash in check, steer clear of splurging on ready-made items like gardening kits. Unleash your inner innovator and save big by crafting your own goodies from repurposed materials and odds ‘n’ ends, and by sourcing plants from various nooks and crannies to cut down on expenses. When it comes to spending wisely, here are a couple of essentials worth considering:
Spend wisely: two things you may want to buy
1. Potting mix
No compromise when it comes to potting mix – this is where a substantial chunk of my $150 budget went.
Ensure you nab a premium, top-notch potting mix that grants your plants the optimal conditions to flourish, thrive, and yield an abundant bounty!
While whipping up your own potting mix is definitely an option, I’d suggest grabbing a pre-made one if you’re a gardening greenhorn.
2. Gardening equipment
If you’ve got trees in the mix, a secateur might be on your shopping list, but a trusty pair of scissors can also do the trick for managing trims and snips in your garden.
You’ve got a choice between buying a watering can or crafting your own DIY version out of a 2L water container. Personally, I’ve found a 2L plastic white vinegar bottle to be super handy for precision watering right at the plant’s roots.
Oh, and don’t forget about gloves – they’re a smart move to guard against potential potting mix contamination, and they’re a must if you’re dabbling with fertilisers.
2. Acquiring Lush Greenery on the House: A Multitude of Paths
While stumbling upon potted plants with intact root systems for free is akin to discovering a rare gem, such instances are few and far between. Your journey to cultivating a budget-friendly garden will likely kick off with plant fragments.
Plant Fragments?
As you’re likely aware, nurturing plants from seeds is just one avenue. Another avenue involves harnessing the power of cuttings and divisions from existing plants. It’s worth noting that not all plant species are amenable to all propagation methods. If you’re hungry for further insights, dive into my article delving into the intricacies of propagation techniques.
Now, let’s embark on a quest to uncover avenues for securing complimentary plants, plant fragments, and seeds.
Donations and Urban Initiatives
In bustling cities like Sydney, an array of programs burgeon, designed to infuse urban landscapes with flourishing green havens. Take The City of Sydney, for instance, which orchestrates a yearly spectacle of plant and tree donations. This event presents an opportune moment to spruce up your garden with gratis botanical gems.
Plant Swaps at Local Events
Keep an ear out for community events, fairs, or local markets that may host plant exchange activities. These gatherings often bring together gardening enthusiasts eager to swap cuttings, seedlings, and plant knowledge.
Freecycle and Online Classifieds
Explore online platforms like Freecycle, Gumtree, or other local classifieds where people often offer plants they no longer need or have an excess of. It’s a digital treasure trove where you might find a variety of green companions just waiting for a new home.
Budding Bonds in Gardening Groups
Dive into the vibrant world of both online and offline gardening communities. Not only does this plunge into these groups offer a wealth of horticultural wisdom, but it may also unveil a treasure trove of plant portions to share. Casting the net wide, explore the realm of Gardening Facebook groups and keep an eye out for Crop and Food swaps communities. My own engagement with Crop Swap Sydney led to a cornucopia of cuttings, seeds, and entire plants exchanged for homemade delights, fostering the growth of my petite urban oasis.
A cardinal rule in the world of crop swaps? Equity prevails. A symbiotic exchange requires both giving and receiving. Even if your gardening prowess is embryonic, contributions like artisanal creations crafted with care can leave fellow members delighted. At Sydney Crop Swap, the sharing dance takes place both virtually on our Facebook group and in the flesh at our monthly meetups.
You can join online or offline communities of amateur gardeners, not only it’s a great way to learn about gardening but they may also want to share things they have in abundance in their gardens.
Bonds that Bloom: Friends, Family, and Neighbours
For those blessed with green-thumbed comrades or kin, a reservoir of seeds and cuttings may lie within reach. A delectable batch of cookies or a fragrant loaf of homemade bread can sweeten the exchange, though sometimes the bountiful yield of certain plants could spark an outright gift. In my case, an overflow of basil seeds compelled me to joyfully bestow them, while strawberry runners found new homes with my neighbors, nurturing a culture of generous botanical exchange.
Thriving in Communal Gardens
Embark on a quest for community gardens within your vicinity. Engage with the caretakers and inquire about surplus cuttings or seeds that might be ripe for sharing. While reciprocity is a gracious gesture, some gardens may simply radiate an aura of goodwill, allowing you to depart with newfound plant treasures sans barter.
During a delightful visit to Sydney, I had the pleasure of strolling through the vibrant grounds of the Pocket City Farm. Intrigued by the allure of purple salvia sage, I mustered the courage to inquire about the possibility of acquiring stem cuttings. Much to my delight, the gracious staff at the farm wholeheartedly embraced my request! With their blessing, I embarked on a journey nurturing these cuttings, and today, I revel in the splendor of a thriving, full-grown potted plant gracing my very own abode. The tale of this sage’s journey from a humble cutting to a flourishing resident of my garden serves as a testament to the boundless rewards of botanical exploration.
Stalking Streets for Green Treasures
The urban landscape, an unsuspecting muse, teems with patches of verdure that city planners and locals have lovingly cultivated. A discreet clipping, rather than an entire plant, is the ethical path to procure a snippet of this urban foliage, ensuring the well-being of the source remains undisturbed. Don’t neglect the wilting blossoms on flowering plants, as these often conceal seeds that hold the promise of a fresh start in your own garden.
Sowing Wisely: Affordable Seeds and Plant Parts
The Seed Collection: A Sought-After Source
Venture beyond the conventional nursery aisles and supermarket shelves when in pursuit of budget-friendly seeds. Instead, navigate the virtual terrain of online stores for a thrifty seed selection. Down under in Australia, The Seed Collection online store has earned its stripes as a go-to hub for wallet-friendly, high-quality seeds. For other global locales, a spot of research will unveil the perfect seed sanctuary tailored to your needs.
Cultivating from Clippings and Scraps
Delve into the realm of herbaceous alchemy, crafting new plants from humble clippings and kitchen scraps. The resilient roots of herbs and the embryonic promise of vegetables can both be coaxed to life through such means. Just remember to scrutinize the origin of your source, taking care with produce that might carry the remnants of pesticides. Additionally, be mindful of the origin of the fruits and veggies themselves, as many have undergone genetic modifications to bear larger, more robust produce. And if you choose to regrow veggies from remnants, a bit of water and patience can yield a flourishing new life in a pot, with options like celery, lettuce, and green onions thriving through this transformative process.
3. Cultivating a Bountiful Budget Garden: Choosing the Right Crops
Strategically selecting crops with a high return on investment is the cornerstone of a wallet-friendly garden venture. While the allure of growing eggplants might be tempting, especially in urban settings with their spatial constraints, a prudent approach is key. Here’s a lineup of stellar options for cultivating your budget garden oasis, tailored to the rhythms of city life.
Thriving Blooms with Minimal Effort
Venturing into the realm of floral aesthetics can be both enchanting and effortless. Embrace the world of annuals, where blooms grace your garden year-round with minimal upkeep. The following flowers bloom with grace upon seeding, demanding little attention as they flourish:
- Nasturtiums
- Sweet peas
- Cosmos
- Love in a mist
- Flowering tobacco
- Marigold
- Cornflowers
- Californian poppy
- Bishop’s flower
Herbal Treasures: Nurturing Abundance
Unlock the world of herbs, nature’s resilient gems, ideal for the budget-conscious gardener. Abundant in seeds and cuttings that are often generously shared, herbs promise prolific yields and easy maintenance. Versatile in their uses, they can be dried for prolonged enjoyment. A sage piece of advice: commence your frugal garden journey with these herbaceous allies.
Garlic and Chillies: Cultivating Savings and Spice
Embark on a voyage of culinary satisfaction by cultivating garlic and chillies – two green allies that not only delight the palate but also cushion the wallet. The potential for substantial savings is palpable, as these ingredients often grace grocery lists at steep prices. Harness the autumnal spirit to sow chilli seeds, and by summer’s embrace, you’ll be relishing a bountiful harvest. With garlic, a single clove nurtured beneath the earth’s embrace yields a splendid bulb of culinary magic.
Economic Powerhouses: Yielding Beyond Expectation
Amidst the verdant symphony of urban gardening, certain plants reign as economic powerhouses, generously contributing more than their store-bought counterparts. These green dynamos offer a budget-friendly journey to fresh, homegrown goodness:
- Zucchini (Courgette)
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Rocket
- Kale
Just be mindful that Zucchini and Cucumber are prone to diseases. They also need to be grown in larger pots and regularly fertilised when grown in containers. I’m working on a guide to grow plants in urban areas and will be sharing more tips for these two in particular.
The Jewel-Toned Harvest: Fruits and Veggies Worth Their Weight
Elevate your culinary adventures by nurturing a medley of crops that boast both luxury and taste. For those seeking premium quality and lavish flavors, consider dedicating space to these garden gems:
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Broccoli
- Capsicums (Peppers)
A Word of Caution: Crops Unfit for Containers
Certain crops, though alluring, are best left untamed within the confines of containers. These space-demanding endeavors often require meticulous care and patience, yielding rewards that may not match their investment:
- Pumpkins
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Eggplants
Remember, cultivating a budget garden is a journey of discovery, aligning nature’s gifts with your aspirations and resources. As you embark on this verdant path, you’ll find that every choice made contributes to the tapestry of your unique urban garden narrative. Happy gardening!
4. Unlocking the Art of Pot Scavenging
Navigating the bustling expanse of urban living often demands the resourceful embrace of potted gardening, particularly for apartment dwellers. The notion of accumulating an assortment of pots sans the fiscal strain might seem like an enticing horticultural dream. Guess what? It’s an attainable reality that thrives on ingenuity and eco-consciousness. With a remarkable collection of 50-80 plant homes in my arsenal, I’m here to unravel the secrets of scoring pots without the financial weight.
Resurrecting Discarded Pots
In the symphony of urban gardening, the melodic note of sustainability rings true. A treasure trove of second-hand pots awaits, often discarded by green-thumbed aficionados who found their blooming companions a cozy spot on the earth itself. As they relinquish the pot’s embrace, you emerge as the fortunate beneficiary. The avenues for pot procurement are myriad, woven into the fabric of our digital age:
- Scour second-hand havens online, like Gumtree in Australia.
- Embark on a virtual treasure hunt through the Facebook Marketplace.
- Embrace the serendipitous allure of street-side finds, where discarded pots beckon with potential.
- Nestle into the heart of crop swap groups, where a communal spirit ushers in shared gardening resources.
- Join hands with fellow garden enthusiasts in gardening groups, where pot exchanges are often the unspoken currency of connection.
Elevating Gardening Through Upcycled Ingenuity
Venture beyond the ordinary, beckoning your creative spirit to the forefront. Witness firsthand the transformative magic of upcycling, where ordinary objects find new purpose as plant sanctuaries. Allow your garden to flourish within a kaleidoscope of unconventional containers:
- Yogurt Pots: Once deemed disposable, they now nurture tender shoots, their diminutive stature ideal for sprouting seeds.
- Milk Crates: Embrace the rustic charm of repurposed milk crates, the nooks and crannies offering snug abodes for your verdant companions.
- Cans: The humble tin can metamorphoses into a quaint vessel, preserving the spirit of innovation while nurturing your botanical delights.
- Bicycle Helmets: Envision a whimsical garden atop a retired bicycle helmet, a unique twist on vertical gardening that sparks conversation.
- Plastic Tubs: Discover the potential of versatile plastic tubs, adept at cradling life while showcasing your commitment to sustainability.
A prudent gardener learns from experience, and I’ve ventured down paths that yielded insights for future pursuits. Here’s a word of caution: while embracing the unconventional, some containers might not serve your garden well in the long run:
- Metal Containers: As alluring as their durability may be, they succumb to rust’s embrace when exposed to the elements.
- Wooden Containers: The romantic charm of wood often fades in the face of persistent mold that thrives in moist environments.
- Plastic Yogurt Containers: Despite their initial promise, these delicate vessels often succumb to the sun’s relentless heat, a cautionary tale of plastic fragility.
- Transparent Plastic Tubs: While their transparency offers visual delight, prolonged sun exposure renders them brittle, a lesson in choosing resilience.
So, as you embark on your journey to cultivate a potted haven, remember that ingenuity and resourcefulness are your allies. The symphony of urban gardening celebrates not just the flourishing life within, but also the harmony we forge with our surroundings, one reclaimed pot at a time.
5. DIY Fertilisers: Feeding Your Plants the Natural Way
In the intricate dance of plant life, nutrients take the lead, orchestrating the growth of foliage and the yield of delicious vegetables. This essential nourishment becomes even more crucial for potted plants, whose roots are confined to their containers, unable to explore the soil for sustenance.
Plants rely on three vital nutrients for their well-being: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). These nutrient elements form the cornerstone of plant health, each playing a distinct role. Nitrogen stimulates vibrant leafy growth, Phosphorus supports root development and flower formation, while Potassium contributes to overall plant vitality and disease resistance. The quantities required by each plant type vary, and these nutrients are typically represented as the NPK ratio on fertilizer packaging.
While delving into the intricate art of fertilizing deserves a dedicated exploration (which I’ll delve into in a future post), it’s exciting to learn that you can craft your very own plant-nourishing concoctions at no cost. These homemade mixtures can provide a boost to your garden’s health and growth. However, it’s important to note that store-bought fertilizers have been specifically formulated to cater to plant nutritional needs, so considering a combination of homemade and commercial options might yield the best results.
Crafting Your Own Plant Nourishment: DIY Fertilizer Recipes
- Banana Peel Fertilizer: Rich in potassium, banana peels can be steeped in water for a few days, and the resulting liquid can be diluted and used to feed your plants.
- Coffee Grounds Fertilizer: The nitrogen in coffee grounds makes them a great addition to your fertilizer arsenal. Simply mix them into the soil or sprinkle on top.
- Eggshell Calcium Boost: Crushed eggshells provide a calcium kick for plants. Let them dry, crush them finely, and mix into the soil.
- Epsom Salt Solution: Magnesium and sulfur in Epsom salt can enhance plant growth. Dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and use it as a soil drench.
- Weed Tea Fertilizer: Certain common weeds like nettle and comfrey can be used to make nutrient-rich tea. Soak them in water for a few weeks and use the resulting liquid as a fertilizer.
- Fish Tank Water: If you have an aquarium, the water you change can be a source of nutrients for your plants due to fish waste.
While these DIY methods offer a cost-effective way to nourish your plants, remember that understanding your plant’s specific nutritional needs is crucial. Complement your homemade efforts with store-bought fertilizers when necessary for a well-rounded feeding regimen.
Check out my blog post – 7 Free DIY fertiliser if you want to make your own fertiliser for free.
6. Turning Waste into Gold: Urban Composting on a Shoestring
When it comes to compost, there are options aplenty. But for urbanites and those in small spaces, the worm farm reigns supreme. Why? Because it’s easy, tidy, and perfect for city living. It doesn’t stink, pests aren’t a problem, it works fast, and you can keep it indoors.
My own worm farm story started unexpectedly. At an eco fair, I chatted with a stallholder who kindly offered me their worm cafe. Then, I lucked out again when I found an ad for 200 worms on Nextdoor the next day. They might not seem like much, but these worms can multiply quickly.
If you’re not up for spending money on a worm farm, building your own is a great choice. Grab a container, some compost, and cardboard to make a simple one-floor worm farm.
Now, the worms. Reach out to gardening and low waste groups in your area—they might have worms to spare at a low cost. If not, you can buy worm eggs from stores like Bunnings. In Australia, you can get 1000 worm eggs for around $25.
With your DIY worm farm set up and your wriggly team in place, you’re on your way to turning waste into valuable compost. It’s a little ecosystem you’re building, where nature’s helpers do their work, transforming scraps into rich soil. So, roll up your sleeves and let the compost magic unfold!
7. How to deal with pests & diseases?
Pests and disease are one of the most frustrating things in the garden. Just as you thought you had it all, they destroy the fruit of your labor. I have to say that after years of getting angry at them, I’ve just accepted that gardens are natural environments which find a natural balance. Each species try to grow from opportunities they find there and maybe we need to keep most of this balance.
For this reason, I try to refrain from constantly saving my plants from everything and let nature do its thing. That said here are some ideas if you want to do something about pests and diseases for little money. I will also have other posts dedicated to this with more details.
How to deal with insects?
I would completely refrain from using any type of pesticide even organic because they also kill good bugs and bees which goes completely against trying to have a balanced garden. A lot of time, nature is going to bring back balance anyway.
Homemade solution
Soap water can get rid of some insects like aphids and could be used as a gentle way to reduce their population.
Most effective solution: giving up on a plant
One of the best ways to deal with insects is usually to let a plant get full of them (sacrificing the plant). The plant might get a bit unwell but you will quickly see predators coming like a hungry army!
I have experienced this with aphids and tons of ladybugs coming to rescue my poor cucumber plant. Some companies sell predator insects, but I think it’s a waste of money because they will come anyway to your buffet and just leave when they’ve eaten everything.
The manual solution: picking & relocating
Another method I like is to go for a garden expedition to pick up the bad guys and relocate them somewhere else. This works particularly well with caterpillars and slugs.
I relocated the caterpillars in the street green patches and slugs to my local compost bin. Everyone stays happy and has plenty of food while leaving my garden in better conditions.
I usually pick up the slugs after a rainy day at night.
How to repel birds?
I recommend using netting for sweet fruits such as tomatoes and strawberries that birds usually really like. I bought some netting, found some in the street and created parts of it myself with reused material and objects.
You can also repel birds with aluminium foils (I use the ones from my Lindt chocolate!) and can lids.
I have to say that having a cat around will also be really helpful to scare them.
8. Getting better – Learn to succeed
Get books from your local libraries, read blogs, watch youtube videos, make friends at crop swaps, attend workshops, ask questions on facebook gardening groups. Gardening is real science and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re going to lose money because your plants won’t grow as expected. While you may not have too much trouble with herbs, growing veggies like tomatoes is going to be difficult if you don’t do the right things.
There are lots of free and paid events on gardening and compost in the Sydney area that I would recommend if you live there.
Observe the plants – are the leaves supposed to be this colour, is it supposed to have holes and how’s the ecosystem of your backyard? Do you both have good and bad bugs in your garden? Who’s been coming since you started to garden?
For more urban gardening tips, check out my instagram where I post regularly about my low waste and gardening journey.