How Your Garden Can Save You Money
Proper Planning
Planting and good planning will save you the most money. Be sure to plant items you will actually use. If you and your family will never eat a summer squash it is a waste of your time, resources and garden space to plant them.
By planning ahead you will also have time to find and trade seeds with other people. This will save you a lot of money as you wont have to go to a nursery to buy your plants. Even if you do end up buying packets of seeds, one packet that costs around $1 may yield around 50 plants. That puts the cost per plant at around two cents rather than $2-$3 buying a grown plant from a nursery. Plant seeds indoors in small planters so that you get a jump start on your planting. The plants will also be stronger and produce more fruits and vegetables if they are planted from seedlings. If you don’t have any small pots to start seeds in, use an egg carton. Styrofoam egg cartons work best. Poke a few holes in the bottom of each section so that water will drain. Cut the top part off and put it underneath the other section to catch excess water.
Set up a compost pile
Having a compost pile will save you from having to buy fertilizer. You will also have less garbage to have picked up which will save you money in the long run and help the environment. There are numerous books available at the library and articles online that will give you a step-by-step guide on how to set up a compost pile.
Plant Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs
If you can produce some of these items in your own garden you can get rid of some of the expenses of purchasing them at the store and you will most likely eat healthier, because they are available. You will also save money if you select varieties that grow well in your area because you will not have to water it as often.
Keeping Pests Away
Having a fruit and vegetable garden may mean that your land will attract more pests. Insecticides can be costly and can be harmful if accidentally eaten, so instead try some natural insecticides. Planting a few marigolds or nasturtiums around your garden will help keep many insect pests away. Soap and garlic sprays are another good option.
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