"Give a weed an inch and it will take your yard" ~ Anon
Recently, National Savings & Investments said Britons spend £4.2b on their gardens annually. That works out at just over £200 a year per household, and we spend the money on new plants, landscaping and garden furniture.
Most of us, around 3 in 5 people, see our gardens as a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. Consequently, even people who live in rented accommodation will spend around £150 on their gardens.
However, 17% or one in six Britons, views their gardens as an investment. They reckon that time spent tending flower beds may enhance the value of their properties - and they may well be right! Property experts say that simply having a garden can boost the value of a house by 15%. Moreover, well looked after gardens, especially front gardens, can attract more buyers when you decide to move.
But have you seen the price of potted plants and fruit trees in garden centres recently? It's daylight robbery! In my book, gardening was never meant to break the bank! You are supposed to grow things for pleasure... and that shouldn't cost shed-loads of money. So here are some of my favourite tips on how to garden for next to nothing.
Start From Seed
It may take a little longer to start your plants from seed, but it can be so much cheaper. Seeds are not only available from garden centres and supermarkets but you can also buy them on the Internet, where prices can be much keener. As an added money-saving tip, use old newspaper to make your starter pots. These "paper" pots can be embedded straight into the ground afterwards, where they will eventually decompose.
Your Own Little Seed Factory
Once you've grown plants successfully, you may want to harvest any seeds for the following year. What's more, if you have too many seeds for your own needs, why not trade with friends and neighbours. It's a cheap way to increase the stock of plants in your garden for nothing.
Cuttings Remarks
Apart from seeds you can also propagate from cuttings, which is not hard to do. But remember not to filch cuttings from parks and other people's gardens – that's illegal! Instead ask your friends if you can take cuttings from their plants.
Water, Water Everywhere
If you are on a water meter, then think about novel ways to conserve water. It is estimated that we can spend up to £30 a year watering our gardens annually. Water butts, for instance, are very useful for collecting rain water, and it's quite good for your seedlings too. Another idea is to use "grey water", which is water that has been used for washing and bathing.
Grow You Own Dinner
Finally, my favourite. Apart from growing flowers, why not grow your own food. It's not difficult to grow say, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts and rhubarb. Once again, consider swapping some of your home-grown veggies with produce from a neighbour's garden. It's a great way to add variety to your meals because there are only so many sprouts that a person can eat!
More: The Secrets of Organic Growth | Gardening Discussion Board
