Gardening doesn’t have to be an expensive activity. It is possible to garden on a budget. I know because I’ve done it. Let me share some tips with you so you can have success gardening on a budget, too.
Flower farming and gardening are not one-size-fits-all endeavors. Everyone starts at a different point, either because of funds, plot size or knowledge. And everyone usually has a vision of where they want to go. Just because you aren’t already at your destination, doesn’t mean you won’t get there. Everything has its season, including your garden.
Create a gardening budget. Know how much money you can spend this year and what you want to spend it on. A budget is your roadmap. Sure, it sets boundaries, but it doesn’t mean “no.” Instead, it means stop, learn and discover possibilities for the season ahead.
Your budget priorities should be developing your soil, finding high-quality plants and getting a good set of gardening tools.
First and foremost, you must invest in your garden’s foundation—the soil. Without a good foundation, the chances of gardening success decline. Building your foundation on a budget takes time—possibly years, depending on the current quality of your soil. I spent many years composting. I sought out anyone who wanted to give away their horse manure, and I used every bucket of chicken manure from our chicken coops. Of course, you could easily bring in a load of commercial compost, but that’s a big expense for a beginner flower farmer and anyone gardening on a tight budget. Think of it this way, every dollar you save on finding free ways to improve your soil can be spent buying high-quality plants, bulbs and tubers for the growing season. After establishing a good blooming inventory one season, consider purchasing a load of compost the next. It’s almost like rotating crops, changing up your focus from season to season, building inventory one year, and improving soil the next year. Alternating your focus in this way will help ensure a productive flower farm or garden.
When it comes to finding high-quality plants, always look for what grows well in your USDA Hardiness Zone. This takes research and talking with other flower farmers and gardeners. Join flower-farming or gardening groups on social media sites. You’re likely to find experienced farmers and gardeners willing to share what they know, which will save you time and money. And of course, always keep in mind that certain bulbs and tubers (such as dahlias) must be lifted and stored at the end of each season. If you don’t lift them, you’re likely to lose some of your blooming inventory—a costly mistake.
The best time to order bulbs, tubers and plants is when they are first promoted during early sales events. Watch for these sales and be ready to purchase as your budget allows. The best varieties go first, and if you can get in on the action, you’ll have a head start on building your inventory with the hottest colors, best performers and otherwise top-quality product.
Growing from seed is another way to save money, especially when growing heirloom varieties. Saving seeds from one season’s heirlooms reduces your expenses for the next season because you’ll already have the seeds you need for planting.
And don’t forget to budget for tools. A good set of garden tools is essential because so much of gardening is done by hand. If you need a larger tool like a rototiller, check around to see if you can borrow one.
Sticking to a budget might seem frustrating. Like I said above, it’s a roadmap—and, of course, you’re anxious to reach your destination. Still, don’t second guess its value. At the same time, remember you’re on a gardening journey. It’s okay to take a side trip and sometimes break the budget when an opportunity for growth comes along.
We’re approaching a new season, and it’s not too late to start creating your budget for the months ahead and ordering the plants you need. K. van Bourgondien is here to help you select the finest product to ensure you’re off to a grand year!
Happy Gardening!
Pamela Anthony
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden