How can I landscape affordably?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Inexpensive gardening begins with upcycled containers like wooden shipping crates and plastic storage bins. I have successfully transformed unwanted items into productive planters, saving me over $200 a year! Drill drainage holes into the bottom of containers about every 6 inches so that plant roots won't rot while they are saving a bad item from the landfill and are given new life. This prevents tossing used items into the waste stream and helps create original garden features.
Joining seed exchange communities allows for free access to rare varieties of plants and flowers without purchasing the packets. Local gardening groups exchange seeds that have been bred or adapted to local conditions, which yield up to 30 percent better results than seeds obtained from commercial sources. Such groups provide free plants to members, who soon learn that they have neighbors interested in exchanging cuttings of plants and flowers, or seeking advice on gardening experiences.
Material Upcycling
- Convert pallets into vertical gardens using basic tools
- Use broken ceramics for mosaic pathways
- Turn old tires into durable raised beds with drainage
Cost-Saving Planting
- Divide existing perennials every 2-3 seasons for free plants
- Take hardwood cuttings during dormancy for propagation
- Collect seeds from annuals at season end
Resource Conservation
- Install rain barrels under downspouts for irrigation
- Create compost from kitchen scraps and yard waste
- Use municipal leaf mold programs for free soil amendments
Choose perennials such as lavender, which come back each year. They cost a little more, but they save the $15 each year spent on replacements. After a few years, mature plants are divided and provide free plants. This is a long-term investment that beautifies areas and brings pollinators naturally.
Install repurposed barrels for rainwater harvesting under the downspouts. A 55-gallon barrel traps enough water for weekly irrigation of containers during the summer months. This can reduce total municipal water use by up to 40% and provides chlorinated water that is ideal for sensitive plants.
These affordable solutions enhance property value through sustainable design practices. Thoughtful, affordable landscaping provides aesthetic interest while preserving resources. You create beautiful, functional space that highlights prudent financial planning while being a good steward of the environment.
Read the full article: 10 Transformative Terrace Garden Ideas
