Thrifty Tips for Gardening: Saving Money on Seeds when working with a Limited Budget
Going gardening on a budget? Here's the deal - you can turn your backyard into a money-saving machine with the right moves. A smart garden doesn't have to break the bank, and with these tips, you'll save on food costs for good!
First things first, get your seed shopping in order. Don't just buy seeds willy-nilly; plan ahead and be strategic. Start by taking stock of the seeds you already have from previous seasons. Make an inventory sheet, or, if you're tech-savvy, create an online spreadsheet or use the one included in our printable Garden Planner.
Once you know what seeds you need, research and compare seed prices for each crop you'd like to grow. Prices for seeds ain't all the same, so do your homework, compare quantities, and find the best deals. Pro tip: use the Seed/Plant Research Sheet in our Complete Garden Planner.
Now, when it comes to price-comparing quantities, don't overlook the quantity per seed packet. Some companies show the quantity in ounces or grams, but usually, you can find within the seed catalog how many seeds there are per ounce or gram. It takes some digging, but it's worth it when you see the savings. Not all seed packets are created equal - like comparing apples to oranges.
Here's a secret tip: choose to grow as many plants as you can from seed. It's a money-saving move, as a $3 seed packet will yield more plants than buying a $6 transplant. And, of course, with seeds, you can grow multiples instead of just one.
If you're keen on watching rather than reading, take a gander at the video below:
Tips When Seed Shopping
When browsing through seed catalogs, keep some guiding principles in mind to save a pretty penny.
Mind the Budget
Review your inventory of existing seeds, and only buy the seeds you still need. Avoid overspending by being aware of what you already have.
The Research Game
Take the time to look at the prices and quantities of seeds for each crop you'd like to include in your garden. Compare seed prices from multiple vendors; remember, not all seeds are priced the same!
Quantity Counts
Keep in mind that not all seed packets have the same quantity of seeds; do your homework and find out how many seeds are in each packet, then compare the prices.
Choose Your Seed Companions
There are plenty of awesome seed companies out there, but here are a few of our favorites:
Shipping Considerations
Take shipping rates into account when purchasing seeds. Shipping rates can vary widely, so find out what the shipping rate will be before making a purchase. Pro tip: consider making a single purchase from each vendor to avoid multiple shipping fees.
Size Matters
When buying crops with larger seeds, like beans and peas, pay attention to the quantity you need. Don't assume one packet will be enough for your entire garden - it will take more than one packet for large gardens.
Don't Get Caught Up in Seed Mania
It's tempting to get swept up in the excitement of the seed catalog, but try not to go overboard. Stick to what your family will consume and don't buy more seeds than you have space for. Plan your garden before placing a seed order to avoid the temptation of impulse seed orders.
Rely on Dependable Varieties
When in doubt, stick with tried-and-true seed varieties that have proven dependable in a variety of climates. Dependable varieties will offer a higher success rate and save you money in the long run.
By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to saving money on your seed shopping and creating a thriving garden! Good luck, and happy gardening!
Gardening Savings
Here are some more ideas to save money on seed shopping and gardening:
Propagate Existing Plants
Instead of buying new seeds, try propagating plants you already own by taking cuttings or dividing them. This trick can help you build up your garden stock without any additional seed costs.
Shop Off-Season
Purchase seeds during off-season sales or end-of-season clearances to get the best prices. Temporary garden centers, especially in supermarket parking lots, often discount their remaining inventory as they close for the season.
Reuse and Recycle
Repurpose household items, like egg cartons or yogurt cups, for starting seeds indoors. This trick can help you cut down on seed starting costs.
Seed Swaps and Libraries
Consider joining a seed swap or seed library. These community resources allow you to trade or borrow seeds for free or at minimal cost. Sharing seeds with other gardeners can help you build a diverse garden without breaking the bank.
By incorporating these strategies - buying seeds, selecting affordable and fast-growing varieties, shopping strategically, repurposing materials, and leveraging community resources - you can create a thriving garden on a tight budget!
- Start by taking stock of the seeds you already have from previous seasons and create an inventory sheet or use a template from our printable Garden Planner.
- Research and compare seed prices for each crop you'd like to grow, taking into account quantity per seed packet for better price comparisons.
- Consider propagating plants you already own by taking cuttings or dividing them as an alternative to buying new seeds.
- Join a seed swap or seed library to trade or borrow seeds for free or at minimal cost, helping you build a diverse garden without breaking the bank.
