Gardening can be expensive. However, with a few
phone calls
and a change in routine, your landscape can be beautiful without
costing a dime. Take advantage of the free resources that are not
advertised in any home-improvement store, put on your gloves, and save
your hard-earned money for a backyard barbecue.
Eggshells
Work eggshells into the
vegetable
bed to give plants a dose of calcium, suggests Planet Green. The extra
calcium prevents blossom-end rot in tomatoes and boosts plant health.
Toss crushed eggshells around the base of vulnerable plants to dissuade
cutworms and slugs from munching the leaves; soft-bodied pests dislike
the shells' sharp edges.
Granite Remnants
When a contractor installs granite
countertops, the supplier often discards the remainder of the slab. Ask
local companies for their remnants. These pieces can be formed into
stepping stones, intermingled as walkways or patios and used in outdoor
furniture like potting shelves. Many of these remnants are polished, so
be careful when using them for walking surfaces in wet areas.
Compost
Toss kitchen leftovers, yard trimmings and
fallen leaves into a bin to make your own compost. If making your own
doesn't appeal, contact the city or public works department. Many
municipalities participate in a composting program and give compost free
to citizens. Other departments have free composting workshops and
provide bins for residents. If the department does have a fee, it is
usually minimal or at cost. Don't use the city's compost in fruit or
vegetable gardens, however, since the compost may contain pesticides.
Used Coffee Grounds
Many
coffee
shops, including large chain stores, save their used coffee grounds for
local gardeners. These grounds boost the nitrogen in the soil and break
down into a natural fertilizer. Ask the manager at your favorite coffee
house to save the grounds for you or check back often. Be quick; coffee
grounds are given on a first-come first-served basis.
Mulch
Power or utility companies maintain overhead
lines and must trim or remove obstructing trees. These trees are
mulched, and the companies give the mulch free to customers. Many
companies will deliver it directly to your yard, but beware: you might
be required to take the whole load. Split it with neighbors and have
plenty of cool drinks on hand.
Gardening Societies
Join an active gardening society. Local
garden societies have seasonal seed and plant exchanges, where plants
are traded from one member to another. As a bonus, members know the area
and have knowledge about the soil and climate that can save you from
costly mistakes. Don't hesitate to ask questions; most members love
sharing tips and, more often than not, sharing extra plants. Learn the
guidelines and don't expect handouts; bring something to exchange, even
if it's a piece of homemade garden art.