A beautiful garden doesn't have to cost a fortune. With some creativity and planning, you can create an outdoor space you love while keeping costs down.
Grow from Seeds and Cuttings
Seeds are far cheaper than started plants. Many veg and flowers grow easily from seed. Take cuttings from existing plants — most shrubs root easily in water or soil.
- Seed packets cost pence
- Take cuttings from friends' plants
- Swap plants with neighbours
Free and Cheap Materials
Check Facebook Marketplace and Freecycle for freebies. Old pallets make great planters. Compost your own kitchen waste. Use newspapers as weed suppressant.
Where can I get free soil?
Local councils sometimes offer free compost. Also check if neighbours are digging out gardens. You can also make your own compost.
Shop Smart for Plants
Buy plants in autumn when garden centres discount stock. Grow perennials that come back each year. Avoid buying ready-planted containers — much cheaper to plant your own.
- gardening
- DIY
- outdoor
- budget
- UK