The University of Delaware has some tips to help gardeners save money.
According to a UD news release, gardening is the No. 1 hobby in America, more popular than boating, golf or skiing, and although not as expensive as those pastimes, it can be costly.
“It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of picking out new landscape plants and find yourself over-buying,” Carrie Murphy, a UD Cooperative Extension horticulture agent, said in the news release.
Murphy, who has a garden of her own in her North Wilmington yard, gave some tips on how people can maintain a garden while maintaining their money.
“I’m a minimalist,” said Murphy. “I get by fine with a spade, shovel, pruners, cultivator, soil rake and leaf rake, plus a hori-hori knife.”
She added that another way to cut costs could be to start plants from seed or cuttings, although starting from cuttings “doesn’t work for every species.”
Patience is the key to saving money, Murphy said in the news release. She took a slow, measured approach to her landscape plan, waiting six months before making any major changes to her garden when she and her husband moved into their home.
“I’m glad I didn’t rush in and make hasty decisions,” Murphy said. “Choosing the right plants for the right location saves you from making costly mistakes. We got to really know our property and the particular soil, light and drainage issues for each area.”
Other ways to cut gardening costs include making compost and using rain barrels to catch water for irrigation.
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