I've gotten quite a few questions about how I've been able to afford our garden. It's true, I have spent a fair amount of money on plants, soil, and building supplies. But if you're willing to do the work yourself and put in some extra energy, you can create a fabulous garden even on a tight budget. Here are my biggest tips to save some cash:

1. Start composting last year. Haha, no but seriously, get on it! If you live in a small space check out worm towers or bokashi systems. This is so important.

2. First stage: heal your soil with sheet mulching and cover crops. Really observe your space during this period before designing. You will save hundreds of dollars knowing your land and being able to pick the right plant for the right place and by waiting to plant until your soil has some fertility in it.

3. Start plants from seed, direct sowing (outside in the ground) is the most economical if the weather allows. If not, you can get cheap plastic flats from a growing supply company that you can reuse for years, or use all sorts of recycled materials to start seed. Just stay away from any single use plastic solution. If you need to start seeds inside--usually due to cold weather--Google "DIY plant light shelf" or look all the way back

4. Get to know your local nurseries. Ask about their free workshops (so much free info available!), plant lists they have for your area, and annual sales. I plan my entire year around one nursery sale!

5. Get to know other local resources like gardening clubs, your grange, etc. Go to plant swaps, get cuttings, ask if anyone needs help in exchange for more plants, etc.

6. Start with small plants. Scour your nursery’s 6-pack section, which changes throughout the year so go often. If you can’t find it in a 6 pack, go for the 4” containers. Small plants transplant easier, adapt faster, and will catch up in no time.

7. For any project adopt the simple rule: use what is on hand before buying. Make this your mantra and repeat often. Get creative.

8. Check out craigslist's farm and garden section often, it is a great source for all kinds of things at discounted prices.

9. When filling raised beds with new soil, skip the bags and buy in bulk. Find out when your soil suppliers have sales waving the delivery fee (often once a year in the cold season).

10. Call local arborists and get on their free woodchips list. Tell them you don’t want walnut or eucalyptus chips though.

11. Start saving cardboard now and never use weed fabric ever again.

12. Skip the annuals, unless they reseed.

13. Plants that reseed can be challenging to control sometimes but great for the pocketbook! I carefully dig up volunteer baby plants and transplant them where I want them, then pull up the rest. Euphorbia, bachelors buttons, cerinthe, calendula are some of my reseeding favs.

14. Be patient. Plant in stages to see what works and to make sure you can actually take care of all your new plants. Bonus, if you wait awhile you can divide the perennials that have done well and get free baby plants!

15. Stay away from plants at big box stores, they are often pumped with miracle grow and look artificially healthy. They aren't acclimated to the local climate either. Buy strong plants that are more likely to survive long-term from your local nursery.

Those are my top tips, I hope they help! Do you have any tips to share?