If you’re a new homeowner, congratulations! Owning a home can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it can also come with a lot of expenses. According to new Census data, nearly 31 million people moved in the United States in 2019, and the average 30-year-old has moved six times, so reducing expenses is paramount. One way to save money and add value to your home is through gardening. Here are some gardening money-saving tips for your new home:
1. Start Small
When it comes to gardening, it’s easy to get carried away with grand plans. However, it’s a good idea to start small and gradually build your garden over time. This will help you to save money on plants, materials, and labor, and it will also give you the opportunity to learn and experiment as you go.
2. Use Native Plants
Native plants are well-adapted to your local climate and soil, which means they are typically easier to grow and require less maintenance. By using native plants, you can save money on watering, fertilizing, and pest control. In addition, native plants provide habitat for local wildlife and can help to support biodiversity.
3. Compost
Composting is a simple and effective way to save money and reduce waste. By composting your kitchen scraps and yard waste, you can create a rich and nutrient-dense soil amendment that will help your plants thrive. In addition, composting can help to reduce your waste and lower your garbage fees.
4. Plan Your Garden Layout Carefully
When planning your garden layout, it’s important to consider the sun, shade, and wind patterns in your yard. By placing plants in the right location, you can save money on watering and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. It’s also a good idea to group plants with similar watering needs together to make watering more efficient.
5. Use Recycled Materials
There are many ways to save money on materials for your garden, including using recycled materials. For example, you could use old tires or pallets as planters, or you could repurpose household items, such as coffee cans or tea kettles, as containers for small plants. By being creative and resourceful, you can save money and add a unique touch to your garden.
6. Protect Your Plants from Pests
Pests can be a major problem for gardeners, especially when it comes to food crops. Food crops must compete with 30,000 species of weeds, 3,000 species of nematodes, and 10,000 species of plant-eating insects. To save money on pesticides and protect your plants, consider using natural pest control methods, such as companion planting or attracting beneficial insects.
7. Mulch
Mulching is an effective way to save money on watering and reduce weeds in your garden. By applying a layer of mulch around your plants, you can help to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Mulch can also help to regulate soil temperature, which can be beneficial for some plants.
8. Water Wisely
Water is an essential resource for gardening, but it can also be a significant expense. To save money on watering, consider installing a drip irrigation system, which delivers water directly to the roots of your plants. You can also save water by using a rain barrel or by collecting and reusing greywater from your household.
9. Share Resources with Neighbors
Gardening can be a social and community-building activity, and one way to save money is by sharing resources with your neighbors. For example, you could share tools, seeds, or plants, or you could trade gardening services with one another. By working together, you can save money and build relationships with your neighbors.
10. Learn As You Go
Finally, one of the best ways to save money on your garden is by learning as you go. Gardening is a skill that can be learned and improved upon over time, and there are many resources available to help you learn more about plants, soil, and other aspects of gardening. By being curious and open to learning, you can save money by avoiding costly mistakes and by learning how to care for your plants effectively.
In conclusion, gardening can be a great way to save money and add value to your new home. 31 million new people moved to America in 2019, and we all could use advice for making our home-owning experience ideal. By starting small, using native plants, composting, planning your garden layout carefully, using recycled materials, protecting your plants from pests, mulching, watering wisely, sharing resources with neighbors, and learning as you go, you can create a beautiful and sustainable garden that will save you finances and provide joy and relaxation for years to come.