20 Ways to Grow an Organic Garden on a Budget

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to save money. One great way to do that is by growing your own food. Not only can it save you money, but, with some research, it can also allow you to eat healthier, organic produce. The best part? You can do all of this on a budget! In this blog post, I’ll share some tips on how to grow an organic garden on a budget. So read on and get ready to start saving!

Where do I start?

• Decide which plants you want to grow. Not all plants are suited for organic gardening, so do your research first. Some good choices include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and lettuce.
• Choose a site for your garden. Make sure the spot gets plenty of sunlight and is relatively easy to access for tending to your plants. Having a reliable water source nearby is incredibly important as well as making sure that it is animal-proof from common garden predators.
• Buy organic soil and compost. This can be a bit more expensive than non-organic soil, but it’s worth it in the long run.
• Follow the planting instructions carefully. Make sure to space your plants correctly, and to water and fertilize them as directed.
• Harvest your crops when they’re ripe! Don’t forget to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of your labor.

Tips for organic gardening on a budget:

1. Look for organic-certified soil and compost at a lower price. Often, you will be able to find compost, such as mushroom compost, being sold in bulk. This is MUCH cheaper than buying bags of soil and often includes free delivery.

2. Plant in containers instead of in the ground. This will allow you to move your garden around as needed, and also makes it easier to protect from pests and animals. Additionally, you will be able to save on soil/compost costs as you will need less of both when container gardening.

3. Mulch your plants with organic materials like leaves, straw, or grass clippings. Not only does mulching help retain moisture in the soil, but it can also help deter pests. Mulches to avoid contain seeds, such as hay. Placing hay around your plants will only exasperate your weed-growing frustrations as it germinates quickly and easily.

4. Plant vegetables and fruits that are in season. Not only will they be cheaper, but they’ll be easier to take care of!

5. Start from seed. While buying transplants is easier and considerably less work, if you are looking to save money, starting your seeds indoors is the cheapest way to go.

You don’t need an expensive setup either. While some people invest in heat mats and grow lights all you really need is some 1020 trays, inserts, and a south-facing window.

6. Use recycled containers. Whether you are looking for a more sustainable way to start seeds or want to create a container garden, recycling is the way to go. Cardboard egg cartons work perfectly as seed starters. You can also make individual pots out of newspapers that can be planted with your seedlings and will slowly decompose.

7. Building your own beds is relatively easy to do with recycled materials. You should make sure that any wood you use is not pressure-treated. Likewise, railroad ties contain creosote which can leak chemicals in your soil and should be avoided. Cedar is commonly used as it is insect resistant and holds up well to weather. For several of our beds, we used galvanized steel that we repurposed after an old barn was torn down.

8. Make your own compost. I’ve discussed how to do this previously HERE as we make a small amount of our compost using kitchen scraps. A large amount of our compost is made from grass clippings, rabbit and chicken waste, leaves, and old soil. Not only is it free (my favorite!) but I am also able to account for everything that goes into our soil to ensure that we are not exposed to any toxic chemicals.

9. Join a seed swap. Many can be found in the spring or fall months through various facebook gardening groups. People are often very generous and, if you are like me and save seeds, you are able to spread your wealth around as well. The only caveat, of course, is you cannot ensure the quality of seed that you are getting or if seeds have been cross-pollinated.

10. Plant perennials. Planting perennials may cost money upfront but will save you time and money. With proper care, you can be harvesting crops such as strawberries, asparagus, blackberries, raspberries, and more, for years to come.

11. Water early in the morning, or late at night. This cuts down on the water that you will lose through evaporation. While it is highly debated that watering at night can lead to fungal issues, using tools such as drip tape or an irrigation system cuts down on the amount of moisture that gets on any foliage.

12. One way to save money is to use grocery store vegetables to save seeds. Most grocery stores sell organic produce, so you can save money by buying organic vegetables and using them to save seeds. Simply cut the vegetables in half and remove the seeds. You can then plant the organic seeds in your garden and grow your own organic vegetables.

13. Avoid using chemicals. While pesticides and insecticides are cheap and easy to come by, they often do more harm than good. Many insecticides kill beneficial insects as well as pests, and often pollinators, such as bees, are on the receiving end of these chemicals. Using organic options, such as insecticidal soap and diatomaceous earth, are still cheap but also effective ways of lessening pest pressure.

14. Propagate. Some plants, such as tomatoes, can be propagated to create new plants. Simply take a cutting and place it in water for a few days. Roots will start growing and, once the cutting is hardened off, it can be planted.

15. Collect rainwater. While this is illegal in some areas, rain barrels are a great way to cut down on costs when growing an organic garden. Not only can they be easily made (just make sure they are made from food-grade plastic), but rainwater is more beneficial to your plants than county water.

16. Look for sales. Popular stores, such as Sutherlands, will do early bird specials in the spring when they will price their plants up to 50% off. Additionally, if you are looking for fruit trees or perennials, they will often be discounted at the end of the summer season.

17. Invest in drip irrigation. To start with, water hoses may be more economical to buy, but drip tape will save you money in the long run. When using a hose, you will naturally have some water waste from overspray, misdirection, etc. Drip tape can be placed by the roots of your plants and release a small amount of water over extended amount of time, saving you on water costs.

18. Keep tools to a minimum. Your greatest assets when it comes to gardening will be using your own two hands. Very little is needed to dig, weed, and prune. I do suggest buying a good pair of pruning shears, garden gloves, and a long hoe so that you can weed without bending over.

Garage sales are also a great way to source used garden tools at a cheap cost. Additionally, items like plant markers, can be made from old popsicle sticks and be reused for years.

19. Use organic fertilizer. Fertilizers can be made right in your own kitchen with ingredients you likely have on hand. A few of my favorites are compost, compost tea, and Epsom salts. Compost is a great way to add organic matter to your soil and compost tea can be made from many different organic materials, such as nettles, comfrey, and horsetail. Epsom salts are a great source of magnesium and sulfur, which are often deficient in garden soils.

20. Start small. A small organic garden takes less time and money to maintain than a large one. This also ensures you don’t get overwhelmed or experience gardening burnout (I’ve written a blog on it which can be found HERE).

Getting Started…

If you’re looking for ways to cut costs and get started in organic gardening, there are numerous methods that will help you save money. We’ve shown you how to make your own materials, reuse old items, and save money on plants and seeds. With a little creativity and elbow grease, anyone can have an amazing garden without spending a fortune. What are you waiting for? Get outside and start planting!