Welcome to my 52 Ways to Save $100 a Month series. We’re serious about saving money in 2016. Sometimes it’s the little things and sometimes it’s the big things. I’m here to walk you through some little things that can add up to BIG savings. 52 little things to be exact. Every week, join me back here for another small money saving tip or idea that might not seem like significant savings until you see the overall yearly savings. It might just blow your mind. So pop in each Tuesday and read a new tip that will help you on your way to save $100 a month!
You might think this week’s post is about how to save money by buying and using seeds instead of buying seedlings from your local nursery. And don’t get me wrong, a packet of seed can run as low as $0.25 while a 6 pack of veggie starts or even individual plant starts can run a few dollars per container. So clearly you’ll save money. But no, this post is about patience.
Because let’s be honest. Those little overpriced plant starts are tempting to buy, because they are already growing. Starting your garden from seed requires a little time and a little patience. But trust me when I say it is sooo worth it! Here are some tips and benefits from growing your garden from seed:
Ordering Your Seeds: I know many stores have great seed sales, I think the easiest way to order seeds is through a seed catalog. I love seed catalogs because I can plan out my entire garden and order all my seeds at the same time. You can also get discounts for bulk orders, so that makes it more cost effective, too. You can check out the list I compiled of tons of free seed catalogs. Also check out Nine Great Tips for Seed Shopping From Catalogs.
How Much Do Seeds Yield: 1 packet of tomato seeds can give you a year’s supply of tomatoes if you are willing to can up your own pasta sauce, canned tomatoes, salsa, tomato soup and only eat tomatoes during the summer months fresh from your garden {you know, when they taste the best anyway}. You may also have so much produce growing that you’ll have to utilize that art of freezing your bounty. I’ve been doing this for years and one little seed packet keeps my family in fresh produce all year long.
Growing Plants From Seed: You can check out all sorts of growing guides I’ve compiled through the years. It’ll walk you through how to grow your produce from start to finish. See the Complete List of Growing Guides. I also like to start seeds using grow lights. You can get tips on How to Use Grow Lights to Start Seeds here.
When Seeds Aren’t Necessary: When it comes to buying seeds, many people also dump a lot of money into flower seeds. Or, more frequently, shell out big bucks for already blooming flowers to plant themselves. While seeds are still the cheaper option, there’s an even better one: perennial flowers. If you choose perennial flowers, it’s like the gift that keeps on giving year after year. You might have to do a little maintenance, but you won’t have to spend another dime to have the same flowers you love pop up in your garden come spring. That amounts to a HUGE SAVINGS!
Do you grow your garden from seed or do you prefer to use starts?
How Much Can You Save: $600 My garden budget was $1,200 for last year, this year it’s $600 {and I am aiming to go even lower}. That’s 100% possible because I’m going to grow my entire garden from seed.
More Ways to Save:
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clean Out Your Closet {Week 1 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Break Up with Cable {Week 2 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Barter Better {Week 3 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Change Your Own Oil {Week 4 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Adjust Your Thermostat {Week 5 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Take Advantage of Your Perks {Week 6 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Pack Your Lunch {Week 7 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Make It Yourself {Week 8 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Preserve Your Bounty {Week 9 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Keep the Change {Week 10 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | The Art of Borrowing {Week 11 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Ditch the Gym {Week 12 of 52}
52 Ways to Save $100 a Month | Clip a Coupon {Week 13 of 52}
Suzy says
My absolute favorite way to add to the flowers in my garden is to get starts of perennials from friends. Not only are they free, but every plant has a special memory attached to it!
Mavis says
Great suggestion!
Carrie says
Garden Clubs also will have swaps or sales with their unwanted propagated plants. I also found out this past weekend that a local nursery had a better price on blueberry bushes. They were $10 for a one gallon (3-4 foot tall bush) versus $20-$30 at the big box home improvement stores!!! I totally wasn’t expecting that so it pays to shop around!
jana says
Our Church Ladies Group does a yearly perennial exchange. Great way to clear out your garden a bit and to add something new!
Lauren says
I also do a little bit of my own seed saving, things like lettuce, silverbeet and marigolds are really easy seeds to collect and save.
mandy says
Last year my plot at our community garden was all from seed. I had collected the melons, lettuce, bok choy, some peppers and some of the flowers seeds the previous year. The rest I started from purchased seeds (Botanical is one of my faves also). It’s a small plot 25′ x 25′, but I tend to jam pack it. I definately plant closer together than anyone else in the garden. I’m working on the plants again right now and am quite pleased with my tomatoes. I started a month earlier this year. I had a few dud pepper seeds though. I don’t really want to buy plants, but am worried it might be too late to get a good start on them. What do you think Mavis? I’m in Chico Ca. we have a long growing season if I start them now, do you just think they’ll have enough time to get established ? It was sure a nice feeling last year to look around and think I know all of you little and big plants when you were just seeds 🙂