A recent survey by Scotts Miracle-Gro reports that 55% of American adults are gardening during the pandemic as a way to stay busy, relieve stress and get closer to their food source. But, according to the National Gardening Association’s 2020 National Garden Survey, the pandemic could also influence the way we garden, with economic uncertainty forcing a trend toward more DIY garden projects, among other cost-saving measures.
I can personally attest to multiple trips to garden supply stores to source the best deals on everything under the sun to grow, well, everything under the sun. While I won’t divulge all my secrets, I will share some hacks to make gardening cheaper and easier.
CONTAINER GARDENS
Growing in popularity: According to statista.com, roughly 21 million American households turned to container gardens in 2019. The self-contained format often makes it easier to control things like soil type, pH and more, which can save you money on other supplies such as fertilizer, but prefabricated raised beds can cost $100 or more depending on the size and materials.
* A hanging shoe organizer makes for a cheap yet stylish herb garden. Be sure to poke some holes in the bottom of each pocket if water doesn’t naturally drain through, and hang it outside or over something you don’t mind getting wet and dirty.