There is no doubt that having and maintaining a beautiful garden costs money. A lot of the plants, materials, furnishings and décor which are commonly used for gardens today are a bit expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways on how you can work within your budget while having the garden that you have always wanted. Here are some tips.

1. First off, relax. As with other projects, you should never bite off more than what you can chew. If possible, divide your gardening project into smaller ones. If you have been planning remodel your entire garden, try to divide it into smaller sections that you can do over a certain period of time. For instance, you can work on one small gardening project every month for six months or until you finish everything. By doing this, you would not only be able to have the opportunity to save up for each project but also have more fun in doing them.

2. If you have been doing your research on the costs of setting up a garden, then you probably already know that a big chunk of the total cost goes to labor. This is why if possible, try to work on your gardening projects by yourself or with your spouse or family. You can enlist some friends, relatives or even turn it into some kind of wholesome family activity that your kids can participate in. Choosing to work on your gardening project without hiring professionals is great and very cost-effective, as long as you have the knowledge, tools and equipment needed to do the job. If you do not, however, be sure to consider the advantages of hiring professional landscapers and contractors. Setting up your garden without actually knowing what you are doing could just be a waste of time and money if you realize later on that you could not do the job by yourself.

3. It would also save you a lot of money if you would be growing your plants from seeds instead of buying the ones which are already grown. Aside from saving money, knowing that you were able to grow your plants from seeds is a lot more rewarding.

4. You can also get plants and seedlings from people you know who have their own gardens. There are some people who are more than willing to give you any surplus plants they have. You can even offer surplus plants you have in return. If you do not know a lot of people who tend their own garden, you can try joining a local garden club, which could give you the opportunity to meet other gardeners.

5. Instead of buying fertilizer, you can try making your own compost. You just need to do a bit of researching to know how to make it – you might be surprised how simple it is to make it, allowing you to not only save money but grow your garden organically as well.

6. When looking for gardening tools, equipment and supplies, try browsing yard sales and antique shops. These usually offer a wide selection of bargain gardening supplies and equipment that would help you set up your garden without burning a hole in your pocket.

7. Lastly, make sure that you would be taking care of your garden. To get the most out of the money you invested in it, take the time to know how to maintain your garden and how to take care of your plants. Through doing this, you would be able to have a beautiful garden that you and your family can enjoy for a long time.