Whether you’re renting a house in Seattle or owning a house in Dallas, it can be difficult to get space for gardening enthusiasts. Many people don’t have the grass space to plant their ideal garden. And even those with space may have budgetary restrictions that hinder them. But creating a beautiful garden doesn’t require you to break the bank. Even if you’re working on small spaces and a tight budget, there are many ways to enhance your outdoor area. Dive into 12 budget small garden ideas that will help you create your dream garden without overexpending.
1. Upcycled containers as pots
Look for items that can be reused as planters. Old tires, tin cans, wooden wooden frames, and even teacups can be converted into unique and attractive containers for plants. This is a great way to reduce waste and add character to your garden.
Mindy Lopes, owner of Flower Paradise Floral Design, said: “In the first two weeks, we protect seeds and small plants from direct sunlight. With a little creativity and consistency, even the smallest spaces bloom beautifully.”
Lauren Johnson, owner of Bellisima Fiore, also recommends reusing containers to accommodate plants.
“We mix seasonal flowers and herbs, such as candle jars, wine crates, and recycled ceramics, into upcycled containers to create a mini garden that reflects your personal style.”
2. Prioritize plants with low maintenance
“Start a small garden with plants that are easy to grow and low-maintenance, such as herbs, succulents or pothos that thrive in containers and do not require flashy tools,” says Kimberly Brown of Glory Bloom. “Reusing everyday items like mason jars, tin cans or old mugs as planters keeps things beautiful and budget-friendly.”
3. Propagate plants from cuttings
“A great budget-friendly and great way to start a small garden is to use cuttings of plants from friends and neighbors. Many herbs and houseplants can easily be propagated in water,” says Bethany of William Paul Floral Design. “Combine it with a bit of DIY composting using kitchen scraps and you’ll have a low-cost garden that thrives at home.”
4. Create your own DIY compost
Creating your own compost from kitchen scraps is not only environmentally friendly, but also cost-effective.
Turn kitchen scraps into nutritious compost to boost garden health. This natural fertilizer helps reduce landfill waste, reduce the need for store-bought options, make plants stronger, and everything is environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
To get started, set aside a bottle or pile of compost outdoors. Add garden waste like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and cut-outs of leaves and grass. Avoid meat, dairy and oily foods. Stir the mountains from time to time to keep them moist. The material breaks down into rich, crunchy compost, perfect for garden beds and potted plants.
5. Know the plants that are most cultivated in the climate
While it may be appealing to make your decision purely based on aesthetics, it is important to take into account your local climate when planning your garden
“It’s very important to understand which USDA plant’s hardiness zone your property is in,” says Mariela Aguilar, founder of Casa de Flores Design. “Most of the time, homeowners are fans of aesthetics and don’t think about whether their species are suitable for the zone, so they often buy plants. The comparability of hardiness zones saves you a lot of money, especially in the age of drought and frost.”
6. Start with seeds instead of buying mature plants
Buying mature plants is an easy way to start a home garden, but it can be expensive. Instead of buying mature plants, start your garden with seeds. Seeds are significantly cheaper and offer a wider range of options. If you live in a cool climate or plant it for the winter, you can start indoors with small containers or plant them directly in your garden until the weather warms up.
7. Avoid direct sunlight and keep small garden plants in water properly
Plants need sunlight and water to grow, but it’s important not to give them anything too good. Exposure to the sun too much or taking too much water can have a negative effect on your small garden.
“We always recommend keeping the plants in indirect light, placing them in containers with appropriate drainage holes and watering them from the bottom,” says Nadica, Fleur de Lis Florist. “When watering, place the plants in a water tray and let the soil drink until it is moist again before removing them. By avoiding watering or pans on top that do not have drainage holes, we ensure that the plants are not sitting in excess water that can succumb to root rot.”
8. Clean around the edges
Small, organized gardens add far more curb charm to your home than the larger ones here and there. A little basic landscaping can enhance the appearance of your garden.
“One of the cheapest and fastest ways to get your garden to polish is to clean the edges,” says Emily Toucher of Happy Garden Place. “Use a flat shovel or edging tool to create clean lines around flower beds, corridors and driveways. With sharp edges, even the simplest spaces give you a professional look.”
9. Create DIY Garden Art
If you enjoy art and crafts, why not use that hobby to give your garden a little more talent? Add personality to your outdoor planting space with DIY art projects and garden decorations. Painted rocks, mosaic tiles, or wind chimes made from recycled materials can add a creative touch without putting a cost on them. These personal touches will make your garden unique.
10. Shop at local nursery and markets
Local nursery and farmer markets often have better prices than large chain stores. Find unique plants and get expert advice from local growers. Shopping provides another potential resource for gardening tips and tricks while supporting the local community. Local shops usually don’t hesitate to hand out free advice on plant-related issues you may have.
11. Take advantage of free resources
Check out free resources on online forums such as Reddit, Community Gardens, and Local Gardening Groups. Many gardeners are happy to share extra plants, seeds, or gardening tools. This is a great way to connect with fellow enthusiasts and find small garden ideas on a budget.
12. Plan your layout
Plan your garden layout before you start purchasing plants and ingredients. Consider important factors such as sunlight, access to water, and mature size of the plant. The last thing you want to do is plant something that grows beyond your available garden space. A well-planned small garden is more efficient and helps you make the most of your resources.
13. Incorporate vertical gardening
Small lawns may limit the size of your garden, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box and take a more 3D approach to make the most of your garden. By going vertically, you maximize limited space. Grow plants upwards using trellis, wall planters, or hanging baskets. This is a great solution for anyone looking for a small garden idea on a budget with limited urban areas or ground space.
