How to Start a Garden for Under $50
Gardening has so many benefits—it can even help you live longer! (Check out this article on how gardeners often enjoy better health.) Plus, it’s a great way to get fresh produce from your backyard and an environmentally friendly hobby. The best part? You don’t need a lot of fancy tools or a big budget. In fact, you can start a garden with just $50—or even less!
Planning Your Garden
Assess Your Space:
Think about where your garden will go. Is it in the backyard, on a balcony, or maybe just a windowsill? Each of these locations will determine how much sunlight your plants get, the soil quality, and how much room they have to grow. Some plants thrive in small spaces or shady areas, while others need lots of sun. So, before you start buying seeds, consider what plants will fit your space best.
Choosing What to Grow:
Pick plants that are both affordable and high-yield. Vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and herbs are great choices because they’re easy to grow and can save you money at the grocery store. Also, think about what you eat most. If you love fresh herbs but hate paying for them at the store, they’re perfect to add to your garden. Don’t forget to check which plants grow best in your zone (here’s a link to find out).
Sourcing Supplies on a Budget
Seeds or Seedlings:
One of the cheapest ways to get plants is to ask around. My local library, for example, has a seed swap where you can get seeds for free. Maybe your family or friends have extra seeds or plants to share too. For ornamental plants, ask for cuttings or divisions from fast-growing plants like lilies. It’s amazing how much you can grow with a little patience and some shared resources.
Containers:
No need to buy expensive pots! You can use items you already have, like yogurt cups or milk containers, to start your seeds. For bigger plants, you can get creative—try a five-gallon bucket from the hardware store (usually only around $5) or repurpose an old pot you picked up at a garage sale. Keep an eye out for freebies, too. I’ve even found great pots left out by my neighbors!
Soil and Compost:
You don’t need fancy soil. A small bag of potting soil costs about $6, or you can use dirt from your yard if you’re in a pinch. Compost is even better—start your own using kitchen scraps, leaves, and grass clippings. If you live near a farm, you might be able to score some free manure, like my mom did with horse and rabbit manure!
Tools and Equipment
Basic Tools:
You really don’t need to splurge on tools. At the bare minimum, you’ll want a shovel and a watering can. You can often find these secondhand at garage sales or on Facebook Marketplace for next to nothing. If you buy new, a shovel might set you back about $10, and you can grab a small watering can for around $4.
DIY Solutions:
Want to save even more? Make your own watering can from a plastic milk jug! And if you want to protect your plants early in the season, milk jugs can double as mini-greenhouses. For plant markers, use old popsicle sticks or plastic cutlery—no need to buy anything fancy.
Low-Cost Growing Techniques
Starting Seeds Indoors:
Starting plants from seeds is a huge money-saver. A packet of seeds costs about the same as buying one plant, but with seeds, you’ll get dozens of plants. You don’t need special seed trays either—egg cartons or yogurt cups work just fine. And for light, try placing your seedlings in a sunny window, or take them outside during the day when it’s warm enough.
Container Gardening Tips:
Even if you live in an apartment with just a balcony, you can still grow a decent garden in containers. Make sure the area gets enough sunlight, and use any pots you can find—whether they’re from friends, neighbors, or thrift stores. You can always upgrade to sturdier ones later.
Raised Beds:
If you’ve got a bit more space, raised beds can be made on the cheap with scrap wood (like old fence posts). While you may need to invest a bit in soil, starting small and working with what you have can save money. Raised beds are great for growing more vegetables in a compact space, and you can check out “Square Foot Gardening” at your local library to learn more about maximizing your space.
Watering and Maintenance on a Budget
Water Conservation:
You can easily save water by setting up a rain barrel. It doesn’t have to be fancy—even a plastic trash can will do the trick. I use one of these for my non-edible plants, and it works great! Another trick? Use household greywater. Collect water from washing fruits and veggies or even from running the tap while it heats up, and use that to water your garden.
Natural Fertilizers:
Forget expensive store-bought fertilizers. You can make your own from things you already have in the kitchen, like coffee grounds, banana peels, and eggshells. Compost is a great way to feed your plants, too. For pest control, a little dish soap, neem oil, or even garlic spray can do wonders.
Frugal Gardening Hacks
Regrowing Kitchen Scraps:
Did you know you can grow green onions, garlic, or romaine lettuce from scraps? Just save the bottoms and stick them in a cup of water on your windowsill. They’ll start to regrow without needing soil—and best of all, it’s totally free!
Seed Saving:
When you harvest your vegetables, save the seeds! Dry them out, store them in a small paper bag, and they’ll be ready to plant next year. If you got any free seeds from your local library or a seed swap, consider donating some back to keep the cycle going.
Community Resources:
Don’t overlook your local resources! Many communities have Master Gardener groups, AG extension offices, and libraries that offer free gardening classes, seed swaps, and even free pots or plants. I’ve attended a few of these classes myself, and it’s a great way to learn and connect with other gardeners.
Budget Breakdown: Starting a Garden for $50
Here’s a rough idea of how to spend your $50:
- $10 for seeds or seedlings
- $5–$10 for soil or compost
- $10 for basic tools (or $0 if you find them secondhand)
- $10 for containers (or free if you repurpose household items)
- $5–$10 for optional extras like organic fertilizer or pest control
Conclusion
Start small and expand as you learn—you don’t need to turn your entire yard into a garden right away! Gardening can be a budget-friendly, rewarding hobby that doesn’t require a lot of money. With some creativity, anyone can grow their own food or plants. Do you have any gardening tips for saving money? I’d love to hear them—feel free to share in the comments!
Like this post? Consider reading Meal Planning on a Budget: 10 Affordable, Easy Recipes.
