Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
A lot of gardeners started with the goal of saving money, myself included. With how expensive food has gotten, growing your own food should be cheaper than buying it, right? Turns out, not so much.
When I first started gardening, I found that by the time I stocked up on seed trays, plant ties, protective netting, and all sorts of other garden gadgets, I ended up spending way more than I saved.
The good news? You probably already have plenty of things around your house that can do the job just as well—if not better—than the store-bought stuff. And if you’re missing a few items, you can find most of them at your local dollar store without blowing your budget.
In this article, you'll find 20 everyday items that can be repurposed in clever, money-saving ways to help you grow a thriving garden without spending a fortune. Let’s dig in!
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Seed Starting & Planting
Cardboard Egg Cartons
Just cut the lid off and use the bottom half to start seeds indoors. When the seedlings are ready, plant the entire section directly into the soil—the cardboard will eventually break down. However, it helps to poke some holes in the sides and bottom to make it easier for the roots to escape.
Toilet Paper Rolls
Stand them upright in a tray, fill them with soil, and plant your seeds inside. Once the seedlings are established, you can plant the whole roll in the garden. This method is great for root crops like beets and carrots.
Red Plastic Cups
You can use red plastic cups as mini pots for starting seeds. Just poke holes in the bottom for drainage first. I like to use masking tape to make labels. Just peel them off and you can use them again next season.
Large Salt and Sugar Shakers
Not the little ones you typically see one home dining room tables. I'm talking about the big ones. Fill one with small seeds and shake gently to distribute them evenly over your planting area.
You can do this with seeds for carrots, lettuce, radishes, and many others. Just don't forget to thin the seedlings or they'll be too crowded.
Plant Protection
Laundry Baskets (Upside Down)
I'm talking about the kind with lots of big holes in them. Place them upside-down over delicate plants during storms to shield them from hail damage. The holes let the wind go straight through so they won’t blow away, although it wouldn't hurt to put a heavy rock on top.
Milk Jugs (Cut)
Cut the bottom off of plastic milk jugs and place them over seedlings to create a mini greenhouse. This is a great way to get seedlings established early in the season.
You can also use milk jugs for watering. Just leave the lid on and poke holes in the cap to turn it into a watering can.
Newspaper
Lay sheets of newspaper around plants to create an effective weed barrier, then cover them with mulch. You can also use as the base for a no-dig or lasagna-style garden bed.
Mesh Laundry Bags
Drape mesh laundry bags over young plants or fruiting bushes such as blueberry bushes to protect them from birds. They allow sunlight, water, and air through while keeping pests out.
Old Cooling Racks
Place cooling racks over newly planted areas to keep cats or squirrels from digging up your garden. You can also stand them upright and use them as lightweight trellises for small climbing plants.
Support & Repair
Pantyhose
Cut pantyhose into strips and use them to tie plants to stakes or trellises. They’re stretchy and soft, so they won’t damage stems as the plant grows.
Self-Adhesive Wrap
I'm talking about the stuff you wrap around injured joints or muscles. You can wrap this stuff around broken or bent stems to stabilize them while they heal. It’s breathable and flexible, making it perfect for temporary plant “bandages.”
Small Hair Clips
Use small hair clips to clip plant stems to supports or trellises without crushing them. They’re quick to use, especially for tomatoes, peas, or climbing flowers.
Hula Hoops (Cut in Half)
Cut hula hoops in half insert the ends into the ground to form arches. Then drape fabric or plastic over the hoops to create a simple hoop house for frost or sun protection.
Pest Deterrents
Plastic Forks (Prong-Side Up)
Stick plastic forks in the ground with the tines sticking up. Place them around your seedlings to keep out curious animals like cats, dogs, rabbits, and squirrels. The sharp ends will discourage animals from digging and trampling.
Irish Spring Soap (In Pantyhose)
Cut Irish Spring soap bars into chunks, put them in pantyhose, and hang them from stakes or tree branches. The strong scent keeps deer and rodents away from your garden beds.
Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda lightly around plants to repel slugs and deter fungal growth. It’s especially useful around strawberries, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
Miscellaneous
Popsicle Sticks
Write plant names on popsicle sticks and insert them into your pots or garden rows. Be sure to use a high-quality permanent marker or the ink will smear when they get wet.
Shower Caddies or Hanging Baskets
Hang shower caddies from fences, rails, or hooks and fill them with herbs or small flowering plants. These are great for vertical gardening in small spaces or balconies.
Baking Trays
When I start seeds indoors, I put the pots in old baking trays to prevent water from getting all over the counter. You can also use them for regular potted plants. Plus, you can use them as trays to carry gardening supplies around.
Tall Laundry Baskets
You want the kind with holes in them, but not too many holes. Fill the inside with soil and compost, and plant strawberries or herbs through the side holes. This turns the basket into a vertical planter that maximizes growing space.
What do you think of my ideas? Let me know if you have any cheap gardening hacks!
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