This article from Daisy Luther at The Organic Prepper is a link-fest, bringing together numerous articles across the internet – Dirt Cheap: The Best Frugal Gardening Ideas on the Internet
With the price of healthful groceries going no place but up, lots of thrifty folks are starting a garden to save money on their bills this year. But what about the money to start a garden? It can be a very expensive undertaking, especially if you’ve never gardened before in your particular location.
I’ve been researching ways to start my own garden as inexpensively as possible and thought, “HEY!!! I know some other folks who would absolutely love frugal gardening ideas!” So…here they are.
Step One: What Kind of Garden Are You Going to Grow?
Of course, the very first thing to decide is what type of garden will work best for your situation. This will depend a lot on your soil, your climate, your skillset, and what you have easy and inexpensive access to. Following are some articles and books that will help you make your decision.
Pallet Gardens: Simple, Easy, Free
Create an Instant Garden with Sheet Mulching
Lasagna Gardening: A New Layering System for Bountiful
Gardens: No Digging, No Tilling, No Weeding, No Kidding!
DIY Super Easy Raised Garden Bed for Under $30
How to Build a Raised Garden Bed for $12
For those who aren’t build-y: Big Bag Fabric Raised Beds (I have used these with great success for veggies with shallow roots and as a bonus, you can use them on concrete if you’re gardening on a patio.)
Square Foot Gardening: The Revolutionary Way to Grow More in Less Space
15 Fruits and Veggies You Can Grow in a Bucket Garden
PVC Drip Irrigation System for Your Garden
How to Save BIG on Lumber Supplies for Your Square Foot Garden
Step Two: Plan Your Garden
Now that you have figured out how you’ll grow your food, you need to figure out what to grow. A lot of that depends on your goals. Are you just hoping for salad this summer? Or are you planning to grow an entire year’s worth of food for your family? These links will help you make some decisions!
FREE Garden Planning Printables
How Much to Plant for a Year’s Worth of Food
An Inspiring 5000 Square Foot Garden Plan
Last Frost Date Seed Planting Worksheet
Step Three: Start Your Seedlings
While it’s easy and less hassle to buy your seedlings already started, it costs a whole lot more. One plant can be the equivalent of an entire package of seeds! Starting your own seedlings is not that difficult and you don’t need an indoor growing operation that marijuana drug lords would envy.
20 Frugal Repurposed Seed Starting Containers
How to Make Newspaper Seed Starting Pots
Another Way to Make Seed Starting Pots from Newspaper
Chicken Manure Tea for Seedlings
Why Your Seeds Aren’t Germinating
Step Four: Amend, Create, or Prepare Your Soil
No matter how sturdy your seedlings or how efficient your beds, your garden is only as good as your soil. These tips will help you, whether you’re amending what exists, creating soil, or preparing your soil to receive seedlings…(continues)
Some seed sellers on the internet are starting to take orders again, like Seed Savers Exchange.
Lower Valley Assembly 