How to Save Money at a Nursery

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It's easy to get hypnotized at a garden store or nursery...that is, until your wagon full of purchases is rung up at the cash register. Sales may seem rare. But there may be some small ways to ease the sticker shock, even in springtime. Here are some ideas to try to plant your garden the thrifty way.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Inquire about discounts. College students, seniors, even co-op members can sometimes get discounts at nurseries. Sometimes certain days are set aside for seniors, such as Tuesday. Go shopping with your mother or father, grandmother or grandfather! Is your great aunt available?

Step2

Buy perennials. Annuals will need to be replanted yearly, hence the name. Perennials theoretically last forever. This is a crucial difference. Just check the tag of the flower or shrub before buying.

Step3

Invest in a soaker hose. This may not significantly reduce your savings at the nursery, but will save on the water bill once you get home. Remember that around 5 or 6 a.m. is the most efficient time to water.

Step4

Buy small. Thinking about a large tree or bush? Buy a smaller-sized one and be patient. You can always ask which grows fastest. As they said in the 70s, small is beautiful.

Step5

Purchase seeds not starter plants, when possible. Sometimes starters make sense for your climate and give you the head start you have to have. But if you plan early and plant seeds in pots or cartons inside a sunny window, you'll have your own starters in about 6 to 8 weeks. If you do need to buy starters, the little 6-packs are a good deal.

Step6

For potting soil or compost, even fertilizer, choose the largest volume possible. If it is not a plant, the rule is to buy large, like in the big box stores. Of course making your own compost is the best bet.

Step7

Re-use containers by planning to use the plastic ones for those little seeds and starters; any gallon containers are great for tomatoes or peppers.