Frugal gardening ideas for frugal times

[NRaleighLiberal]

8. A few frugal things that I do

Reuse - whether seed starting plug flats, containers, spent straw bales, garden stakes, even the planting mix in containers (with a major caveat - as long as the plants grow well....if something dire takes them down, then one should toss and start fresh).

Go inexpensive or free - basic heat mats, the big containers that shrubs and trees come in, or even wind up on highway median strips. Often nurseries have stacks of pots and trays that they are looking to offload - just ask.

Avoid fancy solutions (plant clips) and go with a big ball of sisal twine for tying vining plants to stakes

Grow your support - use Bamboo for stakes, instead of purchasing them from big box stores

Join a seed saving or sharing organization or use a seed library - and educate yourself on the longevity of various seeds (for example, tomato seeds will germinate well for at least 14 years).

Start your own seeds, rather than overpaying for individual plants - and plant them thickly (I use 50 cell plug flats and plant up to 50 seeds in each - transplant to individual containers once they are big enough - you can then donate or sell your extras).