Frugal Gardening TipsGardening can be tremendously expensive or nearly free—it depends on your budget, creativity and goals. For the frugal gardener, you might want to harvest an edible or gorgeous garden without breaking the bank. After all, what’s the use of a delectable homecooked meal featuring the literal fruits of your labor when it’s cheaper to get organic produce from the local farmer’s market?
 
Start by shopping for seasonal discounts, just like you do with everything else. If it’s not in season right now, it can probably be scored for a great price. Look for off-season plants or those who are a little past their prime but can still work for you. Pick up seeds as they’re moved to the clearance rack year-round, since their shelf life is much more generous. Exercise your green thumb to bring plants in need of a little TLC back to life.
 
However, savvy shopping is just one way to go frugal.
 
1. Transplant Trading Brigade
 
Every party has a pooper—but that’s a good (and fertile) thing for gardeners. Bring all your gardening friends together for a transplant trading event, since many people have more plants each year than they can use. Late spring is a perfect time to trade duplicate herbs, tomatoes, flowers and other garden favorites. Add a potluck into the mix, featuring garden ingredients, and that’s a party no one will miss.
 
2. Hello, Dolly
 
Dolly the sheep might have given cloning a strange name, but when it comes to plants you can’t beat cloning. Reproducing premium plants via root divisions is easy for the savvy gardener. Once you get into mid season, gather cuttings and root them right away. June is the best month to do this and you can quickly double several crops, from rosemary to geraniums.
 
3. Compost Away
 
There’s no excuse for not composting, especially when it’s so easy to make your own. Why not use your “garbage” to give your garden the fertilizer it craves? Plus, you’re helping the environment at the same time.
 
4. Water Smart
 
Water in the evenings and your plants will be able to enjoy this wet nourishment for longer. Watering in the heat of the day means water will evaporate more quickly, with less of it actually doing the plants any good. Be sure not to over or under water as well.
 
From keeping an eye out for affordable gardening tools, nursery specials and learn cost saving tips from your local gardening store; there’s always a way to save your green in more ways than one.

Gardening season is peaking, but is there something just a little off about your yard, trellis or edible garden? There’s a “right” way to garden and plant for the best blossoms and edibles, as well as the most pleasing aesthetics. Even a seasoned gardener can fall into a common landscaping mishap, but the good news is that most are easy to fix and you have plenty of time to do so. Simultaneously, “good gardening” prepares your land for next summer’s yard and ensures you’re ahead of the curve.

 

One of the biggest faux pas is simply adding too much lawn ornamentation, which can turn a personalized garden into a kitschy one in all the wrong ways. It’s one of the most common landscaping mistakes since it’s so easy to get wooed by all those cute baubles at the store, but remember that simplicity is best. However, other mistakes aren’t so innocent—such as forgetting to recycle.

 

Biggest Blunders to Avoid

 

You should have a solid recycling and composting regimen in place. Most people are Garden and flowerssurprised by how much waste a yard can produce, from clippings to debris. Renting a shredder to create mulch is a great idea. Don’t forget to pick up the spoiled goods, since one of the biggest summer fruit trees gardening mistakes is leaving fruits to fall and rot. That’s a missed opportunity for great composting.

 

Wondering how to grow beautiful roses and why yours aren’t keeping pace with the neighbors’? It might be because they were planted in the wrong place. While most rose breeds are pretty durable and will make do in many environments, you need to take adequate sun exposure into account for each and every breed. Also make sure you’ve allowed enough room for them to grow and flourish—otherwise, you’ll be cramped come next year and might have to re-plant the entire area.

 

Aggressive prepping problems

 

If planted too deeply, it’s pretty easy to kill a tree. Overdoing it is a newbie mistake, but anyone can be guilty of this crime. Don’t assume that more soil is better, because plants can actually be “choked” with this method. Plant too deep and root rot can occur.

 

Another mistake is cutting the grass too short in an effort to create a cleaner looking yard or to get more time between clippings. This can lead to bare patches, which is a welcome home for diseases and insects. In addition, your lawn will require more water since it won’t be able to hold on to moisture near the roots with added exposure to the sun.

 

Perhaps the most unfortunate of summer gardening mistakes is forgetting the view from the window. You planted this garden to enjoy it, so make sure you have a front row view from your favorite chair or indoor table. Sure, it’s fantastic to pull up in the driveway and take in a gorgeously groomed yard, but how much time do you really spend in the driveway? Make sure the landscaping joy is maximized for you and that you can indulge in some sightseeing throughout the day—otherwise, it’s more of a treat for your neighbors than yourself.

 

 

Whether you’re a certified black thumb or you consider gardening the love of your life, sometimes you just want to make gardening time easier. Gardening hacks give you the shortcuts necessary to spend less time struggling and more time literally smelling the roses. It’s spring, so if you’ve waited until “spring cleaning” to spiffy up those old clay pots, you’re probably facing some tough deposits. Mix equal parts water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, then simply spray and scrub to quickly remove residue of previous plants. This will give you a clean slate for new potting.

 

Have you been battling with the line of your string trimmer, leading to endless jams or even Happy Grandmother with her granddaughter working in the gardenbreakage? The next time you tackle this tool, spray it with vegetable oil prior to installing the trimmer. Coconut oil will also do the trick. A little preventative prepping can go a long way in making your tools last longer.

 

1. Mani Maintenance

 

Love to garden, but want to keep your manicure looking fresh, too? Simply scrape your fingernails across a soap bar and you’ll “seal” the undersides. The end result? Dirt and soil can’t collect there, and all you need is a simple nailbrush to quickly remove the soap layer after playing in the dirt. Who says both you and your yard can’t look gorgeous?

 

2. Always Be Prepared

 

It seems like you always need gardening twine at the least opportune time. To make sure it’s always handy, put a ball in a clay pot and pull the end out of the drain hole. Put the pot upside down near your garden for an instant, protected and easy twine holder. If you have kids, they can even customize it with a little acrylic paint.

 

3. Measure Up

 

Any tool with a long handle can be made into a measuring stick when it’s past its prime. Mark off inches, feet or any other unit of measurement you prefer. Planting things within uniform distances can be impossible to eyeball and you don’t want to get your fabric tape unnecessarily dirty. The best measuring device is probably something you already have around, like that dull shovel.

 

4. Keep It Tidy

 

Don’t like the looks of markers you buy at the store or what comes with your seed packs? Use natural stones with flat faces as markers. All you need is a permanent marker, some good handwriting (you can outsource this) and you’ll instantly pretty up the garden while giving it an au natural appeal. Ditch the plastic that looks tacky and the cheap wood markers that get dirty.

 

5. Pest Control

 

Aphids are one of the most common pests to plague a garden, but mix a strong hose blast with simple insecticidal soap and you’ll send them running. However, a greener option is simply using tape. Get some wide tape, put it around your hand (sticky side out) and pat down the leaves. Kids can also help with this, but focus mostly on the underside of leaves where aphids like to hide.

 

 

Maybe you don’t have such a black thumb after all—maybe you’re just being plagued by some of the most common gardening problems around. One of the biggest obstacles gardeners face are deer, arguably the biggest pest of all. They can’t get enough of your veggies, plants and blossoms, and even if something isn’t part of their “regular” diet, these woodland creatures will go off course if they’re hungry enough.

 

Even though deer can jump exceptionally high, they have problems with “double fencing” and will move on to greener gardens. Even two fences close together at just four feet tall is enough to make a deer think twice. As for squirrels, another common pest, they love a lot LKR035530of things about gardens but can’t stand plants with strong smells. Plant some cayenne peppers for a guaranteed squirrel-free garden.

 

Pests of All Shapes and Sizes

 

Another group of troublemakers are moles, who are probably after the white grubs nestled in gardens. Remove the grubs and you’ll remove the moles in one fell swoop. If you can’t spot these gray rodents, buried walls often do the trick to keep moles out of the garden. Use compacted clay or stone that’s at least half a foot thick. They may still climb over, but it’s a good deterrent.

 

Mildew, especially the powdery variety, can easily take over your leaves. The infected ones need to be snipped and removed so it doesn’t spread. Never put them in compost, and consider spraying once a week to keep things in check. However, spraying will only work with hydrated plants, so indulge your garden in a “deep watering” two days before the spray.

 

Tackling the Intruders

 

A very common garden intruder is blackspot fungus, which thrives in humid, hot weather. It looks like black spots on the leaves and it’s especially fond of roses. This can also be treated with a weekly spray and requires full saturation. Don’t forget to spray the ground surrounding the plants, and remove diseased leaves to the trash—not the compost. Again, hydration is key.

 

Finally, there’s the most dreaded uninvited guests—insects. Each bug may require slightly different approaches, but always choose an earth-friendly spray that’s preferably listed on OMRI (meaning it’s been approved to be organic in the US). Try to only spray the infected plants avoiding any unnecessary chemicals, and consider indulging in some research about natural removal methods.

 

Pests come in all shapes and sizes, but try to take it as a compliment. Similar to someone copying your outfit, they clearly like what you have going on—even if it’s frustrating for you.

 

You love getting your hands dirty, but there’s no reason to take that sentiment to the extreme. There are many options for gardening tools at your local plant nursery—how can you know which ones you really need and which ones will be left collecting dust in the garage? There are only a few essential items that every gardener absolutely needs. Just like pruning and deadheading, it’s time to trim the fat and get down to basics.

Pruning shears are a must when the blades are sharp and they’re small in size. Go for a lightweight model for pruning perennials. Great brands include Corona and Felco, but whatever works best for you is going to be the “best pruning shears.” Consider what’s in your garden (ahem, how tough some of those plants are), how much weight you really want to carry around and shop accordingly.

millcreek gardens nursery pruning shears gardening tools

A Little Off the Top

Scissors are another essential for snips and pruning, and you don’t need anything special. Regular household scissors often do the trick for cutting herbs, opening potting soil, cutting strings or slicing open seed packets. Don’t let anyone tell you that you need “gardening scissors” for the simplest of tasks. There might come a time when they’re necessary, such as harvesting vegetables, but for the average gardener that extra pair in the junk drawer will work just fine.

Other times, you’ll be facing a tough job and only a saw will suffice. A fixed-blade traditional “pull to cut” saw with a light curve is great for thicker branches. You can get a clean, fast cut through even the biggest limbs. This can also be used for cutting down smaller trees. Saws are especially important for bigger projects or if you’re seriously revamping the yard.

Well Groomed

A shovel and a rake are to gardening what your comb and brush are to getting ready for a night out. Sharpshooters are great, compact shovels featuring a narrow blade that is perfect for deeper holes. Even better, it can be sharpened. This means that once you invest in a quality gardening shovel, it’ll last for life. “Regular” shovels aren’t designed for planting. As for rakes, you may need a few (shrubs, removing leaves and moving mulch all require different rakes).

Lastly, a weeder can be your secret weapon. Also dubbed “dandelion diggers,” they make pulling up weeds simple. This task is nobody’s favorite, so don’t spend any more time on it than necessary. Get in and out quickly, making a dirty job not so dirty after all.

 

 

As you head into the garden to start your spring prep work, do you find yourself doing the same old thing year after year? Maybe it’s time to shake things up a bit—start by looking at the hottest gardening trends of 2014 at your local plant nursery or greenhouse. Things are popular for a reason, so it may be worth your efforts to go with the flow this year. One of the most desired features are grafted plants, which happens when the top of a plant is connected to the root of another plant. This helps prevent disease and improve strength, and can even up the flavor content.

 

Gardeners are also opting for more raised beds, and even stackable ones, as a means to change the landscape, make projects easier on the back and provide some more contrast in an otherwise flat garden. You can also add some containers to the landscape, which make moving and gardening design easy. However, for an even bigger game changer, consider these ideas:

 

Change What You Garden 

 

Who says gardening only involves plants, fruits, veggies and flowers? Why not keep a few millcreek gardensbees and enjoy your own honey, as well as some free pollination while you’re at it? Bees are becoming increasingly endangered, too, so you’ll also be helping the planet on a bigger scale. If bee keeping just isn’t for you, you can lure these gardeners to your yard by planting things they love, like a variety of bright flowers.

 

Another option is choosing what you plant based on the potential for foraging or health benefits. For example, aloe plants and ginger both provide excellent health benefits. Encouraging the growth of safe mushrooms and healthy veggies means your next meal is literally in your own backyard. Think about what supplements you take (or should take) and plant them yourself to save some serious cash at the pharmacy.

 

Get Creative with What You Grow

 

If you’re like most people, you grow the same fruits and veggies every year because you millcreek gardens nurseryknow how to care for them and you like them. Break out of your pattern and choose some exotic or flat out strange veggies for planting. How about some Dinosaur kale or black tomatoes? Research the health benefits, and if you have kids, let them take a crack at picking the weirdest veggies—and then trying them when they’re ripe.

 

Likewise, the gardening of “super foods” has boomed in popularity this year. From berries to beets, quinoa to avocados, it’s easy to up your super food intake when you grow it yourself. Plus, there’s no worrying about it being really organic, and you can’t get more local than your own garden.

As the weather warms up, right now is prime time for prepping your garden, yard, pots and containers for the blooming season. It is also time to visit your favorite local nursery and garden center. Anyone with a green thumb is likely itching to get their hands dirty, but there are only so many plants, bulbs and seeds that are going to thrive if planted right now. Instead, focus on early gardening projects that will help get your home ready for the season while satisfying your urge to get started. There’s more to it than seedlings and soil, plus you’ll get a head start to make the most of your most gorgeous garden yet.

 

Start by clearing out those drainage ditches—they’re likely full of leaves and muck from the winter. You need to help spring rains get a good runoff, and the best soil is drainable. Early spring is a low grow time for vegetables, making it the perfect season for drain ditch spring cleaning. Create compost when you can, with dead leaves for example, because carbon-heavy soil is something plants can’t resist.

 

millcreek gardens

 

Repair and Reap the Rewards

 

Survey the garden and see if there are any bowed flower bed sides. Trellises and fencing might also be in need of maintenance. Those snowy, wet winters can do a number on outdoor wood, and when rot sets in a replacement will be in order. However, bowed sides can be fixed with new stakes, and repairs to fences are best done in the spring when there’s little growth to get in the way. Plus, not as many roots are available to be disturbed. Install fence posts later in the season, after the spring rains have drained.

 

It’s never too early (or late) to start weeding and mulching bald spots. It’s less work to pull weeds right now, since they have shallow roots. Pick up some mulch or ground cover to fill bald spots and prevent new weeds from growing. Putting down plastic sheeting works well as a cover, just as long as you flip it every week to avoid slug infestations. However, be careful when mulching close to beds or near fruit trees, keeping it a few inches away to avoid plant or bark rot.

 

Almost Ready

 

Depending on where you live, wait for a dry spell and top dress the gardens with compost or a seasoned manure mix to get ready for planting. Don’t dig it too early; soil ecosystems are complex and best left to “fester” on their own. Don’t worry—any nutrients added to the top dressing will work their way through the soil naturally. It might seem like compost piles aren’t actually “composting,” but looks can be deceiving.

 

Check the pH balance of soils, and if it’s less than 6.2 consider adding lime to the mix. In a perfect world, this is added many weeks before planting and using it as a quick fix isn’t recommended. It might shift the pH so quickly that the soil and future plants are shocked.

 

Finishing Touches

 

Don’t forget about the landscape beyond the garden, and spend a weekend raking dead leaves, which lets air and light get to the soil. This encourages gross growth, and it’s also a great time to re-seed the lawn. Metal rakings before re-seeding is a good idea, and make sure to keep the area watered well, at least until germination.

 

Finally, prune dead foliage, pull vegetable skeletons and thin ornamentals to encourage new growth. This is a task for the autumn, but if it was put off or another trimming is in order, it can only help. Now comes the best part—deciding what new plants, flowers or shrubbery you’ll be adding this year. Nothing compares to the joy of starting with a clean slate (or, in this case, yard).