Introducing Cheap and Easy DIY Garden Ideas
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a gorgeous garden, you’ve come to the right place. There are so many cheap and easy DIY projects that can give your yard a makeover without breaking the bank.
Start with upcycling materials you already have. Old wooden pallets, crates, buckets, and containers make perfect planters. Give them a coat of paint or stain and you’ve got stylish ways to display your plants for pennies. You can also create vertical gardens using pallets, trellises, and hanging systems to maximize your space.
Hardscaping
Use large stones, bricks, or concrete pieces as edging for garden beds or walkways. Stack stones to make a retaining wall. These hardscaping materials are inexpensive but add structure and visual interest.
Repurpose found items as garden decor. An old wheelbarrow, bicycle, or chair makes a charming planter. Mismatched containers, watering cans, and vases clustered together create an eclectic look. Add string lights or lanterns for a magical glow at night.
Start seeds or take cuttings to propagate your plants. Many herbs, flowers, succulents, and veggies are easy to multiply. Plant them, share them with friends, or donate to community gardens. Your garden will be overflowing in no time – and your wallet will thank you.
With some imagination and elbow grease, you can craft a garden oasis on a dime. Finding inexpensive materials, upcycling, propagation, and repurposing are keys to gardening on a budget. So get creative, keep costs low, and happy gardening!
Creating a Rustic Planter From Scrap Wood
Creating a rustic planter from scrap wood is an easy, budget-friendly DIY project that will add charm to your garden.
Gather Your Materials
For this project you’ll need:
- Scrap wood boards (pine, cedar, redwood)
- Wood glue
- 1 1/4” wood screws
- Wire mesh (1/2” hardware cloth)
- Wire cutters
- Saw
- Drill/driver
Assemble the Box
Cut the side boards to your desired height. For a typical planter, aim for 10 to 16 inches high. Cut the end boards to the width you want—around 12 to 18 inches works well for most gardens.
Arrange the boards into a rectangular shape, then secure them with wood glue and screws. Predrill pilot holes to prevent splitting. The bottom board should have gaps no wider than 1/2 inch. This allows for drainage while keeping soil contained.
### Add Wire Mesh
Cut a piece of wire mesh to fit the bottom of your planter, then secure it in place with staples, tacks, or wire. The mesh prevents soil from falling out of the gaps while still allowing water to drain.
Apply a Protective Finish (Optional)
For a rustic look, you can leave the wood unfinished. If you prefer, apply an outdoor sealant, stain, or paint to help protect the wood. Reapply as needed to maintain protection.
Use and Enjoy Your Planter!
Fill your new planter with a potting mix and your favorite flowers or herbs. The simple, rustic design pairs well with petunias, lavender, basil, rosemary, or other cottage garden plants. Place the planter on a patio, deck, or right in your garden. Your DIY rustic planter will bring a touch of natural charm to your outdoor space for years to come!
Building Vertical Gardens With Repurposed Materials
Building vertical gardens is an easy, budget-friendly way to make the most of small outdoor spaces. Repurposing materials you already have on hand keeps costs down and adds character.
Wooden Pallets
Wooden pallets are ideal for creating vertical gardens. They provide slots that make planting and maintenance easy. You can find pallets for cheap or even free from local businesses. Stand two pallets upright and secure them together at the back with sturdy stakes. Fill the slots with a mixture of compost and soil, then plant trailing plants, herbs, and succulents. The pallets will give your garden a rustic, industrial look.
Crates
Wooden crates are another option for building vertical gardens. Stack the crates on top of each other, securing each layer together with waterproof wood glue and nails. Drill drainage holes in the bottom of each crate, then fill with soil and plants. The crates can be painted in bright colors for a pop of visual interest before adding plants.
Rain Gutters
Repurposed rain gutters make perfect planters for trailing plants. Mount the gutters vertically on a fence or wall. Add drainage holes, a layer of gravel, then soil and plants. The curved shape of the gutters helps the plants cascade dramatically. This works well for strawberries, succulents, petunias, and ivy.
Mesh Panels
Plastic mesh panels, like the kind used for crowd control or construction fencing, can be transformed into vertical planters. Secure the panels to stakes in the ground or a wall. The holes in the mesh provide plenty of space for plants to grow through and for sunlight and water to reach them. This creates a lush, jungle vibe and works great for vining plants like beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
With some leftover wood, crates, gutters, or fencing and a bit of creativity, you can craft a gorgeous vertical garden without spending a lot. Your plants will love the extra space to spread out, and you’ll have a stylish garden feature to enjoy all season long.
Planting a Budget-Friendly Cottage Garden
A cottage garden is a charming, informal style of garden that embraces a casual and romantic design. Cottage gardens utilize a mix of flowers, herbs, and vegetables that give off a sense of abundance in a small space. The best part is, that you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a gorgeous cottage garden. Here are some budget-friendly tips to get you started:
Choose Low-Maintenance Perennials
Perennial flowers come back each year, so they’re a perfect choice for a cottage garden. Opt for hardy, low-maintenance varieties that can thrive with minimal care. Some inexpensive options include:
- Daylilies – Produce colorful flowers and spread them over time. Only needs to be divided every few years.
- Lavender – Fragrant flowers and foliage.
- Black-Eyed Susans – Bright yellow daisy-like flowers. Self-seeds and spreads.
- Catmint – Pale purple flowers. Deer-resistant and requires little maintenance.
- Sedum – Also known as stonecrop. Interesting succulent foliage and pink flowers. Thrives in dry, poor soil with little care.
Use Heirloom Seeds and Bulbs
Heirloom varieties and bulbs are inexpensive and will give your cottage garden a vintage look. Some options to consider include:
- Hollyhocks – Tall stalks of pink or red flowers. Self-seeds easily.
- Sweet peas – Fragrant pink, purple, or white flowers on vines. Need a trellis for support.
- Daffodils – Cheerful yellow flowers in spring. Naturalize over time.
- Tulips – A variety of bright colors to choose from. Plant in fall.
- Irises – Elegant blooms in blue, purple, yellow, or white. Rhizomes spread over time.
Embrace a Relaxed Design
The overall look of a cottage garden should be casual and unstructured. Don’t put too much thought into planning the layout. Just choose plants you love and place them close together in a random, unplanned way for a lush, overflowing look. Let your garden evolve and don’t be afraid to move plants around. A relaxed, unmanicured design is what gives a cottage garden its charm.
