Introduction

If you’re looking to create a cottage garden, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, this is the article for you. In it, we’ll go over how to get started with your own garden on a budget. We’ll talk about how to choose plants and containers that will save you money in the long run, and also how to use materials like mulch or grass alternatives wisely so as not to break the bank at your local nursery.

Look for perennials with lots of flowers.

When looking for plants, look for ones that have lots of flowers. Perennials are a good place to start because they will come back year after year and won’t need much upkeep.

Here are some examples of perennials with beautiful blooms:

• Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
• Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii)
• Yellow flower grasses (Xerophyllum tenax)

Grow from seed to save money.

• If you’re not a green thumb, don’t worry! Most seeds will grow just fine if you follow the instructions on the back of the seed packet.
• If you’re planning on planting in containers, it’s also very important to select plants that are appropriate for container gardening. Some plants are simply too tall or large-leaved for this style of planting (like corn and tomatoes).
• Seeds can be expensive! Find ways to save money with coupons or by buying them in bulk at the hardware store or nursery. Once they’ve sprouted, start transplanting into larger pots as soon as necessary until they reach maturity.

Use low-cost raised beds.

If you want to start a garden and reduce your cost, raised beds are the way to go. By using this method, you can create a beautiful garden without spending too much money.

Raised beds are basically boxes that have been filled with soil and surrounded by stones or wood (or even concrete). They provide an easy way for people to grow plants without having to worry about maintaining the ground underneath them because they’re elevated above it.

The great thing about using raised beds is that they can be built from any material that’s readily available: wood, stone or concrete. Making them yourself is also not hard at all if you have experience working with tools such as saws and hammers. The only drawback is that it takes some time for them to dry out before adding soil in them so make sure when building your first one that you don’t rush through this important step!

Go organic.

If you’re looking for a way to put together a beautiful garden without spending too much money, organic gardening is the way to go. Traditional methods of growing plants rely on artificial fertilizers and pesticides that have been shown to have negative health effects on humans, animals and the environment. Organic gardening requires only natural things like compost or mulch which will provide your plants with all the nutrients they need while also protecting against harmful insects.

If you’re interested in trying out organic gardening but aren’t sure where to start or if your budget doesn’t allow for expensive supplies right away then just follow these steps:

• Get yourself some good quality soil (you can use existing dirt if it’s healthy) and add organic matter until it’s about three inches deep; this will be your base layer so make sure it’s nice!
• Now add fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium—this should be available at any garden center as well as online stores like Amazon). It might seem like there’s too much going on here but trust us: once everything is mixed together properly there should be no visible signs of anything besides dirt–and maybe some seeds!

Use old containers instead of new ones.

Old containers can be a great way to get a cottage garden look without spending too much money. If you have the space, it’s also better for the environment and your wallet if you use recycled materials.

When it comes to old containers, there are two main strategies: repurpose and recycle. Repurposing means making something new out of an old container by painting or gluing on new material. Recycling means finding an existing container that already resembles what you want, but not in perfect condition. Both methods have their pros and cons, so let’s take a look at each one in turn!

Find a resource for free cuttings and seedlings.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a cottage garden look. You can find free cuttings and seedlings from local gardening clubs, county extension offices and nurseries. Some botanical gardens also offer free seed packets. Other sources include local garden clubs, gardeners who are willing to share their seeds or plants with you or even nature centers within your area that might have plants available for donation.

Look for a native plant sale.

One of the best ways to get a cottage garden look on a budget is to look for a native plant sale. Native plants are those that naturally grow in your region. They can be grown from seed or cuttings and usually require less maintenance than other kinds of plants. If you live in an area with clay soil, many natives do not require much watering at all because they have adapted to survive on what water gets through the clay.

Native plant species have also developed resistance to insects and diseases that can harm other plants by eating them or spreading disease, so they are often more resistant as well! You will find these sales most often hosted by local conservation groups who specialize in helping people learn how to sustainably grow their own food sources while also protecting wildlife habitats from development projects like farms which may use pesticides harmful towards bees (bees pollinate many fruits).

Check out the local gardening clubs or county extension offices

• Contact the local gardening clubs, county extension offices and gardening classes. Many of these resources offer free or low-cost classes on how to create a cottage garden.
• Check out online websites with free gardening resources. For example, Ask a Master Gardener is a great resource created by the University of Minnesota Extension Service that offers answers to your gardening questions.

Be smart about mulch.

When it comes to mulch, you get what you pay for. But don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing quality. The first step is choosing the right material for your garden. If possible, try to find a mulch that will decompose quickly so that it doesn’t become an eyesore or attract pests. You also want something easy to apply and won’t harm any plants or other wildlife in the area. Lastly, make sure the price is within your budget!

Think of alternatives to grass to save money on your lawn maintenance.

You can save money on lawn maintenance by using alternatives to grass. Grass is expensive and requires regular mowing, which adds up over time. You don’t have to use the same type of grass as everyone else in your neighborhood! Instead, consider planting groundcover or mulch instead of grass.

Groundcover is a plant that grows close to the ground; it’s usually a native plant like moss, ivy or creeping thyme. These plants are low-maintenance and usually don’t need any extra watering or fertilization (though some types do require water). They’re also great for hiding bare patches in your yard where grass isn’t growing well: simply spread some groundcover seeds over an area with no grass and let nature take its course! Groundcovers will cover up any empty areas while still allowing you to enjoy looking at greenery instead of just dirt year round…

A cottage garden can be created on a budget if you’re smart about how you do it

You can create a cottage garden on a budget, but you have to be smart about it. For example, instead of buying new plants, search for them in your area (or even around your home). If you find one that matches what you want in the store and it’s already growing somewhere nearby, why not ask if you can take it? It’s simple!

If you don’t want to do that or if there aren’t any plants available from which to take cuttings or divisions, consider starting with seeds. Most perennials will grow just fine from seed; all they need is some light and water every once in awhile. And what do plants need most besides sunlight? That’s right—water! So by watering regularly as needed with just about any container at hand (even an old soda bottle), we can easily keep our garden alive without needing much else after that first initial purchase.

Conclusion

With just a little bit of planning and perseverance, you can create your very own cottage garden on a budget.