one thing i decided to do myself this year was o start my flowers myself instead of buying them from the store already blooming. i just got the seeds 3 for a dollar at the dollar store as well as biodegradable containers that you just plant right into the ground with the flowers. i also started some of my veggies and fruits this way as well, such as watermelon, cantaloupe and broccoli and cauliflower and tomatoes and peppers. i am also planting some herbs as well. i have only spent around 10 dollars on everything i needed, as opposed to 40 or 50 when buying the plants from the nurseries.

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Kimberley

"there is nothing to worry about, just plenty to think about" from an episode of Extreme Makeover House edition

check out my blog:
http://mommysavers.com/boards/journa...owjournal&j=21

I started a compost bin. I'm not sure if it'll be ready this year, but I'll have a ton of good fertelizer for next year!!

Trade plants w/ friends & family. I have mostly perennials and they were mostly free plants dug up from family and friends when theirs were getting overblown and they needed to thin them out. Also - garage sales are great for getting cheap perennials.

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Dividing perennials each year, sharing with neighbors, family & friends. Lots of trading and planting from seed.

I ask for bedding plants for Mother's Day and my birthday. Instead of getting a lot of cute, yet useless things to set around the house, I get something I really want.

I do pretty much what everybody else already said. I started all my plants (veggies, herbs, flowers,...) from seeds this year and so far almost all of them germinated. I bought heirloom seeds for the first time this year so I'll be able to save my seeds instead of buying new ones every year. I got them from Bakers Creek and their packages are huge! They only charge a $ 3.95 flatrate for shipping and their seeds are cheaper than I thought.


I also started a compost this year, dirt is sooo expensive!!!

I like the idea of getting bedding plants for special occasions, I'll have to remember this.

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This is how I do it also, among our neighbors, friends & family I am known as the Hosta Lady, I have so many varieties and I am always willing to divide and give.

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I am very frugal and have become an avid gardener. Here are some of my tips:

1. I started a compost pile that I throw all the kitchen scraps in to. This also helps me save on trash bags.

2. I use homemade treatments for bugs instead of pesticides from the store. This also helps me when I sell my produce as "organic".

3. I give the seeds as gifts and grow plants as gifts.

4. Always start from seed. It is not only cheaper but you can guarantee that your plants don't have any diseases.

5. Save water from the bathtub and shower to water with everyday. "Gray water" which comes from the tub is ok for plants.

6. Keep an eye on your plants for signs of disease and pests. You can save your crop if you get to them early.

7. I ask my family and friends to save all of their plastic pots so I don't have to buy any. I buy the nicer permanent pots from garage sales.

8. We borrowed a mulcher from my in-laws to make mulch for the top layer of plant rows.

That's all I can think of for now. Good luck!

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Soon to be married and learning to stretch a dollar!