I mentioned yesterday that when I started gardening last year our budget for gardening was low, ok pretty much non-existent, but I was determined to do what I could. So I got online and researched lots of tips and tricks on frugal gardening. We already had tools so all I needed to buy was plants/seeds and some potting soil.
Seed starting trays: I used eggcartons. Perfect, as they are small, hold just the right amount of potting compost and I just planted the whole thing when it came time to transplant which avoids root shock. Later when I bought plants in 6pack cells I saved them, washed them and re-used them. To put under the trays for water catching I use tetrapacks from milk/juice, simply cut the sides, staple in place and VOILA!
Seed flats: after using up all the flat plastic trays I could find in the house I went in search of more. I found the foil roasting trays at the dollarstore. Look carefully and you'll see some with clear lids! These make great greenhouse type flats! Speaking of which...
Mini Greenhouses: Plastic clam shell packaging that soft fruits or tomatoes sometimes come in, these make great mini greenhouses!
Containers: Basically I saved EVERY SINGLE PLASTIC TUB, from margarine, yogurt, soda bottles, oils, anything that was plastic and could be used.
Plant labels: Popsicle sticks were a first choice as I had a ton from crafts. Then I used margarine tubs cut down. I later changed to blind slats though. Take a plastic venetian blind, cut out the slats, then cut into plant markers. Use a sharpie to write on them. I prefer the blind slat plant labels but have yet to find a pen that works well in full southern exposure for 6 - 9 months!
Basically use what you have! Gardening doesn't have to be expensive! Unless like us you have crap soil and need raised beds, but that's another post for another day!
Seed starting trays: I used eggcartons. Perfect, as they are small, hold just the right amount of potting compost and I just planted the whole thing when it came time to transplant which avoids root shock. Later when I bought plants in 6pack cells I saved them, washed them and re-used them. To put under the trays for water catching I use tetrapacks from milk/juice, simply cut the sides, staple in place and VOILA!
Seed flats: after using up all the flat plastic trays I could find in the house I went in search of more. I found the foil roasting trays at the dollarstore. Look carefully and you'll see some with clear lids! These make great greenhouse type flats! Speaking of which...
Mini Greenhouses: Plastic clam shell packaging that soft fruits or tomatoes sometimes come in, these make great mini greenhouses!
Containers: Basically I saved EVERY SINGLE PLASTIC TUB, from margarine, yogurt, soda bottles, oils, anything that was plastic and could be used.
Plant labels: Popsicle sticks were a first choice as I had a ton from crafts. Then I used margarine tubs cut down. I later changed to blind slats though. Take a plastic venetian blind, cut out the slats, then cut into plant markers. Use a sharpie to write on them. I prefer the blind slat plant labels but have yet to find a pen that works well in full southern exposure for 6 - 9 months!
Basically use what you have! Gardening doesn't have to be expensive! Unless like us you have crap soil and need raised beds, but that's another post for another day!
Oh my goodness! We save everything (kitchen overflowing with soymilk, tofu, coffee containers) but mostly just get rid of the shallower side or use both as open seed starters! I never thought to make mini-greenhouses but with our crazy wind, rain, chill, heatwave weather I bet that little protection would absolutely help! What a great idea I'll have to try that!