David Lettermanās Top 10 lists are infamous. They have covered a variety of topics, from the “Top 10 Things That Will Get You Kicked Out of Disney World” that includes going after Chip and Dale with a Weed Wacker to “Top 10 Headlines that Would Start a Panic” ā āLate Night to Begin Top Twenty Listsā being one. While the list in this column is in no way comparable to the humor in David Lettermanās, I hope that you find it somewhat useful.
The following are 15 suggestions for gardening on a budget.
15. Plan your purchases. Know before you go. Either quantify a dollar amount that you want to spend or have a shopping list.
14. Consider contacting a professional landscape designer if your project includes more than 10 shrubs and/or two trees.
13. Purchase the right plant for the right place. If it is a sunny area, buy plants that do well in the sun.
12. Buy small where appropriate. A 2-gallon shrub is less expensive than a 5-gallon, which will stretch your dollars.
11. Always check spacing and cultural information on the plant labels or tags.
10. Employ proper water conservation techniques.
9. Use proper maintenance techniques on plants (ie: pruning, fertilizing).
8. Shop with coupons from your local garden center.
7. Join the frequent buyers club or email list at your local garden center.
6. If something in your yard has died, check to see if it was under warranty when it died.
5. Do it yourself! Or turn your project into a social event. A little sweat equity can save you thousands of dollars. Recruit family members to help.
4. If someone asks you what do you want for Motherās day, your birthday, etc., consider requesting their assistance during a garden work day.
3. Organize a plant exchange or a have plant party. Listen to how people describe plants that they are giving away though; be very careful and do not accept plants that are invasive.
2. Most homes have perennial plants that would benefit by being divided. Divide your perennials and fill in another area of your yard.
1. Use what you have first. Check out your garage; use that potting soil and fertilizer.
More money is spent on gardening than any other hobby. It is important that this money is spent wisely.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or tgsinc12@msn.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
