Four cash-saving tips for gardening on a budget
GEMMA Collins has swapped Gucci gloves for gardening ones and says nothing beats the feeling of watching her plants grow.
The reality TV star insists being outdoors is relaxing and good for your wellbeing.
If you feel inspired by the GC’s passion for pruning, here’s how to get green fingers on a budget . . .
CHEAP AND CHEERFUL: Opt for perennial plants to get the most bang for your buck. These last year after year, so you only pay once.
Horticulturist Chloe Moore, of GetIntoGardening.co.uk, said: “One of my favourite low-maintenance plants is lavender — you can pick up a small plant for around a fiver.
“Keep it in a pot or plant it in a border. Once the lavender is established, it needs very little water and no feeding.”
FEED THE EARTH: Coffee grounds provide a nutrient boost for soil.
If you don’t use them at home, try asking at your local coffee shop.
Many small outlets will happily give old grounds for free rather than bin them.
Old fruit, veg peelings and egg shells also provide food for plants. Instead of chucking them out, you could make a small compost heap or mix into soil.
PLANT A SEED: Seeds tend to be much cheaper to buy than plants.
Chloe tipped Wilko, B&M and The Range for the best bargains, and said: “If you have friends with a well-established garden, why not ask them for cuttings? This is called propagation. It’s a little more labour-intensive than simply buying a pot, but it’s still relatively easy and you won’t need to spend a penny.”
Once you have been given the cutting, you just need to keep it in a sunny spot indoors, in clean water. When roots start to form, it’s ready to plant.
SEASONAL SHOP: Head to the garden centre in late summer and early autumn, when they are most likely to clear and reduce the price of stock to make room for the next season.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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