8 DIY Garden Tricks That Will Save You Major Cash This Year

By Debbie Strong April 5, 2019

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save money

Gardening can be a pretty expensive endeavor if you don’t know what you’re doing. Between all the supplies and maintenance materials, it’s easy to overspend on things you don’t really need and run out of things you do need — and these mistakes can end up costing a pretty penny. The good news is, you don’t need to be a gardening pro to build a garden that’s budget-friendly. Check out our list of expert tips that will make sure your garden doesn’t break the bank this year.

budget DIY garden tricks eggs and water

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Keep Out Visitors

Sounds odd, but a mixture of six raw eggs and two gallons of water can work as a deer repellent. Let it sit outside for a week, then spray along your garden border. Another trick? Use eggshells, which can fertilize your plants as well as keep pests out!
budget DIY garden tricks compost

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Create Your Own Compost

Collect kitchen scraps in a small, sealed container in your kitchen, and you'll wind up with an organic, pesticide-free compost that doesn't cost a dime.
budget DIY garden tricks newspaper

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Save Old Newspapers

Spread your old newspapers over the soil before layering mulch over it. This will block weeds from growing and help retain moisture, so you'll need to water your garden less.
budget DIY garden boiling pasta water

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Maximize Pasta Night

The scalding hot water leftover after you cook pasta can be used as a free — and non-toxic — weed killer!
budget DIY garden tricks beer lawn

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Buy Extra Beer

A cheap way to banish brown spots on your lawn? Pour leftover beer on them. The sugars in beer kill off fungi and stimulate growth, so you're left with an expanse of lush green.
budget DIY garden tricks bug repellent

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Create a DIY Bug Repellent

Hang a fabric softener sheet near (but not touching) your outdoor light fixtures; the light's warmth will help generate a scent that repels mosquitoes and moths.
budget DIY garden water save money

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Save on Water

Rainy days are great for your garden, but make them do double-duty by collecting additional rainwater in barrels or buckets and you'll drastically cut back on your water bill.
budget DIY garden find mulch

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Don't Buy Mulch

Tree-clearing or landscaping companies working in your neighborhood may be more than willing to give you the excess wood chips they don't use.