Tips to save $ on gardening supplies

Today, I was finally able to walk through the garden with the break in the weather, and take a look at all the things that I still have growing. I also went out to the green house and noticed that some new sprouts have come through the soil on a few different lettuces and some artichokes I seeded earlier this month. Though we have had a few frosty nights, most of them are rainy, with a few windy ones here and there. I am so glad I started a cold weather garden and now I can't wait to really get growing again. I have already bought more seeds and look forward to more winter sowing soon, so stay tuned for updates in the next few weeks.

1. Start buying the seeds you need as soon as possible. I found that supplies were short last year and some online sites completely shut down. Seed packs (starting at 25 cents each!) and potting supplies are starting to become available again at the Dollar Tree stores (and likely some others as well.)

2. Recycle the plastic containers you get when you buy deli items, dairy (like yogurt) and mushrooms for seed starting some herbs, veggies or flowers. Just add some drainage holes and a label and you are saving that item from going to a landfill and you can even tuck that container into a nice looking pot easily.

3. Wash and re-use the plastic cutlery you get with takeout or use pieces of an old set of broken blinds for plant labels. I like finding ways to turn single use disposable items into something functional. I really dislike being wasteful so I'm trying to do what I can to lessen my impact.

4. Consider using waste items like tires, discarded pallets, or stones to create raised planting beds. Tires can also add some extra heat to crops that may need it, I think I will try planting my melons in some this next season since it doesn't get "hot enough" here in our P.N.W. summers. Lumber and stones can be expensive, pallets are often used then discarded sometimes when they are in great condition.

5. Compost your food scraps. It saves a lot from going to the garbage can and ultimately the landfill. Some city services provide a bin pickup for compost and yard waste materials. Our city turns this into compost and then offers it for purchase in the community. They used to provide a free pile if you came and shoveled it up before Covid-19. Check out your local resources.

This week, while some Americans are probably already quitting their resolutions, I am trying to recommit. Yes, I was slacking, and I have plenty of "reasons" just like everybody else (or excuses more accurately). I started two classes on Monday, which both seem difficult to me already, so I have been trying not to procrastinate and do a little work every day for school. In between working full time, making breakfasts, lunches, and dinner, plus keeping up with the dishes and other daily chores I understand how sometimes things can detour our goals. So, today since I had been feeling guilty, I took time again to finally take a small bite out of my uncluttering tasks. I think it really helps when I make a list on paper, of my "5 Most Important Things To Do" (listing tasks on my phone hasn't worked for me). When I follow my list I feel better and I move with a purpose. I find that by using a list I can get more done in a day plus I have time for things I enjoy, like gardening and reading.

Speaking of reading, this week I keep inspiring the gardener in me by reading Groundbreaking Food Gardens: 73 Plans That Will Change the Way You Grow Your Garden by Niki Jabbour. I love it because I can read small chapters (maybe 2-4 pages) about each different garden in short bursts of time. It also has some really great photo diagrams of the garden plan layouts. Well, that's all for today, and thanks for checking out the Blog and feel free to share my site with others.