Gardening can be an expensive pursuit...

Gardening can be a very expensive pursuit if you let it be. It's easy (you if have the desire and the money) to spend thousands of dollars each year on it--buying plants, soil ammendments, fertilizers, tools, etc. Yet there are ways to have a wonderful garden and spend very little money.

I'm giving a presentation to my Master Gardener's class next week on "cheapskate" gardening. I don't mean how gardening saves you money on food, etc. What I have in mind is how to save money and have a lovely garden. For example, I have several ways to save money on buying plants. I get plants for free from friends who are dividing their perennials. Sometimes I buy one plant and propagate it to get more. I've bought plants extremely cheaply from some of the big box stores from their clearance rack--for example, geraniums for 10 cents each.

I've been lusting for a tumbling composter for the last two years--but the $200-$400 price tag has stopped me from acquiring one. I've finally figured out how to make one for under $10. Not as fancy, but it should do the job and it will be very simple to make. When I get it finished (I want to get it done in time to display it at class next week) I will post pics and instructions on DG.

Would y'all be kind enough to share with me your favorite frugal tactics for saving money on gardening? TIA

Kim