How To Create a City Garden on a Small Budget

Get creative with your gardening in city spaces! Creating a city garden on a small budget can be daunting, but it is possible. With the right planning, tools, and mindset, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

In this blog post, I will provide practical tips and inspiration on creating a city garden on a small budget.

Determine the Size and Location of your Garden

Measure the space available to you and decide where to place your garden. Consider factors such as sunlight, shade, and proximity to water sources.

Look for areas with adequate sunlight, as most plants require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, if you have limited sunlight, consider plants that do well in shade or partial shade, such as ferns or hostas. Read this article to learn about 13 great plants for a shade location.

You’ll want to ensure you have a water source nearby, as your plants will need regular watering.

Plan your Garden Layout

Sketch a rough plan for your garden, including the types of plants you want to grow and any structures you may need, such as trellises or raised beds.

Consider the color, texture, and height of your plants when planning your layout. Plant taller plants towards the back of your garden bed and shorter plants in the front to create depth and interest. Group plants with similar water and light needs together.

Make the Most of Vertical Spaces

Utilizing trellises, walls, and pallets to hang pots or other containers is a great way to add more dimension to your city garden. You can also purchase pre-made vertical planters or create your own using plastic boxes, hanging nets, and crates that can be hung against an existing wall. Vertical elements not only add beauty to your garden but also provide privacy and shade. Are you new to vertical gardening, then read, Vertical Gardening for Beginners.

Choose the Right Plants

Look for plants that are easy to care for, low-maintenance, and affordable. Select plants that will thrive in your garden’s conditions, considering light, water, and soil quality factors.

Another option is to buy seeds and grow your plants, saving you money in the long run. Consider using a mix of annuals and perennials for variety and long-term sustainability.

Some cheap and low-maintenance plants include marigolds, petunias, hostas, daylilies, succulents, and zinnias.

Do It Yourself

Doing it yourself is the easiest way to save money when creating a city garden on a small budget. Even if you aren’t the world’s greatest handyman, you can build your own raised beds, create your own compost, and make your own planters using materials like clay, cement, or used plastic containers.

Taking the DIY approach to container gardening means you can get creative and customize your planters. You don’t have the constraint of the ground when it comes to container gardening, so you can be as imaginative as you like with your design! Not only are containers affordable, but they are also portable, which allows you to move them around and change your garden’s look whenever you want.

Shop Around for Affordably Priced Garden Supplies

To keep costs low, try to collect supplies from salvaged materials. Transform old crates, pots, and pallets into a fun and creative mini garden.

You don’t need the newest gardening tools.

Use a spoon to dig smaller holes.

If you don’t have a wheelbarrow, use a big bucket.

Leave the chemical fertilizers at the store and make your own compost.

Shop seasonal sales at your local garden stores for affordable plants, vegetables, and herbs in season.

Incorporate Reclaimed Finds for Unique Style Elements

Using recycled materials is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint.

Incorporating reclaimed materials can add personality and give your garden an original edge.

Browse garage sales, flea markets, and antique stores for unique ornaments such as pots, figurines, and rustic signs that you can place in your garden. You can also repurpose old furniture into unconventional planters – an old wooden chair is a perfect backdrop for a cascading ivy or even herbs planted in small terracotta pots.

You can use old pallets to create a vertical garden, old bricks to create a border, or old tires to create raised beds. Plenty of creative ways exist to repurpose old materials and turn them into functional elements for your garden. Read this article to learn more about container gardening with unique objects.

Water and Maintain your Garden

Water your plants regularly and monitor their growth to ensure they are healthy. Take steps to control pests and diseases as needed, and prune or trim your plants to promote growth and maintain their shape.

Enjoy your Garden

Take time to enjoy your garden! Spend time relaxing among your plants, harvest any fruits or vegetables that grow, and appreciate the beauty and tranquility of your small city garden.

Creating a city garden on a small budget is a great way to enjoy the benefits of gardening without spending a lot of money. By choosing the right plants, using containers, adding vertical elements, using recycled materials, and doing it yourself, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that is both functional and affordable. Remember to have fun and be creative; your city garden will thrive in no time!

Rene’ Lategan is a part-time blogger that enjoys being outdoors. She spends her free time finding ways to make my life easier and more enjoyable and enjoys sharing the knowledge. You can visit his website at LiveByLists.com.