As gardening season winds down, savvy gardeners are finding ways to save on plant purchases. According to the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department (APRD), creating a thriving garden doesn’t have to be expensive.
"Planning is a vital first step for any gardening project, regardless of budget," says Wendy Pappas, APRD's Urban Forestry Land Manager, per the City of Arlington. Setting goals, determining plant placements, and researching plant hardiness can prevent costly mistakes by ensuring you select plants suited to your climate.
An insider tip: buy woody plants in fall or winter. Though spring is typically the peak shopping season, cooler months allow plants to establish roots, and garden centers often discount their stock post-summer to clear inventory.
Don’t overlook clearance plants; with a bit of care, these underdogs can thrive and add beauty to your garden at a fraction of the price. Pappas also recommends buying smaller plants, which are not only cheaper but often adapt and grow more quickly than larger ones.
For the patient gardener, starting from seeds is another cost-effective approach, especially for vegetables, herbs, and flowers like zinnias, which can be reseeded each year.
