The cost of living crisis is hitting us hard and even the simple joy of gardening isn't immune to the pinch. But savvy gardeners can still save a few quid at the garden centre while giving their green spaces a boost. With water meters now tracking every drop we use, investing in a water butt could be a wise move.
You can snag a basic plastic one for around £40 from DIY giants like B&Q , dodging the hefty costs of up to £130 that come with using a mains-connected hose. Plus, gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh swears by rainwater's benefits over tap water. On the Gardeners' World podcast, he said: "The funny thing is, there's something about rain.
It's got some sort of magic ingredient and plants always seem to grow more rapidly from rainwater, from water that comes out of the hosepipe." And don't forget seeds. The Sun's Consumer Reporter Laura McGuire reminds us that while a packet might set you back £5, "you can collect them from your summer plants and also take cuttings to propagate new plants".
Just stash those seeds somewhere cool and dry until it's time to plant them. You can also harvest bulbs from your garden. Before the first frosts of winter hit, carefully dig up your bulbs with a small garden fork and store them in a cold dark place until you're ready to replant them.
While most garden pests will be taking a winter break, some like slugs and snails thrive in damp autumn conditions. Slug pellets are effective but can be hazardous to pets and wildlife and cost money. .