I'm starting my first garden now that I have my own land, but I'm on a tight budget this year. I want to grow something, even if I can't use it for canning or cooking right now. I have some gardening experience from my childhood on a farm. I live in southwest Oklahoma (Zone 7B), and I'm looking for suggestions on affordable edible plants I can grow without needing to buy a lot of typical gardening supplies. Next year I plan on expanding my garden and maybe canning, but for now, I just want to get some food growing! Any ideas?
8 Answers
One of the simplest ways to start is to ask around at your local feed store for any free containers, like empty Sweetlix tubs. They work great for planting tomatoes and squash! You might also find free compost through your city or get free wood chips from places like Chip Drop. And if you check out the Seed Savers Exchange, you can get heirloom seeds for free, which is a super budget-friendly option.
Great options include beans, tomatoes, and even sweet potatoes. They're all pretty straightforward to grow, and they'll give you a good yield for not a lot of effort or money. Plus, since you're in Oklahoma, there's a chance to grow warm-weather crops like okra or even prickly pear, which can be really easy and fun!
Don’t forget to check with your county extension office. They often give away seeds for free! It’s a great way to try different plants without spending money. Also, connect with your local gardening community on platforms like Next Door—people are usually happy to share extra seeds or plants.
Honestly, just planting directly in the ground is the easiest and cheapest way to go! No need for raised beds or fancy soil. You can put seeds right in the ground wherever you choose, just look for a sunny spot. Seeds are usually only a couple bucks, and if you're on a budget, you can even use seeds from veggies you buy at the store, like tomatoes and peppers. Just remember these might not produce the same as the ones you purchase, but it’s a fun way to experiment!
Have you checked your local library for a seed collection? Some places lend out seeds for free. You can also look into online shops like MiGardener; their seeds are pretty cheap, and they might have free shipping. Plus, don't forget to forage public land for wild seeds—that’s a thrifty way to expand your garden!
Starting a compost system at home can save you a ton on soil amendments. For pots, you could repurpose items you already have instead of buying new. Think about growing vegetables you actually like to eat—tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash are easy and rewarding! Start small and build your garden over time, and don’t forget to have fun with it!
If you want to go even cheaper, try planting veggies you already eat: save seeds from pumpkins, squashes, and melons. Mustard greens are a solid choice too—very easy to grow and can be harvested multiple times! Just look for bulk seeds at a local store; they can be really affordable too.
My budget garden started with just a few bags of potting soil. I mixed it with compost and used random containers I found around. By the second year, I was able to grow a variety of vegetables. Starting small and reusing materials can lead to amazing results without breaking the bank. You can even get creative with what you plant in!