- Starting seeds is a very inexpensive way to get plants started. Whether you are looking for annual flowers, perennials or vegetables, any type of landscape plant can be started as a seed. Packets of seeds can be purchased at large discount stores, grocery stores, garden centers and online. If you are willing to deal with the possibility of a lower germination rate, buy expired seeds. Stores will usually have last year's seeds heavily discounted. Most of them will germinate just fine, but there is no guarantee. Ask local feed stores if you can buy seeds in bulk. Purchasing seeds by the pound is much less expensive way to get them. If you want to save money on pots and dirt, get the dirt out your yard and use cleaned out old yogurt containers or other small plastic containers to plant them in. Purchase heritage or heirloom varieties of seeds and you'll be able to save the seeds from the plants you grow and plant them next year, instead of buying more.
- Hold a plant swap or look for one online or locally. Many people grow different perennials or start a lot of seeds that they can't use. Offer anything you have in abundance and swap plants with others. This is a great way to get already established plants. If you are holding the swap yourself, contact your local garden club or extension service and try and get them involved. They will be in contact with a lot of local gardeners who can likely add great variety to the swap. Consider swapping seeds with others, too, if you save your own.
- Divide plants you currently have like hostas, daylilies or other bulbs. Many bulb- or rhizome-based plants can be dug up and divided after they have bloomed. This is a free way to spread some of those plants around your yard. Keep an eye on your local classifieds, too. Often, someone will offer their divided plants for free if you'll come and dig them up for them.
- Towards the end of May or June, many garden centers and discount stores try to get rid of the rest of their plants and flowers by offering huge discounts. Plants that were once $4 a piece will go 2 for $1. If you can wait until a little later in the season, this is a good way to get a huge discount. Look, too, for plants that look like they're struggling. Even early in the season, you may be able to get a discount on plants that are not doing well. If you have a very green thumb and think you can revive those plants, offer to purchase them in exchange for a discount. The store might take the money you offer instead of throwing out the plants.
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