I love this time of year, it’s when all the new gardening books seem to be published! I was very excited to receive a review copy of Maureen Gilmer’s latest book, The Small Budget Gardener, because I think it covers a topic that is on most people’s minds these days: saving money.
You may know Maureen (“Mo”) from her blog, MoZone, or from one of the 17 (!!!) books on gardening that she has authored, or from her nationally syndicated newspaper column “Yardsmart,” or perhaps you’ve seen her on the DIY or HGTV television networks. Needless to say, I was interested to read what a thoughtful gardener such as Gilmer had to say about being frugal, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the book is not only about how to spend less while gardening, but also about how to use your garden to save money in other areas.
The Small Budget Gardener is broken down into three broad sections: Stretch Every Dollar; Environmental Cents; and Gratis–As It Should Be. The first part is all about buying only what you actually need and how to get good deals on those must-have tools, fertilizers, and pest control products. The second section is full of ideas for living a green lifestyle without having to buy expensive “green” products or break the bank buying organic produce. What I thought was really great was that Gilmer included ideas to actually save you money by using your garden to reduce your energy and water bills. The final section is all about ways to garden without spending a dime, like ideas on how to get plants for free from your local government.
This book is just chock full of ideas for saving money. Gilmer covers everything from tips on buying used tools at estate sales to providing lists of easily divided perennials. For example, you may already know that you can mix in coffee grounds into the soil around your plants to add nitrogen, but Gilmer also points out that you can add the ashes from your fireplace to give your plants a potassium boost. Perhaps more importantly, she talks about changing your midset. You don’t have to view being frugal as “living without,” it can be a point of pride that you’re entrepreneurial and resourceful.
If you’re looking for an upbeat guide about how to make your gardening budget go further, then I can’t recommend The Small Budget Gardener highly enough.
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Thank you. I am looking forward to purchasing this book. Thank you too for your website. As I am sitting here in Maryland with all the snow and ice, I am inspired and looking forward to the spring. I look forward to getting your daily blogs in my email. Also, having lost my job in November and resigning to the fact that when I do get a new job, the income will still be relatively lower than I was making, hearing about this book that gives helpful hints that will help me continue something I love on a budget gives me lots of hope. Thanks again.
I hope hope hope when she talked about pH when she mentioned using ashes as fertilizer! Wood ash is very basic, and unless you have overly acidic soil, should be only used in combination with something else to bring the pH back down.
Joseph–I’ll have to check that page when I get home and I’ll provide a direct quote of what she says about ash.
Jeannie–I think you’ll really like it. Thanks for your kind words about LOTB!
She doesn’t mention the ph issue, but maybe if you combined the acidic coffee grounds with the wood ash it would help. Here’s the quote: “Wood ash from a fireplace contains some phosphorous and potassium, which helps root and flower development in plants. Bits of charcoal also keep soil open and well drained. Wood ash is a caustic barrier to soft-bodied critters that won’t cross over it, as well. Use wood ash to surround tender seedlings until they grow beyond the reach of plant eaters.”
Thanks Liz!
This is my first comment so forgive me if its a little off topic. I’d just like to say that you have a fantastic site that I’m finding it more and more useful. Gardening has always been something I’ve enjoyed and now that I have an allotment of my own I can really get stuck in.
The book sounds great as in theses testing times money is scarce, especially if like me your a student on a gap year who can’t find a job anywhere.Not to mention home grown veg is leagues above supermarket produce. Plus since I’m a pretty green greenthumb I could use all the help I can get.
Thanks again
G-Man
Sweet looking book. We are always on the look out for doing things on the cheap. Megan and I will pick it up.
I am not thinking that March’s motto may have to be…if I am not killing some plants…I am not trying enough new container ideas. lol.
– Matti
LOL Matti! Killing plants is a fact of life for gardeners.
What a great site and great tips on the gardening front. While I’m not an apartment dweller, I’ve got a great gardening tip that’s frugal too. I bought a $3.00 pineapple and once eaten, cut the top off and planted it. About 18 months later I had a wonderful pineapple and about six little “pups” that grew out the sides. I carefully removed each of these and planted them. I now have 14 pineapple plants that all started from one pineapple. you can easily grow these in a pot too.
Lisa
Living Frugal–I’ve heard of people doing that, but I’ve never tried it myself. Might have to pick up a pineapple when they’re in season…
Awesome!!!! We’re always gardening on the cheap at our crazy expensive San Francisco apartment. It’s amazing how many cool free plants are just waiting for homes on the curb or via craigslist. Will definitely have to check this book out.