Container gardening is a wonderful way to grow plants, herbs, vegetables, and flowers, especially if you have limited space.

Whether you're cultivating a small urban balcony, a cozy patio, or a sunny windowsill, container gardening offers the flexibility to create a green oasis without the need for a large backyard.

Various pots of garden vegetables in a small space

I live in an urban duplex with limited outdoor space and a tight budget. Using the tips I will give you below, I have grown everything from veggies, herbs, fruit, and a vast assortment of flowers.

But as anyone who has tried it knows, the costs of buying pots, soil, and fertilizers can quickly add up. The good news is that you can still enjoy a thriving container garden without breaking the bank or exceeding your budget.

Here are five creative ways I’ve learned to garden in my small urban duplex without spending a fortune.

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Get Creative About Containers

The beauty of container gardening is that you don’t have to spend money on traditional pots and planters.

Repurposing items you already own or can find cheaply can be a fun and eco-friendly way to create unique planters.

Variety of recycled diy containers turned into garden pots

Old pots and pans: That old saucepan or teapot that’s gathering dust in the kitchen? Drill a few drainage holes, and you have an adorable and functional plant pot.
Buckets and tubs: Plastic or metal containers like old buckets or even ice cream tubs work perfectly as planters. Just remember to add drainage holes to the bottom.
Cups, mugs, and bowls: Don’t throw out those chipped mugs or unused tea cups. They’re perfect for small plants like herbs or succulents.
Wine crates, wooden boxes, or pallets: These rustic finds can easily be converted into charming planter boxes. With a little creativity, they add character to your garden while being budget-friendly.
Grow Bags: An affordable alternative to traditional pots fabric grow bags are breathable, easy to move around, and great for growing everything from veggies to flowers. This year,
I used 20-gallon grow bags to grow tomatoes and am happy with the harvest I am receiving.

These alternatives save you money and give your garden a unique, personal touch.

2. DIY or Reuse Potting Soil

Potting soil is one of the more expensive gardening supplies, but there are many ways to reuse and create your own mix without spending a lot.

DIY Potting Soil: A simple, cost-effective mix can be made with one part compost, one part peat moss or coco coir, and one part perlite or sand.
I don’t recommend using straight soil from your yard, which can lead to compaction and poor soil drainage.
Compost: If you have a compost bin, you can use the nutrient-rich material to amend your soil. Composting food scraps and yard waste reduces waste and gives your plants a natural, free nutrient boost.
Reuse Potting Soil: By the third year of gardening in containers, I began to reuse my old soil. Instead of buying new soil each year, I mix one part compost with three parts of the old soil, which provides great results.

Reusing soil and creating your potting mix can stretch your gardening budget while maintaining healthy, happy plants.

3. Get Creative with Plant Fertilizers

Fertilizers can be expensive, but many natural alternatives are affordable and easy to make at home.

Top image is liquid fertilizer pouring near plant. Second image is slop being dumped into compost pile.

DIY Fertilizer: You can make liquid fertilizer using fish emulsion, compost tea, or even banana peels! Simply blend these materials with water and apply them to your plants. Organic homemade fertilizers are effective and budget-friendly.
Compost Tea: If you have access to a compost bin, making compost tea is a great way to provide nutrients to your plants. Add compost to a bucket of water, let it sit for a few days, then strain and apply the liquid to your plants.
Coffee Grounds: Used coffee grounds are a free and natural source of nitrogen. You can sprinkle them directly on your soil or mix them into your compost bin for added nutrients.

Though I use each of these methods successfully, it is important to ensure you are giving a nutrient-balanced mixture to ensure proper plant growth. If tracking these nutrients seems daunting to you, I love this fertilizer, and though it may seem pricey, it goes a long way.

4. Grow from Seed Instead of Buying Transplants

Starting plants from seed is one of the most cost-effective ways to grow a garden. Buying seedlings from a nursery can get pricey, but growing your own from seed opens up a world of possibilities.

Start Seeds Indoors: If you live in a colder climate, start your seeds indoors before the last frost. Use inexpensive materials like egg cartons, yogurt cups, or small plastic containers to hold your seedlings.
Trade Seeds: Join local gardening groups or look for online seed exchanges. You can trade seeds with other gardeners to diversify your collection without spending a cent.
Facebook is a great place to find groups like this.

Growing from seed saves money, gives you access to a wider variety of plants, and allows you to start your garden early in the season.

5. Shop Smart for Tools and Supplies

Gardening tools and supplies can quickly eat up your budget, but there are plenty of ways to get the essentials without overspending.

Secondhand Tools: Thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great places to find gently used gardening tools at a fraction of the cost.
Multi-Purpose Tools: Instead of buying separate tools for every task, look for multi-purpose tools that handle several jobs. A good pair of pruners, a hand trowel, and a small rake can tackle most gardening tasks.
DIY Garden Accessories: Skip the fancy plant markers and watering cans. You can easily make your own plant markers from recycled materials, like popsicle sticks, or even repurpose a bottle into a DIY watering can.

By being resourceful and shopping secondhand, you can save a lot on tools and supplies while still having everything you need to garden effectively.

Bonus Tip: Consider Vertical Gardening

Vertical gardening is an excellent way to maximize space and minimize costs. Instead of buying expensive trellises or plant stands, you can repurpose materials you already have.

Repurpose Wooden Pallets: With some landscape fabric or chicken wire, you can turn wooden pallets into vertical planters. They’re great for growing herbs, flowers, or small veggies.
Hanging Planters: Use inexpensive planters or mason jars to grow plants vertically. Hang them on your fence, balcony, or porch to save space and create a unique display.

Final Thoughts

Container gardening doesn’t have to be expensive to be successful. With a little creativity, resourcefulness, and a DIY mindset, you can create a thriving garden on a budget.

To create a beautiful, budget-friendly garden, you can reuse containers, make your own potting soil, feed your plants with homemade fertilizers, grow from seed, and shop wisely for tools and supplies.

Happy gardening, and enjoy cultivating your own green space without breaking the bank! 🌿

5 Ways to Container Garden Without Breaking the Bank