Beautify your yard—for less

You don’t have to spend a ton transforming your winter-weary garden this season! FIRST dug up savvy ways to save on plants, tools and more

Opt for this instead of mulch

“For a great money-saving tip to really get your yard in order, I recommend using plant ground covers instead of bark mulch. You’ll spend much less over time as you only need to plant once and you won’t have to waste money on weed killer. And this living ‘mulch’ looks just beautiful. I suggest planting thyme since it’s inexpensive and blooms in spring, adding a splash of color to your yard.”

—Wendy Hatoum, gardening expert at HighCountryGardens.com

Shop with a few pals

“Always bring a buddy or two when heading to the local nursery to stock up on plants. When you buy a few flats, you’ll save 50 percent over buying just a single plant here and there. For example, an individual marigold plant might go for $2, but a flat of 12 will go for just $12. If you split this with a few other gardening friends, you’ll save quite a bit. Plus, it lets you mix up your selection.” —Melinda Myers, author of The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook

Light up your yard

“One easy way to brighten up your outdoor space on summer evenings is by hanging simple white lights from low tree branches. You can also use candle luminaries or solar-powered lanterns from dollar stores to line your walkways and create portable mood lighting on tables. You’d be amazed by how big of a wow factor these inexpensive lights make.” —Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs, National Association of Landscape Professionals

Score deals on “TLC” plants

“Our not-for-profit nursery (Grow Native Nursery) always has a plant of the month that’s on sale, but we also have a clearance section of plants that just need a little bit of extra care. Even though they may not always look so great, they’re perfectly fine and will bloom when replanted or given a bit of attention—and they can cost one-third of the price of a similar plant that looks more robust. I’ve found that a lot of other nurseries do the same.” —April Garbat, director of communications, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont, CA

Seek out free expert advice

“If you need help prepping for spring, you can find volunteer-based organizations, like the Master Gardener programs, through local colleges. Trained volunteers can answer questions (for free!) for anyone looking to care for their garden. Or go to AHSGardening.org and click on the ‘Master Gardeners’ tab under ‘Gardening Resources’ to be connected to an expert near you. You might find a free help line or demonstrations at local events—it’s truly a priceless resource.” —Melinda Myers

Save on patio upkeep

“Many people swear by a power washer to clean a patio or deck, but that strong gush of water can force pavers apart or strip the wood on a deck—repairs that can cost a lot! Save big by using an oxygen bleach (like Tide Oxi or Oxi Clean, found in the laundry aisle), which contains oxygen ions that lift away dirt. Simply mix the powder according to the directions, pour over the area and let soak for 10 minutes. Then use a stiff-bristled brush or broom to scrub away grime and rinse off with a hose. Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is nontoxic, so it won’t harm your yard. Your space will look sparkling clean!” —Darla DeMorrow, professional

organizer at HeartWorkOrg.com

Skip the garden center for these items

“The famous quote ‘A rose by any other name is still a rose’ is true for gardening supplies. Nurseries tend to mark up items. For example, a bale of straw at a nursery is called ‘mulch’ and priced accordingly, but at a farm store it’s priced as ‘livestock bedding’—and it’s 30 percent cheaper. Think out of the box for supplies and you’ll save quite a bit.” —Dede Cummings, author of Healing Herbs

Upcycle household items into planters

“The feeling when you turn an old item into a useful part of your home is one of a kind, and it saves you cash. A large planter can cost you $30 or more, but you can transform old coffee cans or cowboy boots into plant pots or plant succulents in a chest of drawers—your opportunities are close to limitless. Just be sure to put a drain hole in the bottom of the vessel (or put a cheap plastic pot inside) and clean out with a mix of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water to kill off any organisms that might be harmful to plants. You could also place empty plastic water bottles or packing peanuts on the bottom of the planter to help with drainage and save on soil.” —Pablo Solomon, landscape

designer at PabloSolomon.com