How to Save Money Growing Your Plants from Seeds

There are many ways to save money growing plants from seeds. Growing plants from seeds can sometimes end up costing more then buying them due to the cost of the soil, seeds trays, domes, heating mats, etc. Landscaping materials, gardening tools, soil and other gardening items can add up quick, so saving money on the plants themselves will help you stay within your budget.

Over the last couple years I have learned many ways to save money growing my plants from seeds. Not only do I save money on the plants, I also save money on the supplies that are needed for growing the seeds. Below are some great ways to save money when growing your own plants from seeds.

Save Money On Seed

First of all, you are already most likely already saving money by buying seeds instead of the plant itself. Well, be sure to get a good deal on the seeds as well. Most feed stores carry seeds along with department stores, hardware stores and online nurseries. eBay is another great source for seeds as well. So far the cheapest that I have found to get seeds is Wal-Mart...yes Wal-Mart. I learned this the hard way. I was spending $1.79 for Ferry Morse seeds at ACE and then found them at Wal-Mart for $1.00. That extra change adds up quick when you are buying multiple packs. Shop around to find the best prices on seeds!

Save Money On Seed Trays

Seed trays can be very expensive ranging from $3.00-6.00 a piece. That will surely take a chunk out of your gardening budget when you are planting several types of seeds. However, you still need a nice container for planting your seeds and maintaining you're the humidity. There is a simple solution- Aluminum trays. I get the 7x7 aluminum trays at the Dollar Tree that are 4 for $1. Really, who can beat that? Once you have you're your seeds simply slide it into a gallon bag, fill it with air and watch the greenhouse take affect. Don't spend a lot of money on those fancy gallon bags either. Get the Cheapies from the dollar store They work just as well.

With care, you can reuse the trays and the bags over and over. You can also pay $1.00-2.00 for the aluminum trays that have the clear lid on them. THEY WORK EXCELLENT as well!

Save Money On Flower Pots

Along with saving money on your seed trays, you can also save money on your flower pots. Why by those Jiffy pots and waste money? Yes they are biodegradable and are easy to slap in a hole but hey...you got a budget to stick to! Instead of going out and buying new pots for a couple hundred seedlings, use Styrofoam cups. You can get a pack of 60-100 8oz cups for a $1.00 at the dollar store! Poke a small hole in them and be done! The plants slide out of them very easily and they can be reused. They also label very well with a pen or marker.

Save Money On Plant Labels

Keeping your seeds trays and seedlings separated and remembering which is which can be quite hard. Labeling them is almost a must. However, growing several plants and paying $2.00-3.00 for 10 plant labels can be another unnecessary expense you may incur. Instead use a Popsicle stick and a ball point pin. They are practically waterproof as long as you don't use a marker. The markers tend to bleed and become unreadable.

Another method is take a thin sheet or plastic or metal and cutting it into strips. Using a permanent marker, write the name on each one and there you have it, plant labels.

These are only a few ways to save money when growing your plants from seeds. However, these few changes can save you several hundred dollars a year. These things add up and they add up quick. Gardener like me who are on a budget, can truly appreciate saving on these items in order to put into their garden.