Free and cheap garden supplies

Much of what a garden needs can be found free or nearly free with a little looking.

Where to look

• Seed libraries at public libraries
• Plant and seed swaps run by garden clubs
• Free wood chips from tree services (ask; they often need somewhere to dump them)
• Fall leaves for mulch and compost
• Community gardens with shared tools and water
• Buy Nothing groups and yard sales for pots and tools

Skip

• Gadgets you'll use once
• Expensive raised-bed kits for a first garden
• Fertilizers you haven't confirmed you need (a soil test tells you)

General educational information. Growing conditions vary; check with your local Cooperative Extension office. Nickel Harvest isn't paid by any seed company, garden brand or store.