Growing On A Budget: Smart Soil-Saving Tips
Looking for ways to stretch your soil budget without compromising plant health?
There are simple ways to make your soil go further while still giving your plants the nutrients they need. Here are some cost-saving hacks to keep your garden thriving.
Smart Mixing for Raised Beds
Filling a raised bed can be pricey, but you don’t have to use premium mix for the entire depth. Use Garden Time™ Enriched Garden Mix as your base, but to cut costs, swap out one-third of the mix for Garden Time™ Compost. This helps stretch your budget while still creating a rich growing environment.
Just remember - Compost is a fine material and is not designed as a complete growing solution which is why it is important to use it in conjunction with a mix. Never plant seedlings directly into compost.
Fill Raised Beds In Stages
You don’t actually have to fill the entire raised bed at once. A half-filled raised garden will still provide the same crops as full one.
Do this in stages - fill it halfway, then plant your crops for the season, then next season add another layer of mix and plant out again.
Rotate Your Crops
Keep your soil healthier for longer by rotating what you plant. Different crops use and return different nutrients, reducing the need for added fertilisers.
Crop rotation also helps prevent pests and diseases from building up in the soil, making for a more resilient garden. Read our guide for more advice on crop rotation and how to do it.
Refresh Potting Mixes
Instead of tossing out old potting mix, give it a second life. Before you start, remove any dead plants, and avoid reusing mix from plants that had diseases or infections, as this can spread problems to your new plantings.
- Tip your old mix onto a tarp or into a large container.
- Sprinkle in Garden Time™ Complete Garden Fertiliser, and mix well.
This process revitalises the soil by replenishing the nutrients that have been used, making it ready for another round of planting.
Leave Roots To Enrich
Leave plant roots in the ground after harvesting leafy greens and other crops. As they break down, they improve soil structure and provide organic matter for the next planting.
Make the Most of Mulch
Mulch helps soil retain moisture and protects it from the elements - keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. It also reduces watering needs, prevents nutrient loss, and protects plants and their roots. For a budget-friendly option, compost can double as mulch. Explore our range of bagged mulch and bark products.
