The Cheapskate Gardener

The Cheapskate Gardener
Growing and maintaining a healthy garden and lawn shouldn't have to be expensive. alexkich/Shutterstock
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The only difference between gardeners and cheapskate gardeners is the amount of money they spend to achieve the same results. The truth is, like no other hobby, gardening is actually more productive when the cheapest—even free!—supplies are used.

Control Weeds

Newspaper: It’s cheap, and it works beautifully. Cover the area with 10 layers of newspaper, and then spread mulch or compost over the top. Plant whatever you like by poking a hole in the paper for the seed or plant.
Homemade weedkiller: Dissolve 2 cups salt in 1 gallon white vinegar, and add 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap. Move some of the vinegar to another container so you have room to get all that salt in there. Then replace the amount you removed and add the soap. Apply with a spray bottle. Caution: Repeated use will sterilize the soil to where eventually nothing will grow. It’s ideal for driveways, paths, and walkways.

Keep Cats Away

Ammonia: Sink small open containers (baby food jars are good) into the soil up to the rim throughout the garden, and fill them with household ammonia. Cats hate the smell of ammonia.
Mary Hunt
Mary Hunt
Author
Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.” COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM
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