9 Ways to Save on Lawn Care and Gardening this Season

Spring is coming so it’s time to get the yard and garden ready! But don’t let this seasonal maintenance break the budget.  Check out these tips for ways to save on lawn care and gardening this season.  And keep some of that green in your wallet.

1. Mow Grass the Right Length

Cutting your grass too short can actually cost you money.  The rule of thumb is to cut the top 1/3 of the grass, not too short. Do this by spacing the cuts as well as setting the blade high. This cut down on the frequency of watering and fertilizing (and might not need it at all) to keep your lawn healthier.

2. Aerate Lawn

Aerating your lawn, using a tool to poke holes in the soil, can help cut cost on lawn care as well. Because an aerated lawn is less compact, the looser soil will absornb water better.  It also helps to remove thatch. You can rent an aerator to do it yourself (maybe even go in with a neighbor to split the cost), or hire someone.

3. Routine Maintenance on Tools

Performing routine maintenance on you lawn tools will not only prolong the life of the tool itself, but also make for better performing tools.  Be sure to clean the mower and sharpen blades. Sharp blades also cut better to make for healthier lawns and use less gas because they are cutting more efficiently. . Don’t forget the end of the season too, drain the gas and oil for winter storage.

4. Join Store Loyalty and Newsletter Clubs

Both Home Depot and Lowe’s have eNewsletter programs that may alert you to seasonal sales and even rare coupons.  The Home Depot Garden Club often has seasonal coupons for outdoor, landscaping and gardening specific purchases.

5. Seek Out Youth Lawn Services

The best option is to mow your own yard, but if you are looking to outsource- skip the pricey landscaping companies! Look for area teens or college age students.  Not only are their prices more affordable, but you can feel better about helping a neighborhood kid. Also be lon the lookout for local school and athletic team mulch and flower sales.  Again, not only doe these offer decent prices, but delivery and a good cause.

6. Compost and Rain Barrels

Lawn clippings, vegetable scraps and rain- these are all “free” items that can be used to cut costs on your lawn care and gardening.  The clippings and organic scraps can be composted and turned into potting soil.  And rain barrels are wonderful for watering.  In Franklin County Ohio, residents can receive a $50 reimbursements for the purchase of an approved rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants and trees from a licensed retailer within the current year of participation (see details here). Check your community for similar programs.

7. Plant More Perennials

Perennials are plants that grow back season after season.  Annuals are plants and flowers that last just one season.  Fill your flower beds will more perennials and add in just a few annuals each year to cut down on the year after year costs.  Perennials are more cost upfront, but watch for end of season sales too.  Also look for plants for hosta and peonies that can be split after they grown too big for current placement and filled in other parts of your garden.

8. Don’t Buy New Outdoor Furniture

Your outdoor furniture may not need to go to the curb just yet. Or If you are looking for furniture, also consider second hand. A fresh coat of paint and a change of pillows can make an old set feel new. When considering paint; look for Rust-Oleum for metal or Krylon for plastic items. We have also had success restrapping the webbing on a patio swing.

9. Consider Battery Powered Tools

We have recently started using Greenworks Tools products.  The great thing about these tools is that they are all battery powered.  Yes you still have to “pay” for the electricity to charge  the batteries, but with gas prices on the rise the savings cannot be denied. And no more worrying about whether there is gas in the can. So far we have been very impressed with the quality and performance of the lawn mower (yes they have already mowed this season!)

I’m sure there are more ways to save as well.  What are your ideas for saving on lawn care and gardening? Leave them in the comments below.  And be sure to PIN THIS for later!

Mary shared a few of these tips on Good Day Columbus in April of 2018. Watch that GDC segment here.