7 Frugal Ways to Attract Butterflies to Your Garden
Attracting butterflies to your garden is not only ideal because of their beauty, but because they can help pollinate your flowers and plants as well! Butterflies are an excellent asset to your garden, which is why attracting them should be on your to do list. Attracting butterflies doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult; in fact, you can get them to come flocking for just pennies! Take a look below at 7 frugal ways to attract butterflies to your garden so you can enjoy them and the benefits they bring all season long.
1. Place out “sweet spots.”
Give butterflies sweet spots to feed on when you place out shallow lids with sugar water in them. The lids of Pringles cans or butter containers are perfect for this task. Then, watch the butterflies come and take a sip.
2. Try sponges.
Cut up sponges into cubes and soak them in sugar water. You can then place the sponges out in your garden and wait for butterflies to find then. They will love perching on the soft sponges and drinking the sweet water.
3. Give them watering stations.
You can do both of the suggestions above using plain water instead of sugar water so the butterflies have a place to get a cold drink. They get thirsty just like we do, and will flock to spots where water is available for them.
4. Plant ground cover.
Plant some low laying plants and ground cover that butterflies can find shade in. They will appreciate a retreat from the sun and enjoy a shady place to lounge in.
5. Plant butterfly friendly blooms.
Butterflies love Rose of Sharon, Butterfly Bush, and many other flowering bush varieties. Add some of these plants to your flower beds and landscaping and the butterflies will return year after year.
6. Forget the pesticides.
If you use pesticides in your yard, they will scare and/or kill butterflies off. Instead, avoid using chemicals in your yard and by all means avoid pesticides. Try natural pesticide options instead such as lady bug releasing or a simple spray of Dawn dish soap and water.
7. Let them eat fruit.
Butterflies love fruit rinds and peels. Place these items in shallow dishes and place them out for butterflies so they always have a snack on hand!
See how simple it can be to bring beautiful butterflies flocking to your yard? Give these tips a try and in no time you will be enjoying beautiful butterflies in your garden, even on the tightest of budgets!
This year I’m trying something different for my garden. Normally I grow my veggies in containers, but this year I’m transforming my flower bed! I’m so excited!
I have an assortment of perennials in the flower bed, but I moved them all over to one side to make room for veggies. Because it’s still not a big space for growing, I really only want to grow carrots (my daughter loves them raw!). I thought I’d try beets because I love them roasted on salads. Kale because we like to make kale chips.
So the picture shows where I’ll be planting stuff. I might add peas in the back so they can climb the fence.
I will have some containers. I’ll have my herbs (Basil, tarragon, chocolate mint and strawberry mint), tomatoes and lettuce in containers. They grow well that way. I’m also trying out these Smart Pots for the tomatoes. They seem really great!
My mom will have her big garden again this year so I’ll be sure to trade some weeding time for cucumbers, zucchini, blackberries, potatoes, onions and what ever else she grows. 🙂
Tending to your garden’s needs can be expensive, which is why it’s important that you know about the homemade remedies that gardeners have been using for years. Take a look below at 7 garden remedies that will save you money, time, and will get you the best looking garden on the block. These garden remedies are not only easy and frugal, but you will also love that they are chemical free. Here is how you can get started:
7 Garden Remedies That Will Save You Money
1. Make your own slug trap.
Are slugs becoming a problem? Stop them in their tracks by placing a shallow dish in your garden and filling it up with beer. Any beer will do, and you only need a few tablespoons. The slugs will become attracted to the liquid, crawl in, and meet their demise. No more slugs!
2. Say goodbye to bunnies.
Are bunnies coming in to nibble on your plants? No problem. Just add a few marigolds to your border. Marigolds and their scent are said to keep bunnies from hopping in and enjoying an all you can eat buffet.
3. Banish bugs for good.
Fill a spray bottle up with warm water and a few drops of Dawn dish soap. Shake it up well and spray it liberally on plants where bugs such as aphids are present. It is a natural way to kill the bugs and enjoy a pest free garden.
4. Keep squirrels from digging.
Squirrels love digging up bulbs and plants. Keep this from happening by placing hair clippings along the base of the plants. Squirrels hate the texture and it will stop them in their tracks.
5. Save your egg shells.
Egg shells are calcium rich and perfect for enriching the soil. Save your egg shells, crush them up, and stir them directly into your garden soil. Your soil and plants will love the natural boost.
6. Try some coffee grounds.
Coffee grounds can also enrich your soil and give your plants a boost. Save your coffee grounds and stir them into your soil, your compost, or just add them around the base of your plants. The grounds will enrich the soil better than any chemical alternative could.
7. Keep birds at bay.
If birds want to come and nibble on your plants, lay a light netting over the top. Most home and garden shops carry these nettings and they are so easy to use. Plus, since they are so light they are very visible either, yet they are just enough to prevent birds from pecking.
Enjoy a beautiful garden for less and with less chemicals when you give these 7 garden remedies a try!
If you’re longing for a garden but are limited on yard space, a neighborhood garden may be a perfect solution for you! A neighborhood garden is especially a good idea if your neighbors are also sharing these problems and frustrations and wishing for a garden of their own. If you are unsure about how to start a neighborhood garden, take a look at the helpful tips below. You see how simple it can be to plant and maintain a neighborhood garden and reap a harvest that everyone can enjoy.
How to Start a Neighborhood Garden
Step 1: Have a planning session.
Gather all of the neighbors together who wish to participate. It’s ideal to have anywhere from 5-15 neighbors involved. Meet together and discuss a few important details such as where the garden will be and what plants will be going into it. Decide the size of the garden and if it will be a container, raised bed, or in ground garden. Listen to everyone’s ideas and pick a location that is central to the neighborhood. A neighbor may wish to donate space or you can opt for raised beds or container gardens along some shared land.
Once you know what you want to plant, you can create a budget for your garden. When it comes time to purchase the plants, have each participant pitch in a designated amount. Choose together what this amount will be so you can pick an amount that works for everyone. Once money is collected, choose a captain (or two) to take on the task of purchasing plants and supplies.
Step 2: Assign jobs.
Invite everyone to share their talents when taking care of the garden. Assign jobs to each participant so everyone has a part with the care of the garden and earns their share. Jobs will include weeding, feeding and fertilizing, watering, and of course harvesting. Someone should be checking on the garden daily, so create a chart for participants to sign up for days/tasks.
Step 3: Have a planting party.
Once you have your land picked out and your jobs in place, it’s time to have a planting party! Gather on a sunny day and start tilling the land, planting your produce, and setting up any necessary fencing or pest control. This can be a fun day for all involved as you work together to get your garden looking great.
Step 4: Practice maintaining the garden.
Make sure you keep up your end of the bargain by tending to the garden as needed and as designated. Stay in contact with the other gardeners so any issues in the garden can be discussed.
When your garden is ready to be harvested, head on down and start picking! Allow all participants to take part in harvesting and share what is collected. This is a great way to enjoy all of your hard work!
Growing a neighborhood garden takes a little work, but the end result is worth it. Give these tips a try and see how rewarding it can be to grow your own!
Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
9 Tips for Gardening on a Budget
Are you ready to “get growing?” The arrival of spring has many ready to get outdoors and start planting their gardens, but what if you are working on a limited budget? Well the good news is, gardening doesn’t have to be expensive, and in fact it can be a great way to save yourself some cash in the long run. If you are considering planting a garden this season and want to do so for less, take a look at these 9 tips for gardening on a budget. You will be amazed at how easy it can be to “get growing” for less!
1. Start your seeds indoors.
Sure you can buy seedlings, but starting your own seeds indoors is cheaper! A seedling cost at least $1-$5, while you can get an entire pack of seeds for $1 or less. So start your seeds indoors using seed starters and some basic soil, and you can have your own seedlings in no time. (Read this how-to post for details on how to start your seeds indoors!)
2. Check out your local dollar store.
Dollar stores have a great selection of gardening gear for just $1 each. Choose from seeds, flower pots, gardening gloves, fertilizer spikes, watering cans, starter trays, and more! It is a great way to build your gardening stash for less.
3. Use natural fertilizers.
Instead of buying plant food and fertilizers, try making your own! Crushed egg shells and coffee grounds make excellent plant food. You can also use fruit peels to help nourish the soil and keep your plants healthy.
4. Practice chemical free pest repellent.
Again, you can buy your own pest repellent, but why not make your own for less? A simple spray bottle of water and a few drops of Dawn Dish Soap can help keep many pests at bay! This is a great way to save cash and omit chemicals in your garden.
5. Start a rain barrel.
Instead of spending money on watering your garden, catch rainwater instead. A rain barrel is the perfect trick for catching rain perfect for watering your garden with. Even a small barrel or bucket can give you enough water to keep a small garden satisfied.
6. Make your own garden markers.
You can make garden markers out of all kinds of household materials. Try making some from wood craft sticks and markers to get started. This is a great way to keep your garden organized for less.
7. Team up with friends.
Team up with friends and neighbors to borrow each other’s gardening tools and equipment. You can even share seedlings and thinned out plants you no longer need. This is a great way to get the items you need for cheap or even free.
8. Use a small space.
Rather than tilling up a large piece of land for a garden, try out small space gardening! Living in a townhouse, we actually don’t have the land for a big garden so I put container gardening to use. Sometimes that might even feel overwhelming. If so, try growing just a few herbs that you often buy from the grocery store. Or grow a lasagna garden so you have all the ingredients for a delicious marinara sauce on hand. Here are a few more ways to grow a garden in a small space.
9. Look into community gardening.
Community gardening could be a great option for those of you that want a big garden but don’t have the space or want the time commitment. Do a little research about the community garden options in your city to see if this might be a good fit for you.
Gardening is a great way to grow your own food and save some cash. Give these tips for gardening on a budget a try and see how easy it can be to grow for less.
