Decorating your yard for the spring is a fun and rewarding pastime, but it can also make a big impact on your wallet. Fortunately, you don’t have to be rolling in the dough to make your yard a spring sensation. Check out these creative ideas for landscaping your yard this spring.
Don’t Over-Fertilize
We often think that more is better, but that’s not always the case when it comes to fertilizing your plants. Save on costly mixes by only fertilizing once or twice in a given year. Your plants won’t benefit from the additional nutrients, and you’ll only be pouring money down the drain.
Pick Native Plants
Choosing to grow native flora rather than imported stock has a lot of great benefits. First, it will grow best in your climate, so you won’t have to pour in the extra effort to keep it alive (some plants from higher altitudes struggle in southern summers and require constant attention during the hot months, for example). There’s nothing worse than paying big money for a beautiful plant only to have it wither away. Second, you’ll likely be able to find them at local nurseries for lower costs, because there won’t be transportation expenses from bringing them into your area. Finally, it’s great for the local wildlife like birds and butterflies!
Recycle Newspaper
Old newspapers are a great alternative to black plastic for flower beds. You’ll need several sheets (plan to go about 24 pages to make one layer), but if you’ve already got lots of them sitting around, it doesn’t cost anything to use what you’ve got. Just be sure to soak them in water before you get started.
Collect Rainwater
If your area is going through a particularly rainy spell, you can collect the water and use it to hydrate your plants when things dry up. Rainwater is better for your plants than city water, as it doesn’t have any of the added chemicals. You should be sure, however, that you dump your water containers regularly and keep them clean– standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes if left untended.
Use Screws Instead of Nails
If you’re working on a wood project like a deck or treehouse, you should always use screws instead of nails. Screws are much more sturdy, and they’ll hold the structure together for years longer than nails will– saving you costly repairs down the road.
You’ll save money and have a beautiful backyard to enjoy with these tips. What will you do with your newly landscaped yard?
