Low‑cost gardening projects to give your garden a boost

Give your garden a boost with compost

Composting at home helps reduce waste sent to landfill, cuts methane emissions from food waste and creates nutrient-rich fertiliser that you can add to your garden.

What’s involved?

To start composting, create a compost bin or a ‘heap’ where you toss food scraps such as fruit, veg, coffee grounds, eggshells and more (learn more about how to make your own compost at home). Turn or mix your compost to add air, keep it moist but not wet and allow weeks or months for it to break down.

Our top tip for composting

You can compost for free – or make use of low-cost tools to help, such as a compost caddy, compost tumbler or air-tight indoor Bokashi compost bin (great for renters in small spaces). You can also compost using worm farms, which can be good fun for kids.

Enjoy the many benefits of mulching

Mulching helps retain soil moisture, stops weeds growing and regulates the temperature of your soil. Overall, it boosts soil health – so your plants grow well and you need to water and weed the garden less.

What’s involved with mulching?

To create your own free mulch, collect garden waste like leaves, grass clippings and pruned branches, shredding or chopping the larger bits to help it break down faster. Sit it in a pile off to the side of your garden and let it age, giving it a turn every now and then with a spade. When your mulch is partially broken down with a neutral, earthy smell, it’s ready to use. Clear weeds and debris from the area you’re mulching and water the soil lightly – then spread a 5–10cm layer of your organic material around the plants and garden beds, keeping it clear of stems and trunks.

Learn everything you need to know about mulch

Our top tip for mulching

No time to make your own mulch or don’t have enough garden waste to create a mulch pile? You can buy bark, chips, straw, or compost to use for mulch instead.

Raised garden beds

Raised garden beds are great for warming the soil faster, improving soil quality and drainage, and best of all, they make gardening easier on your knees and back!

What do I need for a raised garden bed?

If you have some leftover materials (wood, metal or stone) and are handy enough to build your own raised garden bed frames, you can get started for free. You’ll want to choose a suitable area with good sunlight and fill with quality soil and compost before planting your beds.

Follow these step-by-step guides to build your own raised garden bed:

• How to build a raised garden bed with sleepers
• How to make a portable garden bed

Try a raised garden bed kit

Prefer to buy what you need? Check out our range of raised garden bed kits – they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you’re bound to find one that fits your space.

Propagating plants for beginners

Propagating is about creating new plants from existing ones, using either seeds from the existing plant or a cutting. This is a great way to save money buying new plants, to fill out your garden more quickly or even to share a plant with a friend.

How do I propagate a plant?

The easiest method is to grow a new plant from a stem cutting. Check out this step-by-step guide, which will show you everything you need to get started propagating plants.

Our top propagating tips

You can make it a bit easier on yourself by buying a self-watering propagation kit – or using hormone gels, which can boost success with plant cuttings.

Three budget-friendly garden tips

Get that garden started – and thriving – without a huge outlay! Here’s how.

1. Plant seeds: They’re a budget-friendly option compared to seedlings or mature plants.
2. Use a wetting agent and shade: during the hot summer months to reduce water usage.
3. Start with a solid foundation: Good quality soil, fertilisers and soil improvers all help.

Are you ready to give your garden a boost?

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to improve what you already have, these low-cost gardening projects prove you don’t need a big budget to see real results. Check out our full range of gardening products online or at your local store today.

 

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cheapest way to improve garden soil?

Composting and mulching are two of the most affordable ways to improve soil health. Both can be done using garden waste and food scraps you already have, and they help improve moisture retention, nutrient levels and plant growth over time.

Can I compost if I live in a rental or small space?

Yes. Compact options like Bokashi bins, worm farms or small compost tumblers are well suited to balconies, courtyards and rental homes. They’re low-odour, easy to manage and don’t require a large outdoor area.

How thick should mulch be in garden beds?

A layer around 5–10cm thick is ideal. This helps suppress weeds, retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch slightly away from plant stems and tree trunks to avoid rot.

Are raised garden beds expensive to set up?

They don’t have to be. You can build a raised garden bed using leftover timber, sleepers or other materials you already have. Alternatively, kits are available in a range of sizes and prices, making it easy to find an option that suits your budget and space.

Which plants are easiest to propagate for beginners?

Many herbs (like mint and rosemary), indoor plants (such as pothos) and soft-stemmed garden plants propagate easily from cuttings. Starting with healthy parent plants and using clean tools will improve your success rate.