Page 23 - Giv'er Miramichi Magazine - Spring Giver 2026

Smart & Simple: Frugal Gardening Tips

Gardening season is just around the corner, and
getting started doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune.
With a little creativity, you can grow a healthy garden
while keeping costs down and reducing waste.
Test your seeds before buying new ones. Place a
few seeds between damp paper towels, seal them in a
zip-top bag, and check in a week. If they sprout, they’re
still viable — saving you from repurchasing what you
already have.
Feed your soil naturally. Crushed eggshells add
calcium to garden beds, and used coffee grounds can be
mixed into compost to enrich the soil. Saving kitchen
scraps is an easy way to reduce waste while improving paper gradually decomposes, suppressing weeds while
plant health. enriching the soil. Each year, simply top up the mulch
Water where it counts. Bury a plastic bottle with as needed.
small holes poked in the sides next to thirsty plants like Start seeds in simple containers. Cardboard toilet
tomatoes or cucumbers. When filled, it delivers water paper rolls or egg cartons make excellent biodegradable
directly to the roots, reducing evaporation and seed starters that can be planted directly into the ground.
encouraging deeper growth. With a bit of planning and resourcefulness, you can
Block weeds the natural way. Lay a layer of head into the growing season prepared — and grow
newspaper over garden beds or pathways, then top it something that’s good for both your table and the
with two to three inches of natural cedar mulch. The environment.

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