Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on WHAV.
Walking into a garden center filled with beautiful new varieties of plants is a temptation many gardeners succumb to. You can include some of the cool new plants in your landscape even when your plant budget is limited or you are trying to make it go further.
Add a few of the cool, usually pricier new plants to a container filled with less expensive favorites. Or dig and divide some overgrown perennials. Use those with great foliage as fillers.
Shop with friends! It’s often cheaper to buy plants by the flat. Buy in quantity and share the plants and the cost.
Start with smaller size plants or seeds. Perennials in quart size pots, trees and shrubs in gallon containers are cheaper. Just provide space for this small transplant to reach its full size. Fill in the voids with annuals started from seeds. You’ll not only save money but, have fun watching the plants grow and fill in the space over time.
A bit more information: Starting plants from seeds directly in the garden is not only economical, but can increase your selection. Just make sure the seeds you select will have enough time to grow and flower or fruit during your growing season.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com.