Transforming an overgrown garden into a beautifully landscaped outdoor space might seem like something well outside your budget. However, gardening on a budget is possible. Use these tips to make over your garden without spending a fortune on new plants and materials.

1. Shop in Wholesale Nurseries

Buying plants from a retail garden centre can be expensive. A wholesale nursery is often a much more affordable option. Many wholesale nurseries have occasional days when the public can visit and browse the available plants, even those that are usually only open to business buyers. This tip is particularly useful if you are planning to start a small orchard on your land, as wholesale trees are often much less expensive than saplings from retail nurseries.

2. Ask Friends For Plant Cuttings

You don't have to purchase plants to turn your garden into a lush, green haven. Some plants can be propagated from cuttings, which can be an alternative to growing them from seed or buying adult plants from a nursery. Take a look at the plants growing in the gardens of your friends, relatives and neighbours. If you see any you like, ask the owner whether you can take a cutting.

3. Build a Rock Garden

Building a rock garden is an inexpensive way to fill a corner of a large garden. Buy rocks and boulders in bulk to reduce your costs as much as possible. Look for rocks in a range of colours and sizes to create an interesting and attractive arrangement.

4. Make Your Own Planters

Wooden planters can be expensive to buy from retail stores and garden centres. A less-expensive option is to use reclaimed materials, such as wood pallets or old car tyres, to create your own planters. All you need to do is line an old wood pallet with garden fabric to create a cheap raised bed for your seedlings.

5. Grow a Lawn Instead of Laying Turf

Turf gives you a pristine lawn, but it can be expensive. If you don't mind waiting a while for your garden to green up, you could try growing grass from seed. Maximise your chance of success by choosing a type of grass that is suitable for your local climate and soil type.

6. Create Your Own Compost

Why buy expensive fertiliser when you could create your own compost from kitchen waste? All vegetable matter can go into a compost pile, including tea bags, vegetable peelings, and fruit skins, but don't add meat or fish.