There is a variety of ways to fill your life with plants that are little to no cost. Through cuttings, seeds, plant sales, plant rescuing, and other resourceful ways, a garden can look like paradise without breaking the bank. Here are 12 options for where to get cheap plants. There are many plant groups on social media with people willing to share cuttings. You also might be able to take a cutting from a plant you spot in your neighborhood that you’d like to try growing yourself. (Always ask the owner first before taking a cutting.) If you don’t know of any plant rescue groups in your area, think about local sources for unwanted plants that you could nurse back to health. Some ideas include:
Trash areas of garden centers and florists: Retailers will throw out plants that were returned or don’t look their best.Lawn care companies: These companies often discard plants from last season as they swap out new ones for clients. Approach the crew, and ask for the rejects; consider offering a tip or refreshments.Construction lots: If there’s a building under construction near you, there’s a good chance some or all of the existing landscaping will be removed. If you spot a plant on the lot that looks like it’s worth saving, contact the construction company to see whether you can dig it up.
Flea markets and other community home and garden sales also can be a good place to find inexpensive plants that are already adapted to the local climate. Plus, many garden tours offer cuttings of plants for sale or even for free. If they don’t explicitly offer, it can’t hurt to ask. An ideal time to go for cuttings is in the spring as the growing season is picking up. That way, your cutting will have time to form a root system well before chilly winter weather. Plus, your membership can contribute to 10 trees being planted in U.S. forests, as well as 10 trees being planted in threatened rain forests. Strategically arrive toward the end of the sale when items are often reduced drastically as the sellers want to pack up and move on. Offer a low but reasonable amount to take several plants off their hands, and be prepared to move them yourself. With a little gardening know-how, you can even nurse a somewhat-neglected plant back to health. An added bonus: Club members typically can offer information on how to grow the plant. And you might even find out that the club regularly engages in free plant swaps if you become a member. You also can request seeds for a gift option that’s easier on the budget. Or simply ask for a garden center gift card if you prefer to pick out your own plants.
Craigslist Facebook Marketplace NextDoor MeetUp Houzz Plant Exchange PlantCatching World Plant Exchange
Check online groups regularly, as the offerings constantly change. Keep things simple with the basics—good soil, light, and water—making sure to follow the care instructions on the seed packet. It’s unlikely that all your seeds will sprout, but that’s OK because you didn’t break the bank on them. Moreover, don’t hesitate to look at the garden center’s plant sale or clearance section year-round. Sometimes returned plants or ones that are damaged end up in this section at a discounted rate. Just consider what you’re capable of nurturing back to health, so you don’t waste your money on a plant that will die. Speak up and ask whether you can take some home. They often will be glad to give the plants away for free, so they don’t go to waste. You could even volunteer to distribute any unwanted plants to community members, reserving some for yourself.
