DENVER (KDVR) – Revitalizing your garden or lawn this spring is likely to cost more than in previous years.
Garden centers are feeling the effects of inflation. Trela Phelps is the executive director of City Floral in Denver. Phelps estimates prices are up about 5% to 10% compared to this time last season.
“It’s very difficult to get things to grow. We’re a grower-retailer, so we grow a lot of things that we sell, and it’s been very difficult to get pots and soil and things like that,” Phelps said.
Phelps says they tried to shop as early as possible to avoid passing higher costs on to consumers.
Five ways to save on gardening and landscaping
1. Reuse and refresh old soil
According to Phelps, next to fertilizer, soil is the number one thing that will cost more this season. Buying in bulk is not necessarily going to reduce costs as the price increase is largely due to higher shipping costs.
“You can freshen up the soil you have in your pots, just add some compost or just touch it up. It is helpful not to replace large amounts of soil. Unfortunately, some people like to make their own blend, and it’s gotten a bit more expensive as those ingredients aren’t cheap anymore,” Phelps said.
2. Avoid overbuying
Phelps recommends buying only what you can plant in a single day.
“Sometimes people get really excited, they take plants home and leave them on the porch and they die because they forget to water them,” she said.
3. Grow plants from seeds
Growing from seed saves upfront costs but requires time and patience. Phelps warns that this can also lead to higher water consumption.
4. Knowing which plants work in your space and which don’t
The pandemic drew more people to try gardening or landscaping for the first time. Phelps says proper training will help avoid unnecessary expenses.
“I think it’s really important that you apply the right materials, put them down, whether it’s a mulch, or put the right plant in the right spot. We want to make sure you’re successful, so we’re water conscious and planting the right species for this environment we’re in,” Phelps said.
5. Look out for weekly specials
You’re unlikely to find clearance items at garden centers during the peak season, says Phelps. Instead, she recommends paying close attention to and taking advantage of the weekly specials.
“When it gets April and May, we’re really trying to have the best stuff on the floor at that time,” Phelps said.
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