This is actually a great question. I *could* do it, because I do have a LOT of plants/materials saved up from projects that haven't been finished. And I use a push mower, so I dodged the fuel problem. But the thing that hit me is that my ability to get through a year now is because I haven't been very selective about what I've brought home in the past. I've just bought willy-nilly. And I'd like to change that. Good post!

My tweet answer was too quick. I'm OK except for bit about fuel for the mower (I guess I could borrow some goats) and garden club memberships, symposia, public gardens vists...now if you just stick to the garden and ask would I fare well without spending a cent in my GARDEN, than yes, I can.

I actually could do quite well for a couple of years and still get to attend garden shows and gardens! Membership in the AHS lets me do that and my membership is good for two more years. We have a reel mower we could use for the lawn, I've got plenty of seeds saved, and a compost pile.
I would just need to stay away from the nurseries!!

Good post. I think I could survive, apart from the mower, which needs electrical power, and the pond pumps/filters (ditto). I don't use pesticides, I grow my own bamboo (for stakes), and I've got lots of organic compost, so could manage without buying fertiliser/mulch/potting compost. For a bit. I've had the same tools for years. But unless I found I could do swaps, or barter, or somehow acquire some new plants, life would be soooo boring!

I think it would be possible. I already garden on a budget, but my husband and I have taken steps to be more self-sustaining and cut costs. I have a big compost pile as a source of good soil. there are many sources of free manure where I live if I was creative enough to get it. Grass clippings and leaves are free mulch. We don't use fertilisers, pesticides, or herbicides. We also use a reel mower and scythe for lawn maintenance (no fuel required but a good bit of muscle!)

The hard part would be seeds for my vegetable garden. I would like to get good at seed saving from previous crops, but I'm not there yet.

We could do without everything except running the lawn mower. Our neighborhood covenants require that our two acre meadow be kept mowed. There goes any extra pennies.

I have enough perennials to divide. Most of mine don't like fertilizer anyway. The only bug problem is Japanese Beetles and I use a natural oil repellant.. I could just net my roses instead with existing spare netting.

Many of the botanical gardens in my area are free (run by state/universities).

I think my problem would be compost. I buy a lot of compost from our council to use as soil conditioner as I have clay soil. I think I would be Ok with seeds, canes and string, I dont use much fertiliser. My supply of pots and seed trays may last a year. I can exchange plants with friends but I would really miss my gardening club and magazine subs. However, there are other things I would give up first - such as broadband subscription!!!! The saving on that would I think fund my gardening on a shoestring

That is such an interesting thought. It can be done, especially with blotanical and other garden friends with the exchange of seeds. Meeting other gardeners, people are so happy to share and trade. There is so much than can be done with cuttings and making ones own compost. One would have to adjust and change some things, but it would be a creative process. I think gardeners would find a way!
All the best,
Philip

If I had my former gardens, I would be able to keep on keeping on. My new gardens have almost nothing and this will be an expensive year. Fortunately, I can divide what I buy if I choose well. I may not get the prettiest plant in a variety but I will sure get the most root bound.

That is almost my scenario now. It sure takes the fun out of it to be sure. I collected a lot of seeds for my winter sowing, so I know I'll have flowers. I don't use any chemicals, we have to mow, but our lot is small.
I can do without visits to gardens if I have to, and the other stuff as well, I can even live without container plantings. As long as I can grow the things that get the butterflies, bees and birds here, I'll survive!

Stuart, you pose an interesting question. Right now, I'm glad I don't have to do it. I would not be able to garden as I presently do. I would have to let some go to weeds, and the mowing would be the greatest expense. I would also need to turn much of it back to vegetable production.~~Dee

This is such an interesting post - with interesting comments.
My goal for 2009 is actually to make my garden self financing - selling my excess veg and plants, which would fund the things I "need" to buy - like new seeds for 2010 - I dont know if I can do it, but I will be giving it a go!
Happy New Year Stuart
K

Hi Stuart,
I have left a comment allready - but I am not sure if you received it ....

I thought this was a great post - with some interesting comments. My goal for 2009 is to work towards making my garden "self financing" by selling my excess veg and plants from the gate. Hopefully getting enough from this to buy the seeds I will need in 2010. I dont know if it will work - but I am giving it a go!
Happy New Year Stuart.
K.

This is a great, thought-provoking post. We couldn't do it - we'd need fuel for the mower and gas to get us to sources of free manure. I'd also have to spend a little on seeds. While I have some saved, I have only a few varieties as I used up a good bit last year.

Still, your post got me to thinking about my purchases and "need" versus "want."

Nope! COULD NOT do it! Never ever! Just this past August I tried so hard to go one whole month without purchasing a new plant. Gee I was so good until like the 29th of the month and broke down and purchased a few. Just a few though-I didn't go overboard. I'd get a side job just to finance my obsession if I had to-so far I haven't HAD to but do garden on the side for some more flower money:)

* Fertiliser.....yes I can get free sheep/goat/horse manure...will have to bag it and collect it in my car
* Pesticides (organic or chemical)...I rarely use these and I prefer to use soap or make a neem tea from my neem trees
* Fuel and oil for your lawn mower...have to use this or my property will look abandoned
* Cord for your line trimmer...already have a huge roll that will last several years
* Stakes for your vegetables and plants - and the string as well...I go to a carpentry business and ask for waste wood strips and use them. String? I will make some from my old tee shirts, just cut them in strips
* Potted annuals, vegetable seeds and new spring bulbs.....I visit my friends and we swap plants
* Mulch..I use cut grass from the lawn mower
* Manures...I can get it free if I bag and collect it
* Replacement tools....unless I have an emergency like the lawn mower or drive mower I will repair when necessary.
* Soluble minerals.....I don't use these when I use animal manure
* Gardening books and/or magazines...I have many that I haven't read cause I've been too busy
* Garden club membership fees...don't belong to any
* Entry fees to open gardens or botanical gardens....I will volunteer so I get in free
* Garden whimsy.....hey that is not important unless i get them as gifts
* Potting soil and containers....with manure compost and sand this goes a long way with some garden soil

It is almost impossible if you have a large garden but can cut some costs and just only spend what is absolutely necessary. It is hard but when you don't have the money you make do. Remember necessity is the mother of invention.

Thanks for the inspiration, it is so great to think about gardening in the larger picture of life and society. Check out my most recent post where I explored seed saving and money in the realm of vegetable gardening. We all need to think about what is essential to gardening, and what is just extra. Thanks.

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