5 garden items you should never splurge on – this is where to strategically spend your money for a beautiful garden on a budget
How to save your cash, according to the pros
Save or splurge? It can sometimes be tricky deciding which option is better when purchasing items for your garden. But experts want you to know you don’t need to spend a fortune on a beautiful, functional garden. In fact, these are the five garden items you can save, not splurge on.
With so many different products, all promising to help your garden flourish, it can sometimes feel a little intimidating knowing what to buy, and more specifically, what to invest in.
1. Branded fertiliser
It can be easy to opt for recognisable brands when selecting the best fertilisers for your plants. However, you don’t always have to go for clever marketing; simply check the ingredients instead.
‘Most specific plant foods and fertilisers all contain the same nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This means that branded and generic fertilisers provide plants with the same nutrients, making it not worth spending the extra money,’ says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.
For example, B&Q's own brand Verve Multi-purpose Granules Universal Plant feed is just £4, and has a five-star rating.
2. Decorative plant pots
Another item you don’t have to worry about spending a small fortune on is plant pots. There are plenty of budget, high-quality options available that will house your plants and look great, too. Right now, I love Dunelm's colourful Vista pots, which are only £2.50 each.
‘You don’t need to spend a lot on plant pots, as affordable terracotta, metal, recycled plastic and second-hand pots still look really good, especially when grouped properly,’ says Lee Trethewey, garden furniture expert at Sustainable Furniture.
3. Expensive watering cans
‘Any container is capable of delivering water to your plants, with most high-end watering cans being mainly for decoration and not having any additional functions. A simple, inexpensive watering can is just as effective for keeping plants healthy,’ says Richard.
A simple, effective watering can can cost as little as £3.80 at B&Q. Meanwhile, a 10L can will set you back £8 at Argos. Instead, Richard says it's far better off investing in your garden hose, arguing that spending a little more - such as the Hozelock 30m Ultimate Hose Pipe, £52.95, B&Q - means you’ll get more usage, without leaks or tears.
4. Outdoor cushions and rugs
We all want our garden seating ideas to look stylish and feel comfortable. Luckily, for you, this can easily be achieved on a budget with the best outdoor cushions.
‘Outdoor cushions and rugs can help zone a seating area and make the area cosy, but they don’t need to be a big investment as they tend to fade, collect dirt and get marked quickly (especially outdoor rugs). In a warmer climate, it might be worth spending more on these items; in the UK climate, these items are either brought inside frequently (and therefore not on show), or get dirty quickly, meaning it's best not to spend too much on these items,’ says Lee.
Right now, Habitat has some seriously stylish, yet affordable rugs, such as the 180x240cm Stripe Outdoor Rug, which is only £25. I’ve also been impressed with M&S’s cushions, like the Striped Outdoor Cushion Set, which is just £25 for two.
5. Plant supports
If you’re a plant parent, you, of course, want to give your plant babies the best chance of success. But before you run off and snap up expensive supports, just know you don’t need to.
‘Instead of buying plant supports or stakes, you can make your own by gathering branches or even using old mop handles. Alternatively, opt for inexpensive bamboo canes to support plants, as if stored properly, they can last for several seasons,’ says Richard.
Right now, you can get six bamboo canes for £3.99 at Amazon. Metal-coated plant supports are also very affordable, such as this 40-piece set from B&Q for £16.98.
What to splurge on:
'Any hand tools that you will use daily are worth splurging on, as they will withstand a high level of usage better than cheaper, flimsy tools and prevent strain on your hands. Some brands also sell tools that have replaceable parts, making them last for longer,' says Richard. This set of secateurs comes best recommended from Ideal Home's Gardens Editor, Sophie King.
'The likes of parasols, pergolas, awnings and other types of covering are worth spending more on if they make the garden more usable, and nicer to be in. Shade and shelter can really impact how often you use the space, especially in the UK where the weather can change quickly and be sunny one minute and raining the next,' says Lee. This Habitat parasol has hundreds of great reviews praising its high quality and durability.
'A sturdy wheelbarrow can be used reliably to move things around your garden without causing too much strain on your body,' says Richard. This wheelbarrow is ideal for everyday garden use, being both light and durable. It even has a puncture-proof tire and a capacity of 90 litres.
By saving your money on these items, it's even easier to acheive the garden of your dreams.
