Tips to save money as gardening costs go up nationwide
MADISON, New Jersey (WABC) -- The cost of plants and flowers nationwide are on the rise. One reason is a trickle down effect from the war in Iran. As fuel prices rise, so does the cost to transport plants.
Higher labor costs and other economic issues are also causing prices to spike -- so what can you do to save?
Marcia Zweig, an avid gardener, shops all over for plants---one recent planting purchase was more than double.
"It was $641 and last year it was $300," Zweig said, "I have a lot of containers, a lot of garden beds, stuff for the greenhouse where I volunteer."
The dirt on why flowers and plants cost at least 40% more this year comes down to fuel, labor and tariff costs.
"Everything's more expensive this year," David Brill said.
Brill's family has owned The Farm at Green Village in Madison since the 1970s. His tips: buy seeds, buy smaller plants and more of them, and space them out.
He said space flowers out anywhere from six to eight to 10 inches apart. Some plants can even be 12 to 18 inches apart.
And start with seeds since it's early in the season. Just one packet for $2 to $6 can give you a small field of flowers.
The same goes for other plants, like tomatoes -- Michelle Charlesworth's personal favorite.
And get the kids involved---they will love it. For years, Brill has done all kinds of gardening with his kids, Jack and Madelyn.
"I myself love doing what I call a chaos garden and using wildflowers, especially with the kids, the younger ones," Kathryn Atkinson from The Farm at Green Village said.'
Don't forget wildflowers attract pollinators like honeybees and hummingbirds.
"You're getting a spread that can cover 660 square feet," Atkinson said.
That's the size of a New York studio.
Another tip? Buy small plants---they'll grow---get a bunch of organic herbs too. If you pinch off the ends to use, it will help them to keep growing.
And buy flats of flowers. Atkinson said if you plant them smaller, you can get more value for the price.
Good luck with your planting and saving!
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