My 4 top gardening tips are free – you just need to visit a library & Starbucks

A garden is an outdoor area used to cultivate trees, flowers, herbs and vegetables. The benefits of gardening include eating fresher food and saving money.

When a single crop is planted year after year, the soil depletes itself of nutrients. To avoid this, organic farmers use a strategy called crop rotation.

A WOMAN with a green thumb said growing a thriving garden doesn’t need to cost much.

She shared four unexpected hacks that involve pitstops at Starbucks and your local library.

Ellie Bagwell is a home expert who said you can get a luscious garden while on a budgetCredit: TikTok/elliebagwell

She said Starbucks often gives away free coffee grounds, already bagged up for your convenienceCredit: TikTok/elliebagwell

Ellie Bagwell (@elliebagwell) spends most of her time at home – gardening, decorating, and coming up with creative DIYs that she shares on TikTok.

In one video, she addressed individuals who are eager to have a beautiful backyard garden but are intimidated by the potential costs.

“I’m going to talk to you about some free things you can do to help get your garden started,” she said in the video.

LIBRARY

Although your first thought when plotting a garden may not be to hit the local library, Ellie said it’s often very helpful.

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“They probably have a seed bank, and you can get free seeds,” she explained.

Free seeds can become free plants.

COFFEE SHOP

Similarly, your local coffee shop – or even Starbucks – will likely also be a gold mine.

“They give away free coffee grounds usually and you can add that to your compost to make a better environment for certain plants,” she said.

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Revealing a large bag of coffee grounds that she picked up from Starbucks, she said to simply mix it with your compost and watch your plants bloom.

TRADE

If you meet other people who have a passion for gardening, you’re in luck, as you might have what someone else wants.

“Everyone and anyone that I know is willing to barter or trade seeds or plants.

“I have traded plants and seeds with people on TikTok, and with people in my community, and that’s always a great way to build on your garden.”

BUCKETS

Another must-have when it comes to gardening is buckets – but Ellie said you don’t need to head to Home Depot to get these.

“Five-gallon buckets you can find at your local bakeries, or if there are any ranches or farms near your house – usually they have extra five-gallon buckets that they’re willing to give away for free.”