Tips for the frugal Denver garden

Seed sales are skyrocketing as frugal Denver residents turn to vegetable gardening in the recession. Beware, Denver residents, gardening can be an expensive proposition. Here are a few helpful tips for growing a frugal Denver vegetable garden.

Frugal vegetable gardeners might think seeds are a wise option. This is true only if the gardener is skilled at germinating and growing from seed. Many first time Denver gardeners have purchased vegetable seed which bore no results, only to be forced to buy plants anyway.

Frugal Denver gardeners know that vegetable plants produce the best yields and are therefore cheaper in the long run. Choose plants wisely. Plant vegetables the family already enjoys and don't over buy. Three healthy tomato plants will produce several bushels of tomatoes.

Sometimes the excitement of having a vegetable garden wears off about mid summer. Neglecting your investment is no way to be a frugal gardener. In Denver, this is the time period when the sun is hot and the garden needs the most nurturing.

Mulching the garden and planting Denver native plants are two ways to be frugal with the garden water bill. Mulch aids in water retention and is often offered free from the city. Plants native to Denver such as peppers need very little water to thrive.

Garden fertilizer is often quite expensive. The frugal Denver gardener can make compost. This is not as complicated as it seems. Go here for simple steps to making garden compost. It does take several months to cook so it may be too late for this season.

Garden seed saving and swapping is something experienced frugal Denver gardeners may want to consider. Save seeds from this year's garden to plant next year. Swap seeds with friends and neighbors as well. Give unneeded starter plants to first time frugal gardeners.

Use scrap wood to build raised beds and fences for the frugal garden. Denver residents will find an abundance of materials for free on craigslist. I once saw a free glass and brick greenhouse on this website. Free is about as frugal as it gets.