As spring sunshine arrives across the UK, Brits are being urged to make the most of their gardens — not just for beauty, but for savings too.
According to garden design experts at LightingLegends.com, there are five simple and affordable ways to cut your outdoor costs this season, from installing a water butt to using solar-powered lighting.
🌼 “Maintaining a garden can be a massive cost,” says Jon Saeed, Managing Director at LightingLegends.com.
“But by working smarter and making use of natural resources, households can save on energy and water bills in the long run.”
💧 1. Install a Water Butt
Water butts collect free rainwater you can use for:
- Watering plants
- Topping up ponds or fountains
- Washing patios and garden furniture
Using stored rainwater helps cut down on mains water usage — a smart way to reduce your water bills.
🔋 2. Use Solar-Powered or LED Lighting
Outdoor lighting can get expensive, but solar-powered lights are:
- Free to run after installation
- Eco-friendly, drawing energy from sunlight
- Easy to set up without wiring
LED lighting is also a cost-efficient option, using significantly less energy and lasting longer than standard bulbs.
🥗 3. Grow Your Own Salad & Veggies
Even a small garden can be used to grow:
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Spinach
These are easy starter crops that save money and cut down on supermarket trips. Plus, they’re fresher!
🔄 4. Upcycle Household Items
Saeed encourages households to get creative with DIY upcycling:
“We’ve seen old boots turned into planters and pallets used as seating.”
Ideas include:
- Turning old watering cans or wheelbarrows into quirky pots
- Using ice lolly sticks as plant markers
- Repurposing tins, crates, and jars for seed storage or mini herb gardens
♻️ 5. Start Composting
Use kitchen waste like:
- Vegetable peelings
- Coffee grounds
Combine these with garden waste like:
- Grass clippings
- Fallen leaves
This creates nutrient-rich compost that reduces the need to buy expensive fertilisers — a win for your wallet and the planet.
🌿 Final Thought
These five simple changes can make your garden more sustainable and significantly reduce your utility and maintenance costs. With a little creativity and effort, your outdoor space can work smarter — not harder — for your budget.
