Fall is the time to look for plants, trees and shrubs.

At this time of year you can save money on plants that nurseries and garden center so not want to over-winter. The plants have usually been picked over so make sure that the plant is healthy and have not suffered neglect.
photo credit: Putneypics

If the plant looks healthy and meets your yards requirements, take it home and plant  as soon as possible.

With shrubs and trees I plant the plants as quickly as possible so that the roots will have a chance to start to grow before late fall and early winter set in. I usually plant them the same day as I bring them home.

I make sure the plants are deep watered each week until frost starts to hit my area (I am a zone 5 so that late October or early November). To deep water properly I use a one-gallon milk jug and poke a hole in the side with a nail. This will let the water slowly soak into the root system where it is needed.

When winter sets in I mulch around the shrub or tree with about 4 inches of mulch. It’s important to make sure the mulch does not touch the tree or shrub trunk. The trunk will breath better if the mulch does not touch. And mulch helps to protect the new roots that have started to grow.

At this time you may also want to decide whether to stake your new plants or use a canvas cover for wind protection.

I recently bought shrubs on sale at a store that didn’t want to over winter them. They were only $2 a piece for shrubs that were 3 to 4 foot tall and usually sold for $20 to $40.
photo credit: cliff1066

But before I bought them I wrote down the shrub name and came home and looked them up on the Internet. I wanted to know how tall they were, how much upkeep they needed and what their growing requirements were. The next day I went back and purchased shrubs. They were $1 a piece at that time.

I looked the shrubs over and selected the hardiest. My selections included, Barberry “Rose Glow”, two varieties of highbush cranberries, and juniper “Gold Cone.” There is still one shrub that I need to identify the variety. I know it’s an old-fashioned shrub variety but I haven’t narrowed the variety down by the name on the plant tag.

These bushes will be used in the front yard in new garden areas and in the side of the backyard. The smaller varieties will go in the front yard and the larger cranberry bushes will go in the side backyard.

There is still time to plant trees and this is the best time to divide perennials. If you have a friend or neighbor you can trade perennial plants with you will be able to save a lot of money and increase your perennial varieties.
photo credit: prudencebrown121

These free plants will add color to your yard for years to come.

Technorati Tags: dividing perennials, frugal gardening, save money on shrubs, save money on trees

At this time last year I decided to start a perennial gardening business. I wanted to make better use of my backyard plus I am plant addicted and feel you really can’t have enough plants.
photo credit: cliff1066

During the summer I collected plants and in the fall I set up a starter garden for the perennials. Theses were for the plants I bought, found or traded for. I divided the perennials that you divide in the fall and covered the soil with a heavy mulch to stop weeds from growing and to protect the plants from heavy frosts.

This spring I worked the mulch into the ground and found more plants to add to the collection. I also divided many of the plants that should be divided in the spring. My plants quadrupled in a twp week times from dividing plants. The divided plats will be ready to sell in the fall.

Last year at this time I had about 150 perennial plants. This year I have 2000 plants that are a good size and healthy. By fall, even with sales I will have about 5000 plants.

My goal was to start a perennial gardening business on a budget by finding or trading plants and purchasing plants that could be easily divided for more new plants. I wanted to set up a backyard business that is enjoyable.

I spent $50 last year and have made $500 this spring just selling a few plant varieties I don’t like to grow. In the fall I hope to have a business that can be run full time.

Where to find Free Plants

From your friends when they divide their perennials
From houses that are going to be torn down. Ask first!
From greenhouses at the end of their season
Along the road and abandoned houses.

This last week stopped at two garage sales and they had beautiful gardens. I asked what they did with their plants when they divided plants and worked in the garden and they admitted they just tossed them. So I made arrangements to pick up their “homeless” plants. I have 4 boxes of plants (about 200 plants and 12 new varieties) and in a few weeks I will be getting more perennials.
photo credit: carterjk

I also plan to sell my bee balm patch that has taken over an old garden. It’s a lovely plant and I plan to keep some of the plants but I have dug up 100 clumps of bee balm and it’s going to a flea market tomorrow. The money I make from the plants will go to buy new plant varieties I don’t have.

Another suggestion that will save you money is to make your own compost for your plants which will cut back on buying soil.

Free  pots and garden containers can be found along curbs that are being tossed out or at garage sales.

So when it comes to saving money on plants, ask around. You will be surprised what plants you can get for free or for trading. It adds to the fun of gardening and makes for a prettier backyard garden area.

Technorati Tags: Backyard Flower Garden, dividing perennials, flower garden, free plants, perennial garden, perennial garden business, perennial plants, plant care, thegardenersrake.com