Do you want to start a vegetable container garden without investing any money?
Growing food is a valuable skill, especially with the cost of groceries on the rise. People that live in apartments or smaller spaces may think they don’t have enough room for a garden or to get started.
But there are various ways to garden, no matter where you live! A container garden is the perfect solution for small spaces and limited budgets.
And with enough creativity and imagination, you can get started for free!
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What is Container Gardening?
Container gardening is the act of growing plants out of a container, such as a garden pot, instead of from the ground. The activity is gaining popularity as people aim to become more self-sustainable.
A container garden is a great alternative to traditional gardening for a few reasons:
- More control: You know exactly what is in your soil and can observe your plants closely for common garden problems like pests and diseases.
- More accessible: Container gardening can be done by people who don’t have a lot of money, beginner enthusiasts, or people with disabilities.
- It’s portable: No worries if you live in an apartment or rental. Take your plants with you wherever you go!
How to Start a Container Garden With No Money
1. Create Your Own DIY Potting Soil By Composting
Did you know that soil is mostly a mix of organic matter, sand, clay, and silt?
The materials break down over time and organic matter releases nutrients into the ground, making it fertile for plant life.
You can make nutrient-rich potting soil for free by composting. Composting is simply the act of breaking down food scraps and organic waste.
Not only will your plants get a healthy head start, but you’ll lessen gas emissions while saving money!
A good compost takes anywhere from a few weeks to six months, to a year, depending on your chosen method.
How to get started: You can find free compost at recycling centers or municipal facilities or make your own.
Or choose a high-quality ‘soilless’ and sterile potting mix from your local nursery, though this may cost you a bit more!
Did I mention compost is also an amazing natural slow-release fertilizer?
2. Use Recycled Water From the Rain and Cooking
You don’t need a fancy watering can or an expensive irrigation system to keep your plants happy.
Did you know that rainwater is full of nutrients? Set up a rain collection system with buckets or tubs!
A few other ideas for nutrient-rich water:
- Reuse cooking water (cooled) from pasta or veggies, it’s full of nutrients!
- Water plants with leftover tea or coffee (just skip the sugar and milk).
- Place a plastic bottle with holes in the soil near your plants for slow, deep watering.
Tip: If you’re using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours before watering your plants to let any chlorine evaporate.
3. Get Free Seeds and Cuttings
Seeds are a must for any garden, but you don’t have to buy them. There are plenty of ways to get free seeds and even plants.
Here are some ideas:
- Save seeds from store-bought produce like peppers, tomatoes, and lemons.
- Join seed swap groups in your community or online.
- Ask friends and neighbors if they have extra seeds or plant cuttings.
- Root plant cuttings in water (basil, mint, and pothos are super easy to propagate this way).
Tip: When saving seeds from store-bought fruits and veggies, choose organic produce for the best success rate.
Don’t have any vegetables on hand? Check out your local library!
In Florida, some libraries participate in seed exchange programs where gardeners drop off seeds from the previous season.
And you can pick these up for free!
You can also buy cheap non-GMO seeds. I bought packets super cheap at Dollar Tree, 4 for $1. Some grocery stores will even allow you to purchase young vegetable plants on government food assistance programs.
How to get started: Check a local library to see if they participate in a seed exchange. Some libraries offer free container gardening classes so attend a session to learn the best time.
4. Recycle Items as Planters
Before you even think about buying pots, you should look around your home for containers that can be repurposed.
Almost anything that can hold soil and drain excess water can be used as a planter.
Here is some inspiration:
- Old coffee cans, yogurt containers, and plastic bins make great plant pots.
- Wooden crates, dresser drawers, and even old colanders work well for a rustic garden feel.
- Poke a few holes in the bottom of plastic containers for drainage, and you’re good to go.
- Check out local recycling centers or ask friends for unwanted containers.
- Get creative! Old dishes, teapots, and even shoes have been turned into fun plant homes!
Tip: Visit thrift stores or yard sales and ask for damaged or unsellable items—many places will give them away for free.
I planted my seedlings by cutting 16 oz water bottles in half. Poke holes in the bottom half for drainage and fill with your soil and seeds. Place the other half over it to form a mini greenhouse to protect them from wind and rain. Voila!
You have a container garden!
As your plants grow, the container size that you transplant them in will depend on what kind of plant or vegetable you’re growing.
How to get started: Smaller containers are great for seedlings, but the 5-gallon utility bucket is the perfect size for many growing vegetables. I’ve also found inexpensive big pots at budget stores like Dollar Tree and Ollie’s.
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5. Find Free Gardening Tools
Gardening tools don’t have to be expensive, and in many cases, you don’t even need traditional tools to get started.
As your plants grow into mature plants, they will need care, maintenance, and support for stable growth.
- Look for free tools on neighborhood exchange sites like Nextdoor or Buy Nothing groups.
- Repurpose household items—spoons work as small shovels, and chopsticks can be used as plant supports.
- Many community gardens have tool-sharing programs.
- Ask around to friends or family might have extra tools they don’t use.
- Use an old kitchen knife to cut through roots and a plastic bottle to make a watering can.
If you live in an established area with trees, look around for branches or sticks to use as a support stake with clips or twine to the main plant stem. For climbing plants, use ladders or frames as repurposed trellises!
There may be more permanent solutions than this as plants get bigger, but I encourage you to see what nature has to offer before deciding to consume at the stores.
The rustic look will grow you.
How to Get Started: Go outside! Look around your neighborhood to find things people set out for free. If you need something specific, check local hardware stores, sometimes they donate damaged or returned tools. Utilize online groups to swap, barter, or buy cheap.
6. Go Natural with Pesticides and Fertilizers
No matter what type of gardening you do, you will deal with pests at some point.
Neem oil has been my number one helper for pests and diseases. I was lucky enough to get these for $5 a bottle at my local Wal-Mart as part of an end-of-season sale, so definitely keep an eye out for seasonal deals.
If you’re looking for a substitution to keep nature from eating up all your hard work, you can also try an insecticidal soap that might already be in your home.
Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Castile soap is a personal favorite.
Did you know that peppermint is the number one natural repellant of ants and insects in your garden?
For an easy solution, mix 10 parts water with three parts soap and spray it on your plants.
Dr. Bronner’s castile soap is all-natural and will not hurt your plants.
In addition to pests, potted plants will need fertilizing regularly since they aren’t receiving nutrients from the ground.
I love using compost because you don’t have to worry about what’s in it. All you have to do is sprinkle it on the top layer of your plants as a mulch.
How to Get Started: Observe your plants for signs of nutrition deficiency or pests. Plant companion plants to repel pests from the start. Herbs like lemon, garlic, and basil are good starters.
7. Find a Community Group
You are missing out if you’re on social media and not utilizing Facebook marketplace or local buy-nothing groups.
Many people are willing to donate precious supplies like pots, garden tools. You can also participate in a cutting or propagation exchange.
The secret to finding great finds is to become a pro at research. Search for different keywords and related terms when searching for specific items.
This is how I found unique garden items for my balcony, so be sure to keep an eye out for inspiration!
How to Get Started: Join social media groups and participate in bartering programs. Look out for curbside items, yard sales, thrift stores, or estate sales near you.
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This Post Has Shown You How to Start a Container Garden for Free!
Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to start your container garden journey, no matter what your budget or space looks like. With a little intention and creativity, you can nurture seedlings into mature plants in any pot.
You’ll be a pro before you know it!
