Budget For Small Garden Ideas – Creating a small garden is an excellent way to enhance the beauty of your outdoor space without needing a large area.
However, the cost of establishing a small garden can vary depending on factors such as the types of plants, materials used, and additional features like garden furniture or decorations.
In this article, we’ll break down the budget considerations for different aspects of small garden design, helping you plan within your means.
1. Determining Your Small Garden Budget
Before diving into specific elements, it’s important to set a clear budget for your small garden. This will help guide your decisions on plants, materials, and design features.
Generally, a small garden can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,500 or more, depending on your preferences. Here are the main factors affecting the cost:
- Size of the garden: The smaller the space, the less expensive it will be to fill with plants and decor.
- Materials used: Organic materials like wood may be cheaper than premium stone or metal features.
- Additional features: Benches, lighting, and decorative elements can increase the cost.
- Labor: Hiring professionals for landscaping or installation will raise the overall cost.
read also: 129 Rectangular Planters Ideas For a Cozy Beautiful House and Garden
2. Cost Breakdown for Essential Garden Elements
a. Soil and Compost
To ensure your plants thrive, you’ll need high-quality soil and compost.
If your garden soil isn’t naturally fertile, you may need to purchase bags of organic soil or compost, which can range from $5 to $15 per bag.
For a small garden of about 100 square feet, expect to spend around $50 to $100 on soil and compost.
b. Plants
Plants are the centerpiece of any garden. The cost of plants depends on the type and size you choose.
For a budget-friendly small garden, consider a mix of perennials, herbs, and shrubs. Here’s a general price estimate:
- Perennials (e.g., lavender, daisies): $5 to $10 per plant
- Shrubs (e.g., boxwood, hydrangeas): $10 to $30 each
- Herbs (e.g., rosemary, basil): $3 to $8 per plant
For a small garden, you may want to purchase 10 to 20 plants, which would range from $100 to $300.
c. Mulch or Ground Cover
Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve the aesthetics of your garden.
The cost of mulch typically ranges from $3 to $10 per bag, with each bag covering approximately 12 square feet.
For a 100-square-foot garden, you’ll need about 8 bags, costing between $24 and $80. Alternatively, ground covers like gravel or wood chips can be used, which cost about $40 to $80 per cubic yard.
d. Planters or Raised Beds
Planters and raised beds are ideal for small garden spaces, especially if you want to grow vegetables or herbs.
Depending on the material, you can choose from inexpensive plastic planters to more premium wooden or ceramic ones.
- Plastic planters: $5 to $20 each
- Wooden raised beds: $50 to $150 each
- Ceramic or concrete planters: $30 to $100 each
For a small garden, expect to spend between $50 and $300 on planters and raised beds.
3. Decorative and Functional Features
a. Garden Pathways
Even a small garden can benefit from simple pathways, whether made from gravel, stepping stones, or wood planks.
- Gravel: $50 to $100 for a 10-foot path
- Stepping stones: $10 to $30 each (you’ll need 5 to 10 stones)
- Wooden planks: $3 to $8 per linear foot
For a budget pathway, gravel or basic stepping stones will keep costs around $100 to $200.
b. Garden Furniture
A small seating area can turn your garden into a relaxing oasis. A simple garden bench or a few chairs may cost:
- Garden bench: $50 to $150
- Chairs and small table set: $100 to $300
For a minimal setup, you can allocate around $150 to $250 for garden furniture.
c. Lighting
Outdoor lighting adds ambiance to your garden and can range from inexpensive solar lights to more sophisticated wired options.
- Solar-powered lights: $20 to $50 for a set of 4
- String lights: $10 to $30 per set
- Wired garden lights: $50 to $150 for professional installation
For budget-friendly lighting, solar or string lights will cost you around $30 to $100.
4. Irrigation Systems
If you want to automate your watering process, installing an irrigation system is a good option, though it can add to the budget.
For a small garden, a simple drip irrigation kit can cost between $50 and $200.
5. DIY vs. Professional Landscaping
A big cost-saving option is to DIY your garden design. Labor costs for hiring a professional landscape designer or contractor can range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the scope of work.
If you’re comfortable with basic gardening tasks, you can significantly reduce your costs by doing it yourself.
6. Tips for Keeping Your Small Garden Budget Low
- Start small: Begin with essential plants and gradually add more over time.
- Use recycled materials: Repurpose old furniture, containers, or pallets for planters or decorations.
- Buy plants in bulk: Some garden centers offer discounts when purchasing plants in larger quantities.
- Opt for low-maintenance plants: Native plants or drought-resistant varieties will reduce ongoing costs like watering and fertilizing.
- Wait for seasonal sales: Many garden centers offer discounts on plants and materials during certain times of the year.
7. Estimated Budget Examples for Small Gardens
Basic Budget Garden ($150 – $300)
- Soil and compost: $50
- 10 to 15 small plants: $100 to $150
- Simple mulch cover: $30
- Solar lights: $20 to $50
- DIY planters from recycled materials: Free or low cost
Mid-Range Garden ($400 – $800)
- Soil and compost: $75
- 15 to 20 plants, including shrubs: $200 to $300
- Gravel pathway: $100 to $150
- Wooden raised beds or premium planters: $150 to $200
- Solar lights and garden bench: $100 to $200
Premium Small Garden ($900 – $1,500)
- High-quality soil, compost, and mulch: $100
- 20+ plants, including larger shrubs or small trees: $300 to $400
- Stepping stone pathway or wooden planks: $200
- Professional raised beds or stone planters: $250 to $400
- Wired garden lights and premium furniture: $250 to $400
Conclusion
The budget for a small garden depends on the type of garden you want to create, the materials used, and whether you plan to do it yourself or hire professionals.
With careful planning and smart choices, you can have a beautiful small garden that fits your budget, whether it’s $150 or $1,500.
By focusing on cost-effective solutions, such as repurposing materials, choosing low-maintenance plants, and tackling some of the labor yourself, you can create a delightful outdoor space that enhances your home.
