Yes, the economy is in bad shape, I know. But don’t use that as an excuse for not gardening. You can take the expensive route and buy everything you need to get started, or you can be resourceful and end up with something that works, for little to no money. Here are some tips to get you started.

Contain It

The first thing you need is something to grow in. Start with the containers your food comes in. Asceptic boxes, plastic tubs, and plastic bottles, all of which you would otherwise just discard, can all be used as containers to start seeds in. Add some holes for drainage, some potting mix, and you’re ready to go.

You can also use newspaper pots. Strips of newspaper wrapped around a cylinder, with the bottoms folded under, aren’t sturdy enough for the long term, but they can be used to start seeds in. When you transplant them, put the whole thing, pot and all, into the ground or larger container.