Find It For Free: Gardening Hacks That Save
Toni JeffersonGardening doesn’t have to break the bank. I hear it and I’ve seen it so many times — you run to the store for soil, pots, and seeds, and before you know it you’ve spent hundreds of dollars. Sometimes you even come home with two peppers and a bad attitude.
The truth is, there are free resources hiding in plain sight that most gardeners don’t know about. From programs that deliver mulch straight to your driveway, to libraries where you can borrow seeds, to community swaps where people practically beg you to pick up pots and tools — it’s all out there if you know where to look.
Some links may be affiliate links, which help support this blog at no extra cost to you.
🌳 Free Mulch
One of the best-kept secrets is free mulch.
- ChipDrop connects tree-trimming crews with gardeners. Instead of dumping wood chips, they’ll drop them right at your driveway for free.
- Many counties or municipalities also run free mulch or compost sites. These are often managed by the solid waste department.
- Some cities even stage free compost or mulch giveaways tied to a specific season or holiday.
Search tips:
“Your City + free mulch”
“Your City + yard waste site”
“Your City + compost giveaway”
⚠️ Safety Tip: Fresh wood chips are perfect for pathways and around trees, but don’t mix them directly into veggie beds until they’ve broken down.
🌱 Free Seeds
Seeds don’t always have to come from the store.
- Seed Library Network helps you find seed libraries near you. These work just like book libraries — borrow seeds, grow them, and return saved seeds if you can.
- Seed swaps are another great option. Many garden clubs, libraries, or extension offices hold swap events where you can trade seeds with other growers.
Search tips:
“Your City + seed library”
“Your City + seed swap”
⚠️ Safety Tip: Check the seed packet date. Older seeds may still sprout, but germination drops with time.
☕ Free Soil & Amendments
Healthy soil is the backbone of every garden — and yes, you can find it for free.
- Starbucks Grounds for Your Garden — many Starbucks stores give away used coffee grounds for free. They’re a fantastic nitrogen boost for compost. Call first to confirm.
- Chicken manure is garden gold — but only when composted properly. If you or a neighbor keep chickens, ask for the waste and let it compost for at least 6 months until it’s dark, crumbly, and odorless.
- Leaf bags from your neighbors are another hidden gem. Collect them in the fall, and within months you’ll have rich leaf mold.
Search tips:
“Free coffee grounds near me”
“Free chicken manure + Your City”
“Free leaf mulch + Your City”
⚠️ Safety Tip: Mix coffee grounds with leaves or other compost materials — don’t pile them on too thick. And never use chicken manure fresh; it must be fully composted.
🪴 Free Pots & Trays
Garden containers are everywhere if you know where to look.
- Buy Nothing Project — a worldwide network of local gifting groups.
- Freecycle — another global platform for free stuff.
- Craigslist Free Section — click your city, then check the “Free” category.
- Neighborhood apps like Nextdoor now often have garden swap groups.
- And don’t forget about Facebook Marketplace, yard sales, garage sales, and estate sales. Sometimes people just want things gone and will give them away for free if you can pick them up.
⚠️ Safety Tip: Always wash and sanitize used pots with soap or vinegar water before planting to avoid spreading disease.
💧 Free Water
Water can be one of your biggest garden expenses, but there are programs to help.
- Many utilities or county governments offer rain barrel programs where you can either get a free barrel or a strong rebate. In some places, you just need to attend a short workshop.
Search tips:
“Your City + rain barrel program”
“Your City + rain barrel rebate”
“Your County + extension office rain barrel workshop”
⚠️ Safety Tip: Rain barrel water is non-potable — safe for your plants, but not for drinking.
✨ Final Thoughts
If you’re spending more than you’re harvesting, it’s time to switch it up. Ask, trade, and tap into programs already waiting for you. Most classes or swaps take less than an hour, and you walk away with something you can actually use in your garden.
I’ve put all of these tips, websites, and safety notes into a one-pager you can grab anytime at rootedinjs.com.
💌 Contact me: rootedinjs@gmail.com
✨ Affiliate Picks
Here are a few of my favorite budget-friendly garden tools — I may earn a small commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Rooted in J’s!