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How much do you spend on your garden?

NormandyLizNormandyLiz Posts: 788
in The potting shed
Out of curiosity, do you keep track of what you spend on the garden each year? Do you have a budget? And, don't answer if you'd rather not, roughly how much do you think you actually do spend a year?

It feels like an expensive hobby right now!
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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I don't spend as much now as I did, but that's because there was no garden here when I moved in. 
    I've also retired so I'm a bit more careful about what I spend the money on. 
    Having said that, I really don't know what I spend!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    I don't know exactly how much, but I spend very little - partly because we rent. I'd guess at a couple of hundred tops, but if bird food's included, about another £450.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I don't keep track. Undoubtably too much, but probably less than OH spends on his footy season ticket each year (that's what I tell him anyway).
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • NormandyLizNormandyLiz Posts: 788
    That's sort of where the discussion started here. My husband is a keen cyclist and his bikes (2) are in for repair. I told him it makes me feel better as he spends more on his bikes than I will the garden,  including buying trees. 
  • WatsoniaWatsonia Posts: 134
    Interesting question, I was trying to figure it out yesterday when I ordered some mulch. Opening threats on here can be dangerous, I often see something I’m not familiar with, end up researching and ordering it. Plus I have a bit of a seed habit. And I like the bargain rail in the garden centre. If I don’t consider bigger projects like green houses, maybe a few hundred pounds? The mulch alone once a a year usually about a hundred pounds, add to that a couple of bags of compost now and then, and plant food…. It soon mounds up. It makes me very happy, so it’s worth it in my eyes. 
  • AuntyRachAuntyRach Posts: 5,291
    My usual spends include compost (4-8 large bags for the main season?) for pots and veg, a couple of bags of bark, some grit//perlite and a bottle of feed. Add to that replacements of gloves, string, pots, etc. Plant wise - there’s seeds, then plug plants (for pots and baskets - usually annuals), then I usually buy a few new plants per year (very variable in amount and price). That’s my standard minimum to keep the garden going. On top of this is projects, treats, new tools, the occasional tree surgeon, and maintenance of fences etc. No idea on cost in total. 

    I think for something which gives me a hobby, improves well being, grows some produce and is nurturing garden wildlife - it’s not bad compared to other pastimes. I also ‘justify’ spends as I save money as I:  grow from seeds, make cuttings, seek out bargains, swap plants, make compost, do my own hedge trimming/grass care and cuts/ pruning etc. 
    My garden and I live in South Wales. 
  • EmptyheadtimeEmptyheadtime Posts: 366
    edited February 2023
    NormandyLiz said:
    That's sort of where the discussion started here. My husband is a keen cyclist and his bikes (2) are in for repair. I told him it makes me feel better as he spends more on his bikes than I will the garden,  including buying trees.


    @NormandyLiz
    As my 2 hobbies are cycling AND gardening I feel its best I don't perjure myself.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think you're right @Watsonia and @AuntyRach - it's what you get in return that matters. 
    I don't buy designer clothes or shoes, I don't spend money on socialising, I don't drink or smoke, and my other hobby doesn't involve huge expense either - the fuel to get me to a hill, and the odd pair of new socks or similar.  A few plants here and there or a bag of manure is pretty small fry in the grand scheme of things.  :)

    That reminds me- I had an email from Peter Nyssen today about my forthcoming dahlia order... :D
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    Fairygirl said:

    That reminds me- I had an email from Peter Nyssen today about my forthcoming dahlia order... :D
    This is just typical  :D I just have to investigate name I see on a post, such as Peter Nyssen. Resulting in me spending £25 on 6 dahlia tubers. Strange how I've suddenly remembered a promise I made to myself last Autumn that I should treat myself to new ones for next season ;) .  

    I'm afraid I'm one of those people who record every penny. So I know exactly how much I spend each year. Last year was expensive and that was because we'd just moved into a house with a new garden which involved extending the patio area, bags and bags of compost, patio furniture, plants and trees..... This year is going to be expensive too as we've just bought a new garden shed, which involves building a base, then there's shelving, benches, electrics.... 

    I'm very much looking forward to spending much less next year.  
    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
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