10 Clever Garden Fixes for Under £50

If you're short on space but still want to enjoy the beauty of plants, consider building a vertical garden using wooden pallets. Pallets can often be obtained for free or at a minimal cost. Attach them to a wall or fence and fill the gaps with soil. Then, choose a variety of small plants or herbs to plant in the pallet's openings. Not only does this solution maximise space, but it also adds a unique and eye-catching element to your garden.

Cost Estimate:

• Wooden pallets: £0-10 (or possibly free)
• Soil: £10-15
• Plants: £10-20

Illuminate your garden in an eco-friendly and affordable way by installing solar-powered outdoor lights. These lights are powered by the sun during the day and automatically turn on at dusk, providing a soft and inviting glow to your outdoor space. Choose from a variety of styles, including string lights, stake lights, or lanterns. Solar lighting is not only cost-effective but also eliminates the need for wiring, making it easy to install and move around your garden.

Cost Estimate:

• Solar-powered outdoor lights: £10-30

Rather than buying expensive planters, consider repurposing items you already have at home. Transform old buckets, mason jars, tin cans, or even rubber boots into unique plant containers. With a bit of paint or creative decoration, these everyday objects can add a charming touch to your garden. Just make sure to drill drainage holes in the bottom of each container to allow excess water to escape.

Cost Estimate:

• Repurposed containers: £0 (using items you already have)
• Paint or decoration supplies: £5-10

Composting is a fantastic way to reduce waste and nourish your garden. Instead of buying an expensive compost bin, create your own using wooden pallets or wire mesh. Simply construct a box-like structure and leave openings for air circulation. Place your kitchen scraps, garden waste and leaves inside and let nature do its work. This budget-friendly composting solution will help you generate nutrient-rich compost to enrich your garden soil.

Cost Estimate:

• Wooden pallets or wire mesh: £0-10 (or possibly free)

Forest Slot Down Composter

Rowlinson Budget Composter

Forest Beehive Composter

Enhance the aesthetics of your garden by creating a charming stepping stone path. Gather flat stones, old bricks, or even broken tiles to construct a pathway leading through your garden. Lay the stones or bricks in a desired pattern, leaving enough space between each for comfortable step. This simple project can add a touch of elegance and functionality to your outdoor space, all at an affordable price.

Cost Estimate:

• Flat stones, old bricks, or broken tiles: £10-20

Save money on water bills and reduce your environmental footprint by setting up a DIY rainwater harvesting system. Place a large container or barrel beneath a downpipe to collect rainwater. Use this water to hydrate your plants, wash gardening tools, or even fill up a small decorative pond. You can find affordable rain barrels or repurpose a large container for this purpose.

Cost Estimate:

• Rain barrel or large container: £20-40

Bring a touch of enchantment to your garden by creating a whimsical fairy garden. Utilise small decorative items, such as miniature fairy houses, tiny figurines, and pebbles to construct a charming scene. Add some low-maintenance plants like moss, succulents, or small herbs to complete the fairy garden. This DIY project is not only fun but also adds a magical element to your outdoor space.

Cost Estimate:

• Miniature fairy garden accessories: £10-20
• Plants: £5-10

Add a soothing and relaxing element to your garden by incorporating a DIY water feature. You can create a simple fountain using a small recirculating pump, a container, a small section of polythene and decorative stones. Alternatively, repurpose an old wine barrel or large ceramic pot as a pond and add a small water pump for movement. The sound of trickling water can create a tranquil atmosphere without breaking the bank.

Cost Estimate:

• Recirculating pump and container: £20-40
• Old wine barrel or large ceramic pot: £0-20 (if you already have one)

If you enjoy cooking with fresh herbs, consider building a vertical herb garden. Utilise a hanging shoe organiser with pockets, which can be easily mounted on a wall or fence. Fill each pocket with potting soil and plant a different herb in each one. Another option is to use old drinks bottles as planting containers. These practical solutions save space and ensure that your favourite herbs are within reach when you need them.

Cost Estimate:

• Hanging shoe organiser: £5-10
• Plastic bottles: £0
• Soil and herb plants: £10-20

Support your climbing plants and add visual interest to your garden by creating a DIY trellis. Use bamboo poles, wooden stakes, or even repurposed materials like old bed frames or ladders. Set up the trellis near walls or fences, allowing your plants to grow vertically. Not only does this provide a functional solution for plants, but it also adds height and depth to your garden design.

Cost Estimate:

• Bamboo poles, wooden stakes, or repurposed materials: £10-20

Rowlinson Garden Creations Plant Stand

Rowlinson Garden Creations Corner Set

Rowlinson Alderley Hardwood Plant Ladder

Poppyforge Heritage Pot Stand