The current UK lockdown means that seeds, plants, gardening tools and equipment can be harder to source. Many garden centres are closed, travel is limited to essential journeys only and online companies are struggling to meet the surge in demand. On the upside, this can encourage us to be more creative, to “make do and mend” and to have a good look around our homes to see what we can repurpose for the garden. With a thrifty approach and a bit of help from friends and neighbours, it’s perfectly possible to carry on gardening and even start a new one during the lockdown. Much of what you need, you already have, it’s just waiting to be transformed.
Here are my top tips on how to be a thrifty gardener during the lockdown which I hope will also be useful at any time, for gardeners on a budget and for anyone interested in self-sufficiency and sustainability issues.
