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Even though I try to recycle and save seeds from year to year, I still find the need to stop by the local garden center. Walking into a newly stocked garden center can be an almost mind-altering experience for those who have spring fever. But in order to get "what you need" and not "what you want" you must go prepared.

I like to set a specific budget, and bring only cash. I do not recommend anyone with "Spring Fever" to go to a garden center with a credit card or a check book. It is too easy to over spend. I am speaking from experience! So, decide how much you want to spend and take no more. Make a list of what it is you "Must Have".

When you arrive at the garden center, try to focus on your list and not on the large display of blooming Hibiscus. As you pick up your items, jot down the price next to it on your list. If you are not a math wiz, like me, then bring a calculator with you. When you have retrieved everything from your list, tally everything up and remember tax (if applicable).

If you have anything left over, then take a walk around the garden center and see what specials they are having. Be sure and make a trip to the, I don't look so good section. This is the section where most garden centers place plants that are extremely root bound and just need a little TLC. If you can't find any such area, ask someone what they do with the plants they are getting rid of. Last year, I paid $1 each for 5 gallon roses that they were trying to get rid of. It was the end of the season. It doesn't matter, roses can and do grow year round! Wow, $12 roses for a buck! I get very excited when I find bargains like that. I also found a beautiful Ginger plant that I paid $10.00 for. I have had that thing for 3 years and have had to split & re-pot it several times and have given several cuttings as gifts. It was just root bound and need to be split up!

Another item to save money on is potting soil. You can save a lot of money by avoiding the name brand soils and conditioners. I try to stick to the organic topsoil which I have found is much cheaper than the name brand counterparts. The mix I use is 3 bags of organic topsoil to 1 bag of organic cow manure to bag of sand. I also throw a couple of handfuls of pine bark chips in with my mix to give it a little more organic material. Old leaves work well, but you run the risk of contaminating your soil with seeds trapped among the leaves. This mixture seems to work well and you can get so much more for your money.

My suggestion to all gardeners is to try and re-use, recycle your plant materials as much as possible. But, with a little planning and self-discipline you can have a beautiful garden with a minimum of cost.

Learn more about this author, Kimberly Farmer.
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