Year-round gardening: Want to garden, but don’t want to spend your life savings?

Gardening is very fulfilling, but the sticker cost to get started can seem a bit overwhelming.

Regardless of where you are in your gardening journey, here are a few tips to keep your plants — and your wallet — happy.

Save water

One of the more costly aspects of gardening is water.

Save money by saving water with these options:

• For vegetables, grow plants that need less water throughout the season such as tomatoes, zucchini and melons. Pause before planting peas, lettuce and broccoli.

• Water before sunrise and after sunset to allow water to seep into the soil, rather than evaporate.

• Drip irrigation is another great way to save water. While it takes a small investment to start, the overall savings in water usage quickly adds up to make it worthwhile.

• Utilize mulch or hay on top of your beds to keep moisture in instead of evaporating.

• Get creative in your landscape by making a DIY rain chain or planting a rain garden. Both are fun ways to capitalize on each storm.

Improve soil

Creating the perfect environment for your plants to thrive can take a lot of dough so try the following moves to cut costs:

• Compost is one of the best amendments for soil. Making your own compost doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, start out with what you can and go from there. If you only need a little for your houseplants, try compost in a bottle.

• Get your soil tested so you will know what your soil needs.

• Cover crops are great for amending soil, especially in large areas. Oats, beans and clover all can add structure and nutrients to your soil. A word to the wise: Unless you want your cover crops taking over, turn them under before they go to seed.

• If you would rather not amend the soil, look to native plants. Plants that are native to your area already have all the tools necessary to grow without soil amendments or extra watering.

Plants and seeds

For the gardener that struggles with wanting to buy every plant you come across, here are a couple of suggestions that should help:

• A fun way to save money is to save seeds. It can be very gratifying to grow something from a seed that you harvested yourself.

• Another fun option is to attend a plant or seed exchange. They are popular around El Paso County, or you can host your own among your neighbors and friends.

• Lastly, the most important tip of all is to utilize your free resources such as the CSU El Paso County Master Gardeners. The CSU Extension has extensive information and various classes that are helpful for both budding and seasoned gardeners. A team of experts is waiting to assist you.

Submit gardening questions to csumg2@elpasoco.com or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at 17 N. Spruce St. Find us on Facebook at Colorado Master Gardeners – El Paso County.