by Linda Blue, NC Agricultural Extension Agent 

Although landscape and gardening activities can become expensive, it's like all of the other household expenses we budget for. There are ways we can keep expenses down, or at least not be wasteful with the money we do spend.

Plan before you plant: This includes evaluating the planting location as well as selecting suitable plants. By choosing plants that will do well in the amount of sunlight, the soil type and amount of moisture in that spot, you are less likely to be spending more money later to treat sick plants or to replace dead ones.

If you are planting landscape plants, how large do you want the plants to get? Plants that quickly grow too large for the location will either require time or money to keep them pruned, or will they have to be replaced.

Get a soil test: Evaluating the soil for pH (acidity) and nutrient content should be part of the planning process. And in North Carolina it's still free, except for a little postage to ship your soil to the testing lab. Learning if and how to adjust soil pH or phosphate levels before planting will help ensure the money you spent on new plants is not wasted. It may also keep you from wasting money on amendments you don't need.

Fertilize correctly: Do not over-fertilize or apply fertilizer to landscape plants during the summer. Even organic fertilizers can be high in salts and can damage roots and prevent water absorption. Fertilizers also stimulate new growth, which increases the plant's need for water.

Vegetable gardens need some nitrogen to grow vigorously, but too much can actually reduce the production of beans, peas, peppers and some other things. So don't waste money on excess fertilizer.

Mulch wisely: Organic mulch is beneficial in both the edible garden and the landscape. An organic layer helps conserve moisture in the soil, protects the roots from temperature fluctuations and reduces weed growth.

But the mulch should not be more than 3 inches deep for woody plants, and 2 inches is enough for flowers and vegetables. This includes the old layer of mulch, so you only want to add enough “top dressing” to bring the depth back up to 3 inches. More than that is not only a waste of money, it is detrimental to the plants because it reduces air and water penetration to the roots.

Practice wise pest management: This starts with avoiding some problems to begin with by selecting the right plants for the location. When problems do arise, figure out what the problem is before attempting treatment. A surprising number of people waste time and money buying random pesticides that may not do any good. There are books, such as Ortho's and Southern Living's Problem Solvers that can help with diagnosis. And your local Cooperative Extension office is here to help as well.

Pace yourself: Don't take on too much or too many projects at once. If you are planning some re-landscaping, there is no rule that says you have to do it all at once. Select one area to work on this year and take the time to do the research and planning. Do not purchase plants until you actually have the site prepared and ready for the plants to go in the ground.

If you want to try your first vegetable garden, don't take on too much. Start with one or two small beds that you can work by hand rather than purchase or rent a tiller. A manageable size garden will allow you to learn the ropes and determine how much garden you really need before you invest a lot in equipment and supplies.