Secrets to gardening on the cheap

You don't need a lot of money to create a garden that looks like a million bucks. Here are some creative ways to get a gorgeous garden for less.

1. Reuse plastic grated-cheese containers as spreaders for grass seed. This is a great way to reseed small areas.
2. Use old tires — or even a whole truck — as creative containers.
3. Use a child's wagon to transport garden items.
4. Start flowers from seeds in a plastic cake container. The lid will help the soil stay moist.
5. Turn rotted-out old logs into rustic planters.
6. Save this year's annual trays and use them to start seeds next season.
7. Yogurt cups with clear lids are great for starting seeds.
8. Forget paying for landscape fabric. Save money by laying down newspaper or cardboard under your mulch.
9. Keep soil moist for your indoor seedlings by covering them with a clear shower cap.
10. Plastic drink bottles make perfect mini greenhouses.
11. Cotton balls placed on top of seed trays help retain moisture.
12. A wooden chair without a seat makes a great flowerpot holder.
13. Turn your old birdbath into a colourful flower display.
14. Create a "saucer" of soil around your plants to conserve water.
15. Place old burlap or paper birdseed bags over plants for winter protection.
16. Large coffee cans protect plants when you're mowing.
17. Convert an old tree stump into a beautiful planter.
18. In fall, rake and till leaves into the garden to improve soil for spring planting.
19. Use landscape cloth as a windbreak to protect evergreens from winter winds.
20. Save on winter birdseed by drying sunflower heads.
21. Old musical instruments make unique flowerpots.
22. Old wagon wheels serve as attractive trellises for climbing plants and vines.
23. Use an old crank flour sifter to gently cover newly planted seeds with soil.