As spring deepens and flowers blossom everywhere, you might be dreaming about a garden of your own. But shopping for your garden-to-be can be daunting. There’s so much to buy —and it’s all so expensive! Can you really afford to have the garden of your dreams?

Yes, you can! Save on gardening costs this year with these six creative hacks:

1. Share equipment

Instead of spending a lot to buy equipment, speak to your neighbors about sharing some of your gardening gear. Let your neighbor use some tools you own, like your weed whacker and trimmer, in exchange for the use of their gardening tools. If you dare, consider sharing your larger, more expensive tools, like your lawnmower, as well.

2. Purchase used gear

Save big on gardening equipment by looking for secondhand tools and machines. Check out sites, like Craigslist, eBay, and Freecycle for quality equipment at bargain prices. Be sure to give the pre-owned tool a test before finalizing a sale.

3. Rent equipment

Many retailers rent a variety of gardening tools at excellent rates during the spring and summer months. This way, you’ll have access to quality equipment when you need it at a price you can afford.

4. Shop the dollar store

You’ll find loads of gardening supplies, like seeds, markers, buckets, and planters, at rock-bottom prices in stores like Family Dollar and Dollar Tree.

5. Shop the sales

Larger gardening equipment, like mowers and tillers, are usually featured at Memorial Day sales, making the start of summer an excellent time to stock up on pricey garden tools.

Flowerpots, garden decor, lawn furniture, and select plants will sell at blowout prices during clearance sales at the end of July. You’ll also see some wilting flowers on sale now. Don’t let those drooping leaves scare you. If you find a marked-down perennial that’s past its blooming window, check for strong roots and stems. A firmly rooted perennial that’s planted late in the season is likely to recover by next spring if well cared for, and it will reward you with beautiful, healthy flowers.

Whenever you decide to buy your tools and supplies, be sure to check coupon sites like RetailMeNot and CouponCabin before making a purchase.

6. Buy seeds

Purchasing young transplants is a lot easier and quicker than starting from scratch, but there’s a big difference in price. You can pick up a packet of flower or vegetable seeds for less than a dollar in many nurseries. You’ll also have a much broader choice when you buy seeds, and raising a plant from seedling to vegetable or flower is a uniquely rewarding experience.

Use our tips to bring your dream garden to life without draining your wallet. Happy gardening from all of us here at Stark FCU!