Gardening in the recession

1. Grow at least some of your plants from seed for a wider choice and you don’t have to use a greenhouse.

2. To save money and do your bit for the environment, make your own compost in a compost heap.

3. For a more sociable side to gardening, join your local gardening club. For a small fee you’ll be able to learn from and swap ideas with other keen gardeners.

4. Have a good look around garden centres for the bargains and special offers.

5. Buy smaller plants for the enjoyment of watching them grow, with the added bonus of them being easier to move should you not like their location

6. If your gardens looking like an overwhelming challenge, then take it in small steps and start nearest the house and work your way down the garden, to enjoy your achievements from the kitchen window.

7. If investing in new tools, pay that little bit more for better quality and with the right care they should last you a lifetime.

8. Get creative and be inspired by a day out visiting other gardens. Becoming a member of the Royal Horticultural Society gives you access to more than 200 gardens.

9. See what materials you can recycle, you’ll be surprised how ideal compost bags are for growing potatoes in.

10. Join your local library and boost your knowledge with some good gardening books.