We have been discussing getting a garden ready for the growing season. More specifically, getting that first garden started. Treasure hunting never gets old, at least for this gardener.

Whether your garden is a hobby or another tool for economic survival, saving money is a great thing. That is where the hunting becomes so much fun.

There are many things that can be found that are useful to the gardener. Remember that the items I will be listing are only some of many wonderful things that can be found. Be creative and resourceful!

Sources for composting materials can be found all over. There are the obvious choices, such as your neighbors unused grass clippings and leaves. Find a farmer for a source of manure, or even a friend with a pet rabbit or similar situation. Straw bales left over from last fall’s lawn decoration makes great compost. Did you ever see where grocery stores have containers set up for people to husk their corn in store or just to peel a few leaves off a head of cabbage? Ask if you can have those scraps. This type of waste could also be fed to animals on a small farm and to begin the compost cycle from a different direction. There are so many sources out there, we just need to find them.

Building materials for garden trellis, compost bins and other related items can be found as well. See a pile of free pallets? Load them up and take them home! The lumber can be used to make a trellis for climbing plants, building mini greenhouses for early plants and so much more. Secure a few pallets together and you have a compost bin with good airflow characteristics. Any scrap lumber can come in handy. Old used windows can finish off that mini greenhouse.

Discarded blocks and bricks have many uses as well. Blocks will also make a great compost bin. Bricks can be used to raise a barrel off the ground to add plumbing for a home made rain barrel. On that note, keep an eye out for free or inexpensive used barrels. Just be sure they will be safe to use, not having been used for any dangerous chemicals and such. These will be great for rain barrels, compost containers and whatever uses you can dream up.

Try to look in odd places, and try to find uses for things. I have made a trellis out of the bottom support boards that a mattress rests on from an old set of bunk beds. Remove the cloth and covering and what is left is a trellis that has already been built for you. There are so many opportunities out there. The ideas and supplies are endless.

I’ll see you in the backyard!