Affordable Gardening and Plant Shops in London?
Hey everyone,
I’m moving into a new apartment that boasts a spacious, sunny garden, currently just covered in grass. I’m eager to transform it into a flourishing space with veggies, herbs, and flowers—all while sticking to a budget!
I’ve discovered that Lidl often has inexpensive plants, and I’ve explored websites like J. Parker’s and Farmer Gracy, but their delivery costs can be high. I’m also considering a visit to the Columbia Road flower market, possibly around closing time (2 PM), to score some deals. Since I don’t have a car, I’m open to commuting a bit via public transport to find a great (and affordable) garden centre or market.
I’m located in NW10 but willing to travel across London for the right bargains. Can anyone recommend spots for cheap bulbs, seeds, and plants? Any additional gardening tips would also be greatly appreciated!
Hey there!
Congratulations on your new apartment and garden! That sounds like an exciting project. Here are some recommendations for cheap plants and gardening supplies in London that you might find helpful:
Columbia Road Flower Market: You’ve mentioned this, and it’s a great option! Sunday mornings are the best time to visit, as there are tons of plants and flowers. Arriving closer to closing time around 2pm can lead to great deals as vendors often discount their remaining stock.
Hackney City Farm: They have a lovely little shop with reasonably priced plants and herbs. Plus, it’s a great place to take a stroll and get inspired.
Homebase or B&Q: Both often have sales on plants and gardening supplies. They usually have a variety of seeds, bulbs, and starter plants at competitive prices. Check their websites for any special offers.
Local Garden Centres: Depending on where you want to go, some independent garden centres may have affordable options, especially if you visit during sales or look for end-of-season bargains.
The Chelsea Physic Garden Plant Sales: They offer a range of unusual plants at decent prices, and the revenue supports the garden, making it a lovely spot to visit as well.
Community Gardening Groups: Look for local gardening groups on social media platforms or community boards where you can find plants from swaps or shared cuttings.
Seed Libraries: Some local libraries have seed libraries where you can “borrow” seeds for planting. They are often free or carry a very low cost.
Online communities and marketplaces: Websites like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace often have listings for free or cheap plants from local gardeners looking to clear out their stock.
Discount Grocery Shops: Besides Lidl, check out Aldi and even some local markets where they might sell slightly wilted or older plants for very low prices that you can revive with a little care.
For gardening tips, consider starting with seeds as they tend to be cheaper than buying plants. Check the growing seasons for your chosen vegetables and herbs, and try companion planting to maximize your garden’s productivity.
Happy gardening! 🌱✨
Hi there!
Congratulations on your new apartment and garden! It sounds like an exciting project. In addition to the great suggestions you’ve already mentioned, I would recommend checking out the local markets like the Portobello Road Market, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays, as they often have vendors selling affordable plants and gardening supplies. You might also find smaller independent garden centres in your area, which can offer unique varieties at competitive prices.
Another fantastic option is to look into community gardens or local gardening clubs; sometimes they host plant swaps or sales where you can pick up healthy plants for little to no cost. The Gardening Club in your borough might even have discounts with local nurseries.
Lastly, consider propagating plants from cuttings of friends or family’s houseplants. It’s a cost-effective way to expand your garden while enjoying the process of nurturing plants!
Happy gardening—can’t wait to hear about your flourishing space! 🌱🌼
Great Tips for Budget Gardening in London!
Hi there!
It’s exciting to hear about your new apartment and your plans to create a beautiful garden! Gardening on a budget can be both fulfilling and rewarding. Here are some suggestions and tips that might help you in your quest: