Saving money on ...

 Yard and garden

Consider taking on small yard and garden tasks yourself, such as mowing the lawn, pruning plants, or weeding. This can save you money on labor costs and help you develop new skills.

Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces often have gently used gardening tools, planters, and other supplies at a fraction of the cost of new items.

Collect rainwater in barrels or containers to use for watering plants, reducing your reliance on expensive municipal water supplies.

Mulch can help retain moisture in the soil, reduce weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips to create a natural mulch that's free or low-cost.

Instead of buying expensive seasonal decorations or plants, plan ahead and use items you already have or can repurpose. For example, use evergreen branches to create a winter wreath or use old pots to create a spring planter.

Go native. Plants indigenous to your region provide several cost-saving benefits: They thrive in local soil (so less need for fertilizers) and at local rain levels (so less watering). If they are grown at area nurseries, they may be less expensive than their more exotic cousins.

Partner with your neighbors. If all of you hire the same mowing or snow-removal crew, the business may be open to offering a discount since it can take care of all your homes at once.

Give your air conditioner space. Proper airflow around your outdoor condenser unit allows it to work more efficiently.

Make beds that last. Though mulch and flowering annuals look beautiful, you must pay to replace them. Using stones, perennial plants and other materials that last many years will lower your outdoor maintenance expenses.

By following these tips, you can save money on your yard and garden while still enjoying the beauty and benefits of the outdoors.