4 Frugal Backyard Projects to Complete this Summer
Improve your outdoor space in a single weekend with these four inexpensive backyard projects.
With high inflation rates this year, many homeowners turn to inexpensive backyard home improvement projects. Our guide includes a few frugal ways to improve an outdoor space.
4. Plant a Butterfly Garden
Some insects specialize in specific types of plants, so you'll want to make sure your garden has everything they need. Monarch butterflies, for example, eat milkweed. These native perennials don't cost much, but they're vital if you want to support monarch populations.
Cost: $0-$400
Start from seed if you want to pursue the cheapest way to start a butterfly garden. It takes a few years for perennials to establish and if you're willing to take some extra time, that's the best way to save money.
Bare-root plants are the next best way to start a butterfly garden. They cost more than seeds, but they're still usually cheaper than established plants. If you want a robust garden the first year, you'll need to visit a nursery and expect to pay a little extra.
3. Add a Hammock
Every year, our readers ask for hammock deals. It's no wonder. Hammocks are cheap, and they only take a few minutes to set up for a whole summer of relaxation. If you have established trees in your backyard, you don't even need to buy a stand.
Cost: $15-$150
The cheapest way to set up a hammock? Use the existing structures in your backyard. We regularly see deals on hammocks, and the cost of the stand is usually the most expensive part.
2. Plant Perennial Fruit Bushes
Some blueberry bushes produce up to 10 pounds of blueberries per year. If your region supports these types of plants, check out a few different varieties. Unlike an annual food garden, apple trees and blueberry bushes only need to be planted once. Then, you reap the rewards every year.
Cost: $5-$150
Smaller plants cost less than more established plants. That makes them the cheapest option for frugal gardeners. But there's another benefit to buying smaller fruit bushes. As your small fruit bushes grow, they adapt to the specific soil and sunlight of your garden. You don't need to pay extra for larger plants (if you're willing to wait a few years for fruit).
1. Build a Fire Pit
Once the sun goes down, patio temperatures fall and some people just move indoors. Outdoor enthusiasts know better. Fire pits cost little to build, and they give you a designated area for heat in the evening hours. Fire pits also cost less than patio heaters. Buy one on sale, or build one to suit your space.
Cost: $50-$500
The cheapest fire pits give you a safe place to burn wood, but they don't offer much else. If you want a propane heater, expect to pay extra. However, both of these options could be cheaper than building your own fire pit.
Building materials still cost a bunch right now, but you might be able to improve your home's curb appeal (or selling value) with a bespoke design.
Don't let the rising costs of materials deter you from creating a relaxing backyard space. There are several inexpensive upgrades you can make to your outdoor area in just a weekend and the improvements can be enjoyed for years to come.
