It’s Odd.
Something happens as fall or autumn approaches.
People lose interest in their yards or gardens.
Silly of course, but true.
Why is it silly? Because fall is the second-best time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials (early spring is the best time for most plants).
The other reason it’s silly to lose interest in your garden is because it’s the very best time to buy stuff for it!
Retailers know they won’t sell a lot, so they offer discounts, and/or they may be more open to negotiation.
I read recently that a guy bought $900 worth of perennial plants for only $30 – they were already marked down by 80%, but he offered to take everything they had left in order to help them make room for new stuff.
It never hurts to ask!
Perennials are great – you can find bargains on them now, because they won’t flower until next spring or summer, so they are not popular. Now is a great time to plant them – they’ll have a chance to bed down nicely before winter arrives – and they’re cheaper than annuals in the long run because they will re-emerge year after year. (Annuals only last for one season).
While you’re in the store, consider other garden equipment and materials too.
Stock up on potting soil, pots and other gardening equipment, which are typically discounted at this time of year.
If you need a new lawn mower, now is the best time to get a deal. An electric mower is generally more eco-friendly than a petrol model, although recent legislation has seen improvements made to the efficiency of petrol-driven engines in the US.
Check for deals on drip irrigation systems, sprinkling timers, and other devices that can help you keep next year’s lawn and garden thriving while using water efficiently.
Grills and grilling equipment are often discounted at this time of year as people turn away from their yards and back indoors.
(Extra EcoExpert Tip: Consider buying Christmas presents now!)
Patio furniture can be a good buy now too. If you’re buying wooden patio furniture, remember that tropical hardwood is used in the majority of garden furniture products available in the US. This wood is not always sustainably harvested. Check for furniture certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for sustainability.
If you’re investing in a new patio, porch or deck, now may be the best time to find a deal on a contractor, too – ask for an “off-season discount.”
In late summer and early fall, the same applies to home weatherization work. This makes things like insulation or a new storm door triply lucrative. Why?
- You can request labour and materials discounts before the real cold weather hits
- You’ll save energy on heating your home this winter
- Some federal tax credits worth up to $500 expire at the end of 2011.
If you will need garden materials and equipment next year, if you can’t buy used, buy new – now, while the prices are right.
Ask for discounts (especially if you are buying a lot from one supplier), remember labour cost discounts as well, and save money!
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Buying Garden Christmas gifts right now is a great idea!!! by the time Christmas actually comes around, the garden dept of most stores will have been replaced by the Holiday Dept and you wont be able to find anything at any price!
Sonya Lenzo
These are great garden tips to save money. I remember in Jersey as soon as September rolled around it got too cold to be doing anything sedentary out doors. Not so in Vegas where it’s a great temperature to save money in the garden.
Clare, winter is one of the best times to buy a BBQ becasue most people do not use them year round.
Scott Sylvan Bell
Autumn is a fantastic time to save some money on those Summer and Spring purchases. Now I need to stock up on the foresight…