# Actual Gardening Costs Understanding the real costs of starting a garden (my newest hobby) can be challenging. While many "budget garden" guides exist online, I want to share my actual expenses to help others plan their garden projects. Here's a transparent breakdown of my investments in my San Francisco urban garden, starting from August 2024. > Total cost to date: **$900** My projects include automated irrigation, raised bed construction, and establishing both edible and ornamental areas. Though individual purchases seemed modest, the total cost reveals a different perspective. Fortunately, many items are one-time investments that will serve for years. ![[27F0BF6D-6333-43FB-8429-F2D636FC8A0C_1_105_c.jpeg]] ## Smart Irrigation: ~$100 - $65 - Rachio Smart Hose Timer with WiFi Hub - $36 - Raindrip Automatic Watering Kit with Timer (20 PC drippers) ## Irrigation Parts: ~$150 - $17 - 2WAYZ Heavy Duty Hose Splitter - $14 - Senninger Pressure Regulator (25 PSI) - $2 - Rain Bird Adapters (2x) - 3/4" Female Thread to 1/2" Universal - $14 - Raindrip 50ft Drip Kit with fittings - $13 - Raindrip 50ft Soaker Hose Tubing (1/4") - $8 - 1/4" Barbed Coupling (50pk) - $14 - 1/2" Stakes (2x 10pk) - $18 - 1/2" Barbed Valves (5x) - $21 - Rotary Micro Stakes (5x) - $10 - 1/2" Barbed Coupling (20pk) - $15 - 1/2" Drip Tubing (100ft) ## Garden Structures: ~$100 - $73 - Modular Metal Raised Bed (17" height, 9-in-1 design) - $15 - Galvanized Steel Wire Round Tomato Cages (3x) - $15 - Galvanized Steel Hardware Cloth (10ft × 2ft, 1/4" mesh) ## Soil and Amendments: ~$80 - $60 - Kellogg Garden Organics Raised Bed and Potting Mix (2 cu. ft.) - $12 - Premium Dark Brown Mulch (3x 2-cu ft) - $10 - Steer Manure Organic Compost (4x 1-cu ft) ## Tools: ~$160 - $76 - Milwaukee M12 HACKZALL Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 36-Piece Blade Set - $58 - Felco Pruning Shears (F 6) - $15 - Hori Hori Japanese Weeding Knives - $15 - Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder ## Pest Control: ~$50 - $52 - ASPECTEK Ultrasonic Animal Control (2-Pack) ## Plants: ~$200 - Various herbs, vegetables and flowers throughout the season