Actual Gardening Costs

Budding/2 min read

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.

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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

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