If you have a yard, chances are there are things about it that you would like to change. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that we are on the brink of (another) economic crisis, you may or may not have the budget for the backyard makeover of your dreams. However, that should not stop you from creating a space that you want in your home!
With a little imagination, a lot of elbow grease, and a conviction for following your dreams, your backyard makeover can happen. It may take a bit more effort and time than you’d like, but that’s where the conviction is going to come into play. Keep reading to discover 10 steps to get a fabulous backyard makeover on a shoestring budget!
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- Design It
What do you want in your yard? Do you want a vegetable garden included in your backyard makeover? Would you like a place to sit and drink your coffee while you watch the sunrise? Create a list of “must-have” items for your backyard makeover and write it down! Once you decide what you want, see how much room you have. Take measurements of the areas you want to transform, and decide where your ideas will become reality. It’s best to create a drawing of your dream, but a list will do just fine! - Start Cleaning
This is where the elbow grease and conviction to follow your dreams is really going to come in to play. If you are designing your yard on a shoestring budget, you don’t want to blow that budget on hiring other people to do something you can do (if you are able). Start clearing out areas of weeds or plants that you do not want in your yard. Be sure to identify these plants before you touch them if you are not familiar with them. Apps, such as Google Lens, can help you identify any plants that could get defensive or cause an uncomfortable reaction if they contact your skin, and the best part is that it’s FREE to download!
There are plenty of resources online to help you learn to clear certain areas. If you aren’t sure, look it up. While this takes more time and effort, it will help you stay within your budgetary restrictions. Once you have cleared the areas of unwanted plants and shrubs, it will already look different. This is where it gets exciting! - Find Plants You Love
If you want to plant a garden, but you are low on funds, find a friend who has a plant you like! Ask if you may take a cutting of it. Then, help your cutting take root by clearing the bottom portion of leaves and prepare it for the soil. Some plants are different, but the internet has lots of free information ready to help you transform your yard. If you have plants in your backyard makeover budget, make sure you do your homework before any purchases. How much sun does your space get each day? Does it have access to water, or will you have to water it? (Will you actually water it?) By doing your research, you’ll save money by not having to purchase and re-purchase after you accidentally kill your plant. - Find And Create Furniture
While department stores are loading their holiday sections with adorable patio furniture, it may seem easier to just splurge for your favorite pieces. Unfortunately, we’re on a tight budget, so it’s time for us to get creative. Check out your local re-sell stores, garage sales, and rummage sales. Have you ever taken a drive through a nice neighborhood before the trash truck comes? Or, have you visited the landfill lately? Pulling furniture out of presumed trash piles may sound extreme or ridiculous, but the cliche “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is a cliche for a reason. Besides, manufacturing new items wastes hundreds of gallons of water and creates more waste for our landfills. Fixing things that would have otherwise gone to literal waste is an act of humanitarianism! So let go of your pride, pull over, and grab that adorable table someone is throwing out!
While you may find items that are damaged or well-loved, there isn’t much that can’t be fixed. A can of spray paint goes a long way, and it’s not too hard to fix a loose leg on a chair. It may take time, but everything worth having is going to take time. Besides, if you decide to repurpose something you have found, it will be truly unique and totally one-of-a-kind. - Prevent Critters
If you live in the South, then critters from mosquitos to coyotes may be an issue preventing you from fully enjoying your yard. Making sure there are no holes in your fence will make sure that the friendly beasts stay in while the wild beasts keep their distance. If insects are problematic, then you may need to invest in a yard fogger which will eliminate and prevent harmful bugs from disturbing you now and in the future. Of course, harming nature is not something everyone wants to do, especially because nature is often working for us when we have been taught it is working against us. There are plenty of natural repellants and preventative measures that can be taken before chemicals are considered.
Who said that a backyard makeover had to happen overnight? Beautiful things take time, and waiting makes it all that more enjoyable, especially when you’re the one who made it happen! A budget should not prevent you from enjoying your home or getting creative with your space. It is a wonderful way to put your own twist on your homestead and make your mark on nature.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on 10 Backyard Water Activities On A Budget.
