Adding a garden to your landscape will increase your property value and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your surroundings. The size and style of the garden will determine the installation cost.
Garden Size
One of the most important factors when calculating the cost of installing a garden is the size, labor, equipment, and time required to complete the project.
Small projects can be accomplished using manual gardening tools. Larger gardens will require a well-designed plan combined with extensive site preparation. The average prices are listed below.
- Plot area 500 square feet or less – $500
- Plot area 500 – 1,000 square feet – $800
- Plot area 1,000 – 2,000 square feet – $1,200
- Plot area 2,000 – 4,000 square feet – $1,500
- Plot area 4,000 – 5,000 square feet – $2,000
Garden Design
Many people choose to hire a professional designer. This is an important consideration, especially for larger landscaping projects, as the cost can be quite high to create a plot diagram and implement special features like sculptures, fountains, artificial ponds, and flower beds.
A typical designer may charge from $500 to several thousand dollars if they are asked to supervise the project through to completion.
The bidding fee will also vary but often begins with an initial deposit of $500 for small gardens and $1,000 for larger designs. The complexity and style of your design will be the determining factors for obtaining a reasonable cost estimate.
Irrigation and Drainage Systems
An irrigation system will be less expensive if installed during the initial site preparation phase. Landscaping professionals are often the most qualified to recommend the most suitable and efficient sprinkler or drainage equipment installation.
Soil type, garden size, and design will determine the cost. The average national price ranges from $800 to $1,500.
This is a crucial part of garden installation planning as it will ensure your landscape remains healthy for years to come and simplifies ongoing maintenance. Proper irrigation will prevent water from pooling in unwanted areas.
This system will also help ensure the entire garden is watered evenly and minimize the potential for waterlogging during heavy rain. A properly installed drainage system will also prevent sewer and septic system backflow, but may require removing excess garden debris. Waste hauling costs may be an additional expense.
Replacement Installation
A comprehensive assessment of the current condition is essential when planning to replace part or all of an existing garden. Bare land may require soil amendment and grading, and the cost typically falls around $500. When replacing part of an existing landscape, some trees, shrubs, and turf may need to be removed at an average cost of $800.
Replacing an entire garden will require removing all grass, trees, and shrubs. Soil amendment may be necessary along with mulch replacement to create a good soil foundation for new plants, flowers, vegetables, or herbs. The average cost is $1,000.
Garden Edging Guide
Your garden can look neat and appealing with attractive edging, giving your garden perimeter a finished look. Without edging, weeds can easily encroach, requiring frequent care and maintenance. Various materials can be used to achieve a look that is both functional and refined. These include:
- Bricks
- Stone and rock
- Landscape timber
- Plastic edging
Edging can be installed slightly above ground level to give your garden a well-maintained appearance. The type of material you install depends on your preference and budget, as well as the visual effect you wish to create.
Many people use materials they can find in their yard, such as rocks and gravel, which helps minimize costs altogether. However, other materials may need to be purchased from a gardening supply store or from a gardener, who will also handle the installation. The average cost can exceed $50 per foot of edging.
Pathways
Perhaps the most costly and time-consuming part of creating a garden is installing pathways on medium to large plots. A wide variety of materials can be used to create garden paths, and the price heavily depends on the amount of material used and the labor involved.
Stone pathways cost $3,000 for 200 square feet (approx. 19.5 square meters); whereas, concrete pathways may cost $1,500 for the same area. The amount of labor, location, and time required are the primary factors determining the cost.
Many consumers choose to obtain multiple quotes from local contractors and compare prices before making a final decision.
What to Choose?
There are many types and styles of gardening. Many gardeners garden simply to enjoy the experience and the beauty of the plants and flowers they cultivate.
Others choose gardening for profit or to save money and eat healthily. Vegetable and herb gardens are classic examples of how a family can better manage their finances through gardening.
Vegetable Gardens
Research conducted in recent years on the economics of home gardening indicates that an initial investment of just $200 can yield over half a ton of fresh, chemical-free produce, which can be used at home, shared with others, or sold at farmers’ markets for a profit.
Factors determining the actual profit include the cost of seeds, compost, tools, and the time invested in planting and harvesting the vegetables.
On average, each square foot of garden can produce half a pound of fresh produce when considering the investment and current market prices.
If you are starting a new garden, you might consider using existing soil to bring the cost down to zero. However, vegetable garden soil may need amendments to improve nutrient density and texture.
If you live near a farm, local farmers might allow you to use their composted manure for free. Manure should be mixed into the topsoil to ensure better plant growth and harvest. Manure can also be purchased inexpensively, around $20 per truckload, and added throughout the season as needed.
It is advisable to test the soil before planting. Local garden centers sell test kits for $12. This is a worthwhile investment as it will indicate whether your soil has the appropriate texture, nutrient content, and aeration. Clay soil may need the addition of sand and compost.
Each 40-pound bag costs between $3 and $5. Sandy soil may require amending with a mixture of compost and shredded leaves. Utilize materials available in your own yard to reduce costs.
You should create your own compost pile to save money. For example, you can do this by shredding organic material with a chipper. Continuous composting will reduce the need for shopping trips and keep your garden green and abundant each season.
Starting a garden from seeds is more cost-effective. You can buy seeds for just a few dollars, with each packet containing 800-2,000 seeds. Seedlings are more expensive but yield faster results.
Mature plants are significantly more costly and can add several hundred dollars to the initial cost of starting a new garden.
Furthermore, many communities host annual seed swaps. Community gardening clubs, nurseries, churches, and other local organizations frequently hold seed and plant sales in the spring.
Finally, you can consider swapping with local gardeners at various local events or joining a local gardening club to exchange ideas, money-saving tips, and ways to trade produce, seeds, and plants with one another.
Herb Gardens
Herb gardens have gained popularity in recent years due to the growing awareness of organic, green lifestyles. Relatively easy to grow and care for, herb gardens are less demanding than vegetable gardens and also more affordable.
When considering planting an herb garden, you should visit a local nursery to learn about local growing conditions and the best methods for cultivating herbs. Local garden centers often offer free gardening classes and are a place to find further advice.
On average, a professional gardener will charge $250 to prepare a garden bed, test the soil, add fertilizer, and sow up to eight types of seeds. To save money, you can purchase inexpensive seeds and plant them yourself.
Preparing an herb bed involves removing weeds, old plants, and rocks. The soil can be turned over using hand tools if the garden area is relatively small.
Depending on the soil condition, it may be necessary to add new topsoil along with organic matter to increase nutrient content. Many professional gardeners offer combined services at a lower rate if the client plans to create multiple herb beds at once.
Gardening for Profit
Because the initial costs of setting up, operating, and maintaining any garden can be relatively high, many people choose to garden for profit in order to recover their investment.
This is also a great way to earn additional income if you’ve already mastered the basics of gardening and enjoy the daily care and cultivation of plants. The tips below can help you get started with gardening for profit.
- In the beginning, you should explore local farmers’ markets and grocery stores to learn which types of produce are selling successfully. Once you’ve become more experienced in gardening, you can expand into more unique options, but during the initial stages, focus on growing the most popular produce such as garlic, onions, cucumbers, and other common staples.
- Consider selling fresh produce along with seeds and seedlings. Plant extra varieties to ensure a bountiful harvest—enough to meet your family’s needs while also providing additional items to sell.
- Think about growing plants both indoors and outdoors. Year-round cultivation and continuous selling will extend the season. If you frequently deal with pests, growing plants indoors using non-toxic pesticides will prevent recurring issues.
- In hot weather, water and weed daily to ensure your plants do not have to compete with other crops for moisture and nutrients.
- Your plants should be fertilized regularly with organic fertilizer. This will ensure fresh, high-quality produce and strong sales.
- Your produce should be pruned when necessary and washed before selling to attract buyers. Clean, fresh-looking products result in quick sales and steady demand.
- When packaging seeds or dried herbs, use eco-friendly packaging materials with labels displaying your name, phone number, address, and email so customers can contact you in the future.
- Consider creating a website that lists your location and the types of products you offer. Local customers will definitely reach out to you if you sell quality goods. Once you build a large customer base, you can even consider nationwide shipping.
- Harvest seeds from your crops at the end of each season and use them the following year or sell them for extra profit.
- Rent a space at the local farmers’ market. Diversifying your product offerings will bring higher income throughout the year. Increase profits by marketing to friends, family, and nearby businesses.
- Attending events such as festivals or fairs can help spread awareness of your business in the community. Your whole family can participate, and children often attract more customers when helping.
- Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. This is a collaborative way to distribute and sell the fruits of your labor while promoting healthy eating habits.
Gardening is a labor of passion and love. You will experience a wonderful sense of accomplishment and satisfaction while connecting with Mother Earth and nature.
However, the main benefit is the ability to provide your family with healthy, organic food while using the profits for other household projects.
Find more information and tips on gardening in existing gardens here: Gardening