Creating an attractive front yard doesn’t have to cost a lot or take up much space. You can improve your small garden with simple ideas that fit your budget and add curb appeal to your home.
This article will help you discover easy and affordable ways to make your front yard look better without spending too much money. These ideas focus on practical steps you can take to refresh your outdoor space while keeping costs low.
Contents
- 1 1) Create a small raised bed with repurposed wood
- 2 2) Plant drought-tolerant succulents
- 3 3) Use mulch to reduce weeds and conserve moisture
- 4 4) Add a simple gravel pathway
- 5 5) Install a DIY trellis for climbing plants
- 6 6) Incorporate low-maintenance ornamental grasses
- 7 7) Plant perennial bulbs like tulips or daffodils
- 8 8) Use ground covers such as creeping thyme
- 9 9) Repurpose old wheelbarrows as planters
- 10 10) Fill gaps with clover or mustard seeds to enrich soil
- 11 11) Add a compact flower bed near the entrance
- 12 12) Densely plant to naturally deter weeds
1) Create a small raised bed with repurposed wood
You can build a raised bed using old wood from pallets or scrap lumber. This saves money and gives your garden a unique look.
Make sure the wood is untreated and safe for growing food or flowers. Simple designs can be built quickly and fit small spaces well.
For ideas on building affordable raised beds, check out this guide on the best raised garden beds on a budget.
2) Plant drought-tolerant succulents
You can save water and money by choosing drought-tolerant succulents for your front yard. These plants need little care and survive well in dry conditions. They also add interesting shapes and colors to your garden. For more ideas, check inexpensive drought-tolerant landscaping tips.
3) Use mulch to reduce weeds and conserve moisture
You can use mulch to keep weeds from growing in your garden. Mulch also helps keep the soil moist, so you don’t need to water as often. Replacing mulch every few years keeps your yard looking neat and healthy.
Using cardboard under mulch stops weeds even better and is an affordable option you can try. For more ideas, see cheap front yard landscaping tips with mulch.
4) Add a simple gravel pathway
You can create a low-cost, easy-to-make pathway using gravel. Start by digging out the path’s shape and adding a crushed stone base to help with drainage. This simple step improves your yard’s look and guides visitors through your garden.
For more details, see how to lay a budget-friendly gravel path.
5) Install a DIY trellis for climbing plants
You can create a simple trellis using wood, metal, or even repurposed materials. This adds height and interest to your garden without taking up much space. A DIY trellis helps your climbing plants grow neatly and saves room in your small front yard. Learn easy ideas for making one at homesteadandchill.com.
6) Incorporate low-maintenance ornamental grasses
You can add texture and color with ornamental grasses that need little care. They work well as a backdrop or filler in your front yard.
Choose grasses that stay tidy and don’t require frequent trimming. This keeps your garden looking neat without extra work.
Learn more about the benefits of ornamental grasses for landscaping here.
7) Plant perennial bulbs like tulips or daffodils
You can add color to your front yard by planting perennial bulbs like tulips or daffodils. These bulbs come back every year, saving you money over time. They grow well in sunny spots and need little care once planted.
For simple ideas on using bulbs, see this guide on bulb garden design.
8) Use ground covers such as creeping thyme
You can save money by using ground covers like creeping thyme. It grows low and spreads quickly, reducing the need for grass or mulch.
Creeping thyme is easy to care for and can handle light foot traffic. It also adds a green, natural look to your front yard.
9) Repurpose old wheelbarrows as planters
You can turn an old wheelbarrow into a unique planter for your front yard. Fill it with flowers, herbs, or small shrubs to add charm.
This is a low-cost way to recycle and create a mobile garden feature. For ideas, see wheelbarrow container garden ideas.
10) Fill gaps with clover or mustard seeds to enrich soil
You can plant clover or mustard seeds in empty spots to improve your soil. These plants add nutrients and help loosen the dirt.
This method is cheap and requires little effort. It supports healthier growth for other plants in your yard. Using clover or mustard seeds is a smart way to boost your front yard cheaply and naturally. For more ideas, see budget front yard landscaping tips.
11) Add a compact flower bed near the entrance
You can create a small flower bed near your front door to add color and charm. Use simple edging to keep it tidy. Choose low-maintenance flowers to save time and money. This is an easy way to improve your front yard on a budget. For more ideas, check out small flower garden plans.
12) Densely plant to naturally deter weeds
You can reduce weeds by planting your garden beds close together. Dense plants leave little space for weeds to grow. This approach helps keep your yard low-maintenance and saves money on weed control.
Try choosing ground covers or spreading plants that grow tightly. This method works well for small front yards on a budget. For more tips, see dense planting ideas for front yards.