Make your own fertiliser.
If you live close to the sea, and have access to seaweed washed up onto the shore, this can easily be turned into fertiliser. Fresh seaweed can be dug into the soil like manure as a soil improver, or you can chop the seaweed up, add water, and let it start to breakdown over the following days or weeks in a suitable container (like a reused plant fertiliser bottle), until the water turns brown and is ready to add to your plants.

It is worth noting that, legally, there is no public right to collect seaweed from the beach unless you own the beach and it is not designated a site of special scientific interest or a special area of conservation. If you plan to gather seaweed, it is always advisable to check with the land owner and the local council first.

If you don't live by the cost, or have access to free seaweed, you can often get free horse manure from local riding centres or stables, if you're able to collect it. Manure should be well rotted before it is added to plant beds.

Having a wormery is also a great way of turning your kitchen waste, including fruit and vegetable peelings, egg shells, bread, pasta and rice, into food for your plants. Read more about wormeries here.

Make your own compost.
If you have the space to make your own compost, we recommend giving it a go. You don't need a huge space, just enough for a compost bin or two.

Read the Royal Horticultural Society's guide to making compost by clicking here, and regularly check sites like Facebook Marketplace for free compost bins.

Collect your own rainwater.
Using rainwater is a free resource which can help to water the plants you grow during dry weather. There are a variety of containers you can collect water in including bins, barrels and tanks.

Some water companies, including South West Water, offer free water butts to householders that have a high annual, garden water usage. Alternatively, you can often find free, or low cost, used water butts on websites like Facebook Marketplace.