5 Simple Ways to Save Money Outdoors

Many people don't realize that there are quite a few ways to save money around the home and yard. Some people are too lazy to work in their own yard, but most are too busy and just don't have time to fool around with yard work. Especially during the summer months, when the sun is beating down and the thermometer is rising, people tend to stay inside and watch TV or at least do something that doesn't take nearly as much effort. Not too many years ago, people must have thought differently. Practically everything they owned, they made themselves; basically everything they ate, they hunted, raised, or grew. People used to think nothing of walking long distances or of working from sunup to sundown in the fields and gardens. Horses used to be the best way of travel, but now luxurious cars travel the roads.

We say this is progress, but is it really? We spend more money than our ancestors, do less work than our ancestors and yet are busier and have less free time, weigh more (on average) than our ancestors, and in general are more unhealthy than our ancestors. The conveniences we have today are said to save our time, but do they really?

1. Mow your own lawn instead of hiring it out. Not only will you save a lot of money, but you will feel better, as well. Unless you have a massive lawn, think about starting up the old push mower and getting some good physical exercise.

2. Grow your own garden. Make one that as big as you can handle. Even a few tomato plants and a plot of greens is better than nothing. Just be creative. If you have surplus, then try to find a farmer's market where you can sell it.

3. Instead of buying edging for flower beds, find rocks to make your own. In many places, rocks are just lying around waiting to be picked up.

4. If you are shopping for implements like trowels, hand rakes, etc. Don't just look at Lowes. Try to check out Home Depot or Ace Hardware if there is one around. Or check online on Amazon and other sites.

5. Instead of buying plants at any time of the year, try shopping for them a week or two before Mother's Day or just after. Before Mother's Day will have much better selection, but afterwards, there are often great sales. Buy trees and perennials after season when stores are trying to get rid of them.

These are just a small handful of ideas. Just think about saving money and getting healthier and you will find all sorts of little or big projects to do in your spare time. Just spend a few minutes each day working outside and you will be surprised at how much you get done, how much better you feel, and how much thicker your wallet is.