13 Expensive Christmas Gardening Habits You Need to Stop

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Christmas is a season of joy, lights and traditions, but it’s a season that can also leave our wallets looking a little lighter – particularly for gardening enthusiasts. It’s no surprise that so many pour so much love and effort into decorating outdoor spaces with festive blooms, wreaths, and twinkling lights. Granted, the results are magical, but some habits could turn your gardening into a financial pitfall.

These expenses are so often justified by things like, “It’s once a year!” or “It makes the house feel so festive!” And while that is true, there are smarter ways to make your garden sparkle, without burning through your Christmas budget. So, let’s uncover some costly habits that might actually be putting more stress than sparkle in your holiday season.

Overbuying of Seasonal Plants

Poinsettias, Christmas cacti, and amaryllis plants all make for great festive additions to your garden, and it’s tempting to fill your garden with them. However overloading your space with seasonal plants will leave your wallet in a weeping state. While beautiful, these plants will only live for a few weeks. Instead of going crazy, try a combination of seasonal flowers and year round greenery. You’ll have plants that stick around long after the holiday lights come down, and your garden will still look fabulous.

Ignoring Plant Care

Poinsettias and holly bushes are high maintenance festive plants. Without even realizing it, they can die off very quickly from being forgotten to water, overwatered, or put in the wrong spot, and you’re forced to repurchase them. A study from the University of Illinois concluded that most houseplants die because of not enough or too much water. By learning the basics of care for each plant, you won’t make these expensive mistakes. You’ll be thanking your green thumb and bank account will be fat.

The Overuse of Artificial Decorations

Inflatable snowmen, LED reindeer and fake snow may not seem like much to deck out your garden with, until you look at the receipt. Other than draining your budget, these items also contribute to your storage woes once the season ends. Use natural decorations, such as pinecones, evergreen clippings, or dried berries, which are less expensive and can be composted later. And they also bring a rustic charm that store bought decor just can’t compare to.

Proper Soil Preparation Skipped

Healthy soil is a necessity for Christmas plants to thrive, but many gardeners don’t give it a second thought. Unhealthy soil mean unhealthy plants, and suddenly you’re replacing them mid–season. Instead of spending big bucks on replacing plants, spend a little time improving your soil with compost or organic matter. Healthy soil is the basis of any good garden, especially during winter months when a garden is under stress.

Buying Oversized Christmas Trees

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Nothing screams festive statement quite like a massive Christmas tree for your front yard. The price though, and maintenance, gets heftier the bigger the tree. Try a smaller, well shaped tree or even a potted evergreen that you can use year after year. This approach saves you money while you are also helping to create a cleaner environment.

Leaving Outdoor Lights on for 24 Hours

Your garden looks magical at dusk with holiday lights, but keeping them on all the time will drive your electricity bill sky high. If you have an outlet that doesn’t have a light switch, you can purchase a smart plug with a timer and program it to turn them off during non peak hours. The U.S. Department of Energy says that energy efficient LED lights can use up to 75% less electricity than traditional bulbs, so ensure you also use only LED bulbs.

Cold Weather Overwatering

Although cold weather plants need less water than their summer friends, many gardeners forget this and don’t change their watering regime. Not only is this a waste of water, but it can also hurt your plants. Check moisture levels in the soil by sticking a finger in it before watering, your plants and your water bill will both thank you.

Buying Pre-made Wreaths and Garlands

While store bought wreaths and garlands are absolutely beautiful, they are definitely an expensive purchase. You can save a fortune on these pretty things and have a fun family DIY project by crafting your own using garden trimmings, pinecones and a little creativity. Also, creating decor with your hands is something special.

Ignoring Pest Control

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Pests don’t take holidays and if they are not eliminated, you’ll end up replacing expensive plants. Indoor holiday plants are loved by common winter pests such as aphids and spider mites. Keep on keeping an eye on your plants and use natural remedies such as neem oil to ward off these critters. It is always cheaper to prevent rather than to cure.

Single Use Plant Containers

Flimsy plastic pots in which seasonal plants come don’t last. Buying durable, reusable containers cuts down on waste, and cost in the long run. Also, high quality pots can lend a polished look to your holiday garden.

Overloading on Fertilizer

More fertilizer is not more blooms. Fertilizing too much can damage plants and lead to wasted dollars. To save unnecessary spending, follow the recommended dosage of each plant. For slow, long lasting results, stick to slow release or organic fertilizers.

Not Repurposing Decorations

Every year, do you purchase new garden ornaments and accessories? Repurposing what you already have will break the cycle. Last year’s ornaments can be a focal point in flowerbeds, and leftover ribbon can be used to spruce up a DIY wreath. The habit saves money and adds a sentimental touch to your holiday garden.

Delaying Post-holiday Cleanup

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After the season is over, a lot of people leave their Christmas plants and decorations to their own devices. Come spring time, the garden is a mess, much like a forgotten battleground, and cleanup costs a bomb. As soon as the festivities are over, tidy up to avoid damage and to make your next gardening season drama free.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.