1. Do your own work if possible. Don't hire out an expensive landscaping company.
2. Use manual tools rather than electric-powered tools. It will take longer to get the job done, but you'll save in gasoline and other energy. Hey, you'll get some exercise too!
3. Plant perennials rather than annuals. Perennials might cost more up front, but they'll last for many years. You'll only have to plant them once, rather than every year.
4. Plant seeds rather than store-bought plants. They take longer to bloom, but they are way cheaper than buying a plant from the nursery.
5. Plant heirlooms rather than hybrids. The seeds from heirloom varieties can be saved from year to year, so you don't have to buy more seeds each season.
6. Use hand tools to pull weeds rather than costly herbicides. Hey, you'll get your exercise AND save the environment!
7. Use rain water rather than city water if possible. Rain water is free!
8. If you must water your lawn, put in a timer for your sprinkler. If you don't want to purchase one, set your kitchen timer so that you'll remember to turn off your sprinkler.
9. Water in the early morning hours, when evaporation is at a minimum. Try to avoid watering late at night, because fungi can thrive.
10. Use drip hoses rather than sprinklers. You'll lose less water to evaporation.
11. Compost, compost, compost!!
12. Use your grey water to water your ornamental plants. (Do some research to decide what types of grey water are safe.)
