Money Saving Tips – Live Laugh Love Do http://livelaughlovedo.com A Super Fun Site Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:51:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 50 Expensive Mistakes You Don’t Realize You’re Making http://livelaughlovedo.com/50-expensive-mistakes-you-dont-realize-youre-making-all-the-time-theyre-so-easy-to-fix/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/50-expensive-mistakes-you-dont-realize-youre-making-all-the-time-theyre-so-easy-to-fix/#respond Sun, 15 Jun 2025 19:36:59 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/06/16/50-expensive-mistakes-you-dont-realize-youre-making-all-the-time-theyre-so-easy-to-fix/ [ad_1]

You can save so much money with these clever and thrifty products.

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You don’t have to splurge on big-ticket items to waste money. Sometimes, it’s those sneaky little habits that slowly chip away at your wallet. Whether it’s tossing out half-used bottles, constantly replacing wasted food, or forgetting to turn off the lights when you leave a room, these everyday missteps can quietly add up over time. Fortunately, for just about each one of these habits, there’s a cheap and clever product on Amazon that will help you fix it. From problem-solving kitchen tools to simple home upgrades, these brilliant items will help you save money (and reduce stress) without even trying.

1

Mistake: Buying Fresh-Cut Bouquets That Wilt In Days

Solution: Displaying These Elegant Faux Tulips That Look Real & Last Forever

Made from soft polyurethane with flexible plastic stems, these artificial tulips are designed to look just like the real thing — minus the cost of replacing them every week. They come in a wide range of colors that can be swapped out seasonally for holidays or DIY wreaths. You can even bend or trim the stems for the perfect vase height, or display them in water to make them look freshly cut.

2

Mistake: Letting Clutter Pile Up In Your Vehicle

Solution: A Lidded Car Bin That Keeps Trash Contained

This clever car trash can attaches to the back of your headrest or center console with an adjustable strap, keeping garbage within easy reach but out of sight. The leakproof liner helps contain messes, while magnetic snaps inside make it easy to swap out the disposable liners. Available in more than a dozen colors and patterns, the auto trash can collapses when not in use and can even double as extra storage when not being used for trash.

  • Available sizes: 2 gallons, 3 gallons
  • Available colors: 13

3

Mistake: Burning Through Pricey Candles

Solution: These Reusable Flameless Candles With A Realistic Glow

If you’re tired of constantly replacing melted candles — or worried about leaving an open flame unattended — these flameless glass candles are the perfect swap. They’re made with real wax and built-in 3-D bulbs that mimic a cozy flicker, and they run for over 500 hours on two AA batteries. The included remote lets you set timers or adjust the glow without getting up, saving you money and hassle.

4

Mistake: Always Forgetting To Turn Off The Lights

Solution: Installing Motion-Sensor Lights That Turn Off Automatically

These wireless LED stair lights automatically activate when motion is detected within 10 feet, then shut off 30 seconds later to save battery life. Each light delivers a warm glow that helps make stairwells, hallways, and closets safer to navigate at night without wasting electricity. They install in seconds with the included screws or adhesive, and they run on AA batteries, so you can use them anywhere in your home (no nearby outlet needed).

5

Mistake: Letting Fruits & Veggies Rot Before You Can Use Them

Solution: These Produce Savers That Keep Things Fresh Longer

If you find yourself tossing out wilted lettuce or moldy berries before getting the chance to eat them, these produce-saver sheets are an easy fix. Infused with botanicals, they help extend the life of your fruits and veggies by up to four times (aka less spoiled groceries and fewer last-minute trips to the store). Just toss a sheet into your produce drawer or fruit bowl and let it work its magic.

6

Mistake: Losing Or Scratching Your Sunglasses In The Car

Solution: Magnetic Holders That Keep Them Safe & Accessible

Tossing your sunglasses on the seat or dashboard is a fast way to scratch the lenses or lose them altogether. But these visor-mounted holders keep them secure and within arm’s reach, thanks to a magnetic flap and soft leather wrap that protects both your glasses and your car. Available as a set of two, each one clips easily onto nearly any visor and helps extend the life of your shades by keeping them from getting banged up or buried on the floor.

7

Mistake: Tossing Out Bottles With Product Still Inside

Solution: This Bottle Drainer That Lets You Use Every Last Drop

Leaning, shaking, or slicing open bottles to get the last bit of shampoo or lotion isn’t just frustrating — it’s ineffective. Fortunately, this brilliant bottle emptying kit is designed to replace the regular cap, allowing gravity to do the work so you can get every last drop out. The kit includes multiple adaptors to fit most standard bottles, ensuring you get more value out of shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and cleaning sprays.

8

Mistake: Letting Fresh Herbs Go Bad Before You Use Them

Solution: A Glass Herb Saver That Helps Keep Greens Fresh For Weeks

Wasting money on herbs that wilt in the fridge after just a few days adds up fast, but this glass herb keeper is designed to hydrate and protect greens like cilantro, mint, rosemary, and others, keeping them fresh for up to an impressive three weeks. The tall glass chamber and breathable BPA-free cup promote airflow while the sleek design looks elegant in your fridge.

9

Mistake: Letting stains ruin your upholstery

Solution: A Wildly Popular Spray That Tackles Even Set-In Stains

While it’s designed with new parents in mind, this powerful stain remover spray is tough enough to tackle everything from ketchup and wine to pet stains and spit up (even if the stains have set in). Simply spray it on, blot, rinse, and watch the mess disappear. The popular spray has won over nearly 10,000 reviewers on Amazon, with one fan calling it, “pure magic.”

10

Mistake: Going Through Endless Rolls Of Paper Towels

Solution: Swapping To Reusable Swedish Cloths That Are Machine Washable

Made from a blend of biodegradable cellulose and cotton, these reusable Swedish dishcloths absorb spills like a sponge but dry quickly and can be cleaned in the washing machine or dishwasher. They’re durable enough to replace up to 25 rolls of paper towels and can be tossed in the wash up to 50 times. Available in a wide mix of colors and patterns, they’re a wallet-friendly upgrade that adds style to your kitchen while seriously cutting down on waste.

11

Mistake: Wasting Tape (& Time) Fumbling With Stuck Edges

Solution: A Simple Gadget That Lifts Tape Edges Instantly

No more picking at rolls of tape with your fingernails or cursing as you ruin the first few inches in frustration. This genius RollRanger tool uses a built-in sensor and LED light to instantly locate the tape edge and lift it cleanly without splitting. “All I have to do is run the device along the roll and, Voila, the end is found. I love this gadget,” wrote one shopper.

12

Mistake: Spending Tons of Money On Fancy Bottled Juices

Solution: A Compact Juicer That Lets You Squeeze Your Own Fresh Drinks

The cost of bottled juices can add up if you buy them regularly. But this handy electric juicer gives you up to 24 ounces of fresh-squeezed juice on demand, thanks to a hands-free, auto-reversing reamer that makes the process quick and easy. It’s compact, lightweight, and the parts that are detachable are all dishwasher safe.

13

Mistake: Using More Oil Than You Mean To When Cooking

Solution: A Spray Bottle That Evenly Mists Just The Right Amount

Being more precise with your cooking oils doesn’t just help your dishes come out better, but it will help you stretch your grocery budget, too. Made with sleek and durable borosilicate glass, this dual-function oil sprayer lets you switch between a fine, even mist and a precise pour, depending on your cooking needs. It dispenses just 0.2 grams per spray and holds nearly 16 ounces (or close to a standard-size bottle of cooking oil).

14

Mistake: Letting Soggy Sponges Get Gross & Moldy

Solution: A Sleek Sink Caddy That Helps Them Stay Fresh Longer

Designed with a rotating spout that’s designed to drain directly into your sink, this stainless steel caddy prevents sponges from sitting in standing water and getting gross, helping to extend their lifespan. It has separate compartments for soap, brushes, and scrubbers, helping everything dry faster and stay organized so you don’t have to replace them as often. “This has been the best sink caddy I have ever owned,” wrote one reviewer.

15

Mistake: Throwing out unlabeled pantry items because you forgot what they are

Solution: Using this portable label maker to keep track of what you have

If you’re guilty of having to toss unmarked baggies of food, spices, and other ingredients in your pantry, this handy label maker is here to save the day. Compatible with Android and iOS, the wireless Bluetooth device is designed to sync with your device for quick and easy printing — and it comes with access to so many fonts and templates. Plus, the handheld gadget uses thermal printing, instead of traditional ink, so you’ll never need to buy replacement cartridges.

16

Mistake: Losing valuables in the gap between your car’s seat

Solution: Installing these seat gap fillers so nothing slips beyond reach

Finally, you can end the frustration of dropping coins, jewelry, and devices in the gap between your car’s seat. Featured on Shark Tank, these seat gap fillers are designed to work for most vehicles, fitting seamlessly around the seatbelt buckle of the front seats for full coverage. And they come in a set of two, so you can enjoy drop protection for both the driver and passenger.

17

Mistake: Letting low tire pressure turn into a flat tire

Solution: Maintaining the right pressure level with this portable air compressor

Keeping tabs on your tire pressure is a car maintenance task that’s easy to forget about, but this portable air compressor makes it simple to stay on top of things, so a low tire doesn’t lead to a pricey service call. Designed to plug into your car’s 12-volt outlet, it can be preset to your desired pressure level and will automatically stop inflating once it achieves it. The compressor also features a backlit screen and a built-in flashlight, making it seamless to use even at night.

  • Available sizes: Medium, Large
  • Available colors: 4

18

Mistake: Not protecting your shoes when you aren’t wearing them

Solution: Using this shoe organizer to keep your collection scuff free

If your closet has a disheveled pile of shoes on the floor, you’re far from alone — but you may also be subjecting your footwear to extra wear and tear. Instead, use this tidy shoe organizer to keep your kicks protected, while also making them easy to find. Designed to fit an impressive 16 pairs at once, it features a secure zipper closure to keep dust and dirt out, along with a clear vinyl cover that lets you quickly see what’s inside. For bigger collections, it also comes in a 24-pair option.

  • Available sizes: 16 pairs, 24 pairs
  • Available colors: 2

19

Mistake: Tossing your clothes as soon as they get pilly

Solution: Using this fabric shaver to keep fabrics looking like new

It can be tempting to part with clothes, upholstery, and other linens once they start to get pilly, but you can actually give them a new life with this easy-to-use fabric shaver. Available in both battery-operated and rechargeable models, it comes with an assortment of six “leaf” blades, making it suitable for a wide range of fabrics, from coats to curtains. And it has powerful operation, removing lint and pills in just seconds so you can get on with your day.

20

Mistake: Buying Expensive Herbs At The Grocery Store

Solution: Growing Your Own At Home With This Reusable Tray

There’s no need to keep overpaying for tiny plastic containers of herbs when growing them yourself is this easy. This simple indoor herb kit has 16 flexible silicone cells that make transplanting easy while cutting down on root damage. Best of all, it’s designed with smart drainage and a spill-free watering system.

21

Mistake: Waking Up To Frizzy Hair Every Morning

Solution: Sleeping On These Super-Smooth Satin Pillowcases

This two-piece set of satin pillowcases provides a smooth sleeping surface that’s gentle on hair and skin, helping to reduce frizz and fine lines. Plus, the ultra-popular set has a silky-soft sheen that looks and feels so expensive. Choose from so many colors and sizes to match your space.

  • Available sizes: Standard — Body
  • Available colors: 38

22

Mistake: Letting Accessories Get Scratched & Tangled

Solution: Storing Accessories In These Soft Jewelry Pouches

Help keep your accessories collection from getting tangled and scratched with these must-have jewelry pouches. The velvety material is gentle on metals and stones, and the airtight zippered seal helps prevent oxidation. Plus, the clear-view panels easily allow you to see what’s inside. You get six bags in a set — ideal for organizing your jewelry at home or while traveling.

23

Mistake: Damaging Hair By Using The Wrong Brush

Solution: This Detangling Hair Brush With Flexible Bristles

Whether brushing your hair wet or dry, this detangling hair brush will make the job less painful and help prevent breakage. It has flexible bristles that easily glide through tangles and an angled handle with a comfy grip. And it’s designed for use on all hair types, from course and curly to straight and fine.

24

Mistake: Accidentally Mixing Dirty Dishes With Clean Ones

Solution: This Dishwasher Magnet That Simply Keeps It Straight

If you’re always accidentally mixing dirty dishes in with the clean ones, this dishwasher magnet is a must. It has an aesthetic design and is completely waterproof, so you can touch it with wet hands and even submerge it for a deep clean. It comes with a strong magnetic plate that keeps it firmly in place while preventing scratches on your dishwasher door panel.

25

Mistake: Not Getting The Most Out Of Your Beauty Products

Solution: This Makeup Spatula That Gets Every Last Bit Out

Beauty products can be super expensive, so using up every last drop is a must for saving money. But it’s not always easy to do — unless you have this genius makeup spatula. It has a long, thin handle and flexible silicone head with an angled design that allows you to effortlessly scrape the sides and bottoms of bottles. It’s dishwasher safe, too, for easy cleanup.

26

Mistake: Not Fixing Unsightly Marks On Walls & Furniture

Solution: These Touch-Up Paint Pens That Make The Job So Easy

No need to bust out drop cloths and paint trays when it comes time to tackle those unsightly chips and scuffs on your walls and furniture. These innovative paint touch-up pens feature a syringe design for easy loading and built-in brush tips for achieving precise results. And they’re reusable — just rinse, dry, and store for next time.

27

Mistake: Letting Your Makeup Sponges Get Smashed & Dirty

Solution: Storing Them In These Genius Sponge Holders

If you toss your makeup blenders right into your toiletry bag or the back of a drawer when you’re done getting ready, there’s a good chance they’re prone to getting squished and dirty. Instead, store them in these makeup sponge holders. They’re made from thick yet flexible silicone that protects sponges of most shapes and sizes, plus side vents to help promote breathability and prevent mildew. Choose from packs in a range of colorways, from neutral to vibrant.

28

Mistake: Not Protecting Your Eyewear From Scratches

Solution: Storing Them In These Chic Fuzzy Eyeglasses Holders

Keeping your eyeglasses properly stored when not in use is key to preventing scratches and also helping you keep track of where you last left them. And this two-pack of eyeglasses holders is perfect for doing just that. They conveniently stand up right and have a faux leather outer layer with an eye-catching shine and a fuzzy lining that’s super gentle on lenses.

29

Mistake: Touching Up Your Makeup Multiple Times Per Day

Solution: Applying This Primer Base For All-Day Staying Power

You can stop touching up your makeup multiple times per day when you use this popular primer base. The lightweight formula creates a smooth canvas, hides imperfections, brightens skin tone, and controls oil for a flawless look. Just rub in a small amount, then apply your makeup as usual for makeup that lasts all day.

30

Mistake: Letting Hair & Debris Build Up In Your Pipes

Solution: Installing This Super Popular Drain Strainer Set

Skip the costly plumber visits and get this popular drain strainer instead. It has a revolutionary mushroom-shaped design that catches hair around its easy-to-clean center, while allowing water to easily flow through. Plus, the set also includes a flexible, leak-proof drain stopper designed to fit almost any sized bath or sink drain. With a 4.7-star rating after nearly 61,000 reviews, it’s an easy drain protection hack worth investing in.

31

Mistake: Allowing Potentially Dangerous Lint To Build Up In Your Dryer

Solution: This Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit For Peace Of Mind & More Efficient Cycles

This dryer vent cleaner kit makes removing lint and debris buildup a simple DIY job. It features a long, flexible hose for reaching deep into vents, and two adapters that can attach to most vacuum cleaners. Unobstructed vents help dryers work more efficiently and can also help prevent potential fire hazards, making this appliance maintenance find a must.

32

Mistake: Constantly Replacing Damaged & Lost Cables

Solution: Keeping Them Neatly Organized With These Color-Coded Cable Ties

These color-coded cable ties are essential for keeping cords and plugs organized and free from damage caused by bending and tangles. They’re crafted from flexible nylon that’s easy to wrap around wires, with convenient looped fasteners for a secure hold. With 40 in the pack, you can affordably organize almost every cord in your home.

33

Mistake: Paying More Than You Should On Your Energy Bills

Solution: Weatherproofing Your Home With These Door Draft Stoppers

Helping reduce your energy bills can be as simple as weatherproofing your home with these door draft stoppers. The thick, flexible silicone quietly glides against flooring and is designed to effectively seal gaps that can cause inefficient heating and cooling. Plus, the powerful peel-and-stick adhesive backing makes for quick and effortless installation.

  • Available sizes: 32 inches — 41 inches
  • Available colors: 5

34

Mistake: Not Finding Leaks Before The Damage Is Done

Solution: Installing These Water Leak Detectors

Unnoticed leaks can cause expensive water damage to our home, but these genius water leak detectors can easily prevent that mistake. Just place the detectors under sinks, near the base of appliances, or any location prone to leaks for added peace of mind. Offered as a two-pack, the units are equipped with sensitive front and back sensors that will sound a loud alarm when water is detected, helping prevent costly damage.

35

Mistake: Wasting Expensive Batteries By Not Keeping Them Organized

Solution: Storing Them In This Organizer That Has a Built-In Power Tester

Tossing batteries in random drawers makes them hard to find, which can equal lots of waste and overbuying. Instead, store them in this clear battery organizer with 148 slots to accommodate a variety of sizes. It also has a built-in tester, helping prevent you from tossing out batteries that still have life left in them.

36

Mistake: Tossing Out Expensive Bras That Don’t Fit

Solution: These Adjustable Bra Extenders With Stretchy Elastic

Before you start putting your expensive bras into the trash or donation piles, first try them on using these affordable bra extenders. They’re made from a soft, breathable cotton and feature stretchy elastic for added comfort and flexibility. With three rows of strong metal hooks and neutral color options, you’re sure to find the perfect fit and hue to match your needs.

37

Mistake: Letting Furniture Damage Your Flooring

Solution: Chair Leg Covers That You Can Barely Notice, But Work So Well

Slip on these chair leg covers to protect your flooring from costly and unsightly damage caused by dragging furniture. They’re crafted from durable, stretchy silicone and feature wool felt along the base to ensure a smooth glide. Grab them in clear that’s barely noticeable, or a wide selection of other colors to blend in with your furniture finishes.

  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large
  • Available colors: 14

38

Mistake: Wasting Food Because You Can’t See What You Have

Solution: Using These Clear Fridge Bins For Better Access & Viewing

These refrigerator bins are the perfect solution for organizing your food. They’re made from thick, clear plastic that’s both shatterproof and BPA-free. Plus, they have large handles on both sides, so you can slide them out, making it easier to view and access foods. Use them in the fridge, cabinets, drawers, and more.

  • Available sizes: 12.5 x 6.3 x 3.5 inches — 14.5 x 8.5 x 3.8 inches

39

Mistake: Letting Bugs Take Over Your Home

Solution: These Sticky Gnat Traps That Blend In With Your Plants

Insert these gnat traps into planters and flower pots, or just place them along your backsplash to help reduce pest problems in and around your home. They have a cheery design, are made with nontoxic ingredients, and are ultra-sticky for better results. When full, just toss and replace — there are 15 in a box, so you’ll be set for a while.

40

Mistake: Not Removing Unsightly Pet Hair From Your Clothes

Solution: Lifting It Away With This Reusable Garment Brush

This reusable garment brush by OXO is so effective at wiping away pet hair that you’ll wish you had gotten one sooner. It has a large surface with gentle microfiber bristles that cling to hair and lint, and it even comes with a self-cleaning holder that takes the guesswork out of maintenance and storage.

41

Mistake: Letting Your Area Rugs Get Damaged By Curled Corners

Solution: Keeping Them Flat With These Rug Corner Grippers

Curled rug corners don’t just look like a mess, they’re also a tripping hazard and can cause damage to your expensive rugs when they get stuck in your vacuum brush beaters. To prevent all of those problems, simply use these rug corner grippers to help keep them flat. You’ll appreciate that they’re made from a soft rubber that’s easy to clean and reuse, plus that they won’t damage or leave residue on flooring.

42

Mistake: Not Securing Grocery Bags In Your Car Trunk & Having Items Get Smashed Or Lost

Solution: This Large Car Trunk Organizer With Adjustable Compartments

Whether you’re hauling groceries home in your car or stashing travel essentials, this car trunk organizer is a must for keeping everything in its place — so you can skip the smashed chips or lost produce. And it’s got so many practical features, like adjustable compartments and pockets, a leakproof lining, strong straps with hooks, and it can even fold down for easy storage. All that, plus a wildly low price, makes it too good to pass up.

43

Mistake: Taking Forever To Clean Up Your Garden

Solution: Using This Weeder Tool That Lifts Roots So Easily

This weeder tool makes removing invasive plants from your garden quick and easy. It’s made from strong, rust-resistant aluminum and has a pronged end designed to gently and precisely lift roots while leaving surrounding plants intact. And the handle has an ergonomic, nonslip grip for maximum comfort and leverage.

44

Mistake: Letting Your Pets Destroy Your Furniture

Solution: This Waterproof Dog Blanket That’s Machine Washable

Now you can let your pets cuddle up next to you on your couch or bed (without fear of spills or stains) when you use this waterproof dog blanket. Pets will love the comfy feel of both the fleece and microfiber sides, and you’ll love that it prevents accidents from damaging your furniture, plus how effortless it is to clean. Just throw it in the washer and dryer for the easiest upkeep.

  • Available sizes: Small — King
  • Available colors: 15

45

Mistake: Losing Rings Because They Don’t Fit Right

Solution: Using These Invisible Ring Spacers

Losing your expensive rings is a big bummer, but these ring spacers are a simple solution to help you avoid them from slipping off your fingers. They’re made from soft, clear silicone that’s practically invisible and easy to cut to size, plus they feature a coil shape to ensure a secure fit. The pack includes 12 pieces, so you can create the right fit for all of your favorite rings.

46

Mistake: Not Being Able To Reach Items In Tight Spaces

Solution: Getting This Magnetic Pickup Tool With A Built-In Flashlight

Dropped a piece of jewelry or a screw behind a heavy dresser or between your washer and dryer? No problem. This magnetic pickup tool makes seeing and reaching lost items a breeze. That’s because it has a flexible neck that extends up to 22 inches, plus a powerful magnetic flashlight on the end. It’s a low-cost tool that’s sure to come in handy indoors and outdoors.

47

Mistake: Running Up The Electric Bill With Outdoor Lighting

Solution: Installing These Solar Garden Lights

These solar garden lights illuminate your front and back yard year-round without running up the electric bill. The set includes 12 weatherproof mini lights equipped with solar panels, bright LED lights, and an auto dusk-to-dawn operation. Shallow stakes firmly grip soil, creating a streamlined look.

48

Mistake: Having To Replace Mattresses After Accidents

Solution: This Waterproof Mattress Protector

Line your bed with this deluxe mattress protector to keep it free from stains and dust mites while adding extra comfort. It has a soft quilted cotton top and a waterproof under layer that’s completely noiseless. Deep, stretchy sides make it easy to put on (even on thick mattresses). Choose from a variety of sizes to find your perfect fit.

  • Available sizes: Crib — California King

49

Mistake: Letting Pet Stains Go Undetected

Solution: Using This UV Light To Find Them

This LED flashlight uses ultraviolet technology to help you easily spot pet stains on furniture and other surfaces around your home. The compact design makes for a comfortable grip, plus convenient storage. Just pop in the included AA batteries to get started ridding your home of stinky pet accidents.

50

Mistake: Replacing Furniture With Small Dings & Discoloration

Solution: Sprucing It Up With This Best-Selling Wood Furniture Repair Kit

Before you go replacing the less-than-perfect-looking furniture in your home, first try refreshing it with this wood furniture repair kit. It includes six wax sticks for filling in dings, and six markers for covering up discoloration — both in unique colors to match just about any wood stain. It’s an effective and permanent solution that is sure to save you money.

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Five Tips to Save a TON on Flowers and Plants! | Thrifty Decor Chick http://livelaughlovedo.com/five-tips-to-save-a-ton-on-flowers-and-plants-thrifty-decor-chick/ http://livelaughlovedo.com/five-tips-to-save-a-ton-on-flowers-and-plants-thrifty-decor-chick/#respond Fri, 30 May 2025 04:56:56 +0000 http://livelaughlovedo.com/2025/05/30/five-tips-to-save-a-ton-on-flowers-and-plants-thrifty-decor-chick/ [ad_1]

Five ways to save money on plants and flowers this planting season.

Gardening is one of my favorite pastimes, but also one of the most expensive! Over the years I’ve come up with quite a few ways to save on both annual and perennial plants this time of year. 

Sometimes I will still splurge on a plant or tree, but for the most part these methods will save me a TON on flowers, bushes and trees for our gardens and yard. 

I’ve planted or replanted a TON of plants this spring (most were small, individual flowers) and have loved watching them thrive. 

I gathered my top five ways to save on plants this spring and summer! 

1. Pick spreading plants

I love our window boxes, but they can be expensive to fill every spring. I learned years ago that using flowers that spread will make my money go a lot further. 

My favorite has always been the Wave Petunias because they multiply like crazy and cascade out of boxes or containers: 

colorful petunias in window box

These are the only annual flowers I plant each year because they spread and fill in so beautifully. 

Annuals only last one season, perennials will come back year after year.

For your landscaping, look for ground cover or flowers that spread, like this awesome sedum plant I showed you years ago:
colorful sedum in planter

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.

I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links. 

I shared more about these easy plants here — the best part is that they are evergreen and look great even throughout the winter. (They will be dormant and won’t flower, but still add some green to your landscape!)

I love these plants so much, I’ve added them all over in our garden beds. They spread quickly and look fantastic: 

stonecrop sedum
Stonecrop sedum

If left alone they will spread like crazy and need very little upkeep. They will even block out weeds in beds so they offer low maintenance landscaping. 

Other great spreading flowers or plants: 

  • Dianthus 
  • Phlox
  • Hens and chicks (succulents)
  • Lily of the Valley
  • Lavender
  • Lamb’s Ears

2. Size (doesn’t) matter

I’m impatient, especially when it comes to flowering plants. I want the payoff NOW. 🙂

But I’ve learned that most of the time I’ll save a ton if I purchase the smaller sized garden plants. With a bit of nurturing at first (once they’re established within in a few weeks you don’t have to baby new plants as much). 

Now I usually go for the smaller containers, especially if the plant is a fast grower. I’ve been planting a bunch of these bright pink dianthus for much needed color on the front of our house: 

large pink dianthus

That version was $20 and is twice the size of the one I got: 

small pink dianthus

I only fertilize when the plants first go in the ground, in the spring and one time mid summer. 

Until then, my smaller versions still add that pretty pop of color and were more than half the price!

Those lovely petunias I mentioned are another great example. Instead of buying the much larger pots that are already blooming, go for the smaller, individual petunias. 

They’ll be triple the size and blooming in no time! I planted these small petunias from our Aerogarden (that were only leaves at the time) in our window boxes: 
aerogarden petunias

There are six individual plants there — but they have grown like mad and have multiple blooms already:

petunias in window box

It’s only been three weeks since I planted the small starts and they have exploded!

Patience is key. 🙂 Be sure to look at the tag on your plants to see how fast they grow. Obviously this is most beneficial when you’re buying a smaller version of a fast grower. 

3. Clearance section (they just need a little love)

Did you know that many nurseries or hardware stores will slash prices on plants that don’t look perfect? 

The clearance section is my all time best secret for beautiful flowers and plants! It’s the first place I look when I’m looking for new additions: 

garden center clearance flowers

Don’t let those scraggly plants scare you! 😄 You can find SO many lovely options that will perk up beautifully once you get them home!

Now there are always plenty that are too far gone for even me, like these evergreens that will not come back: 

clearance section Lowe's

But look at that hanging plant on the bottom left! It’s perfectly fine, the flowers have just bloomed already and therefore isn’t quite as attractive on the sales floor. 

I found a bunch of the dianthus plants I mentioned earlier on the sales rack at Lowe’s for half off. They were looking a little worn, but not that bad!:

pink dianthus needs water

After only a week of watering everyday and a bit of fertilizer, they’re already coming along beautifully!: 

healthy pink dianthus

This is how that same plant looks two years later!:

bright pink dianthus spreading plant

I make sure newly planted flowers are watered daily for the first week or two. After that only as needed.

I found four hydrangea plants on these clearance shelves that only had some spent blooms: 

dried scorched hydrangea blooms

The plant itself was green and healthy (check out the new blooms on the upper left). I knew it would thrive at home, so I grabbed one at half off. I wish I would have bought all of them!

 

After only a few days and a little trimming, the plant isn’t quite as colorful, but will be in a few weeks!: 

trimming scorched hydrangea

The clearance section is also a great spot to find one and done bloomers like lilies — once they bloom they’ll be placed on the rack. Some of them will continue to bloom for weeks! 

And of course next spring you’ll have beautiful blooms in the spring for half the price. 🙂 Such a great bargain!

4. Splitting plants

This is another favorite way to make flowers and plants go way further! There are so many perennials you can split apart and replant, and I do the same with flowering annuals as well. 

I usually use hanging potted plants to fill my back patio containers. They’re already nice and full, and because of that I can easily split them two or three ways: 

splitting annual hanging flowers

Just take the plant out of the plastic pot and use a garden trowel or any other sharp garden tool to punch the soil where you want to split them. 

These will be tangled together a bit, but if you shake them a little they’ll start to come apart. You don’t have to baby these too much — you may lose a few branches in this process, but no worries! 

The flowers will bounce back quickly. Can you tell which containers have plants that were split?: 

purple pink petunias in pots

light and dark purple flowers

patio planters with bright flowers

Again, patience is needed as these start to bloom and perk up to fill in the containers. But they always look GREAT in a week or two!

There are a ton of annuals that can be split when planting or after they’ve been in the soil for a while. Hostas are one of my favorites. 

When shopping for hostas, make sure to look under the leaves to see how many individual plants are in the pot: 

hostas in plastic planter

This is important with hostas specifically, because I’ve seen pots with as little as only two — you want as many as possible! They all cost the same, so be sure to check. 🙂

Use the same process as the flowers to split the roots apart: 

splitting new hostas

It may take some effort if your hosta is large, and it will feel like you’re killing them, but don’t worry! Most plants are resilient and will come back looking great!

I got FOUR hostas out of one $24 plant:

split hosta in ground

You can also do this with more established hostas — it’s actually good for them as they become overgrown. 

There are so many plants you can split and replant! 

Here are just a few flowering plants that can be split:

  • Aster
  • Hosta
  • Sedum (pictured above!)
  • Daylily
  • Peony
  • Phlox
  • Iris

Divide spring bloomers in fall, fall bloomers in spring, and summer bloomers in either spring or fall.

5. Buy and plant late in the season

It blows my mind every year how fast plant prices are slashed…in the summer! I can always count on finding GREAT deals starting as early as July. 

You have to time the best deals just right, but you’ll find perfectly healthy plants being clearanced out as early as mid-summer. 

The Walmart nursery is my favorite place to find these deals, because they start moving them out early to get ready for holiday stock. I’ve found SO many great perennials for insane prices in July and August. 

I found these Sea Green Juniper evergreens last summer for around $6 each!: 

sea green juniper bush

I’ve purchased many trees at deep discounts mid-season as well, like this Juniper tree and my knock out roses in the backyard: 

juniper evergreen tree

This knock out rose was $6 I think? I got two at that price, and here’s how one of them looks now:

big knock out rose by patio

And here’s how both of these looked five years ago (tiny plants in the mulch):

patio with fire pit

Patience is key when you’re trying to save money on plants! But SO worth it! 

Hydrangeas are another great plant to look for from mid-summer on, as they need TONS of water and the hotter it gets, the nurseries struggle to keep them hydrated. 

At most garden centers, you’ll start to see major discounts later in the fall. This works out well because the BEST time to plant is in the cooler spring and fall months. 

We’ve planted discounted trees and shrubs as late as November! Don’t sleep on the sales that start early! 

Honorable mention: Most bang for the buck!

Almost ALL plants that I add to our landscaping have to be one of two things. Either they are evergreen, and therefore keep their fullness and color throughout the winter months. (Arborvitae, boxwoods, sedum are great examples). 

Or if they are a blooming plant, they must bloom from spring or early summer to the fall. I used to plant a lot of bulbs and/or plants that would flower for a few weeks, like lilies, tulips or azaleas. 

I still plan to add some of these eventually, but when I’m trying to get our landscape established I focus more on the two types I mentioned here. 

They simply offer for more the money!  

I hope this list helps you to save some cash this planting season! Gardening can be an expensive hobby, but these tricks will save you a TON.

Adding to your landscape will add to your curb appeal and watching your plants thrive and grow is so rewarding! 😀

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