Save money by growing your own veg

published 1 May 2009

Spring has arrived so it's time to get the garden ready for the summer. But before you rush to the garden centre, take a scythe to your planting costs by asking friends for cuttings. There are also websites where you can swap your excess plants, bulbs or seeds, says Which? Money. Try www.plantsreunited.com, or www.seedypeople.co.uk.

Grow your own fruit and vegetables

A Westland Growbag (£1.99) and a pack of Chempack Standard Tomato Food can produce around 12kg of tomatoes, bagging you "a big saving on shop prices", says Which? Money. Even if you only have a small plot, most vegetables can be grown in pots. Just select what you plan to grow, based on the size of the pot you can fit in your garden.

Don't waste money on compost

About 40% of dustbin waste is suitable for home composting. For tips on how to go about it, visit www.recyclenow.com.

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Sip a free drink

Sign up to The Geronimo Club and you will get a free drink at any Geronimo Inn, plus a free gift on your birthday and emails about any other deals they are offering. Sign up at www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/club. Or register at Coorslight.co.uk to get a voucher for a free bottle of Coors Light at your nearest Pitcher and Piano, says Jasmine Birtles on Moneymagpie.com.

Save money on your food shopping

Aside from shopping in cheaper supermarkets, and buying in bulk, you can also cut your food costs by food-swapping, says Serena Cowdy on Lovemoney.com. For example, lots of the dried fruits and nuts in the 'healthy snacks' aisle can be found at a much lower price in the 'baking ingredients' aisle. "Don't be taken in by the pretty packaging," says Cowdy. Swap fresh fruit juices for their longlife counterparts too they taste just as good, for a fraction of the price.

Enjoy free food

Pizza Express has issued a new two-for-one deal, which ends on Friday 24 May. All you have to do is head to www.pizzaexpressoffers.co.uk to print out your voucher. Meanwhile, Slug and Lettuce are offering a third off your food bill Sunday-Thursday before 10 May. Go to www.slugandlettuce.co.uk to print off your voucher.