Actual Gardening Costs

Understanding the real costs of starting a garden (my newest hobby) can be challenging. While many "budget garden" guides exist online, I want to share my actual expenses to help others plan their garden projects. Here's a transparent breakdown of my investments in my San Francisco urban garden, starting from August 2024.

Total cost to date: $900

My projects include automated irrigation, raised bed construction, and establishing both edible and ornamental areas. Though individual purchases seemed modest, the total cost reveals a different perspective. Fortunately, many items are one-time investments that will serve for years.

Smart Irrigation: ~$100

$65 - Rachio Smart Hose Timer with WiFi Hub
$36 - Raindrip Automatic Watering Kit with Timer (20 PC drippers)

Irrigation Parts: ~$150

$17 - 2WAYZ Heavy Duty Hose Splitter
$14 - Senninger Pressure Regulator (25 PSI)
$2 - Rain Bird Adapters (2x) - 3/4" Female Thread to 1/2" Universal
$14 - Raindrip 50ft Drip Kit with fittings
$13 - Raindrip 50ft Soaker Hose Tubing (1/4")
$8 - 1/4" Barbed Coupling (50pk)
$14 - 1/2" Stakes (2x 10pk)
$18 - 1/2" Barbed Valves (5x)
$21 - Rotary Micro Stakes (5x)
$10 - 1/2" Barbed Coupling (20pk)
$15 - 1/2" Drip Tubing (100ft)

Garden Structures: ~$100

$73 - Modular Metal Raised Bed (17" height, 9-in-1 design)
$15 - Galvanized Steel Wire Round Tomato Cages (3x)
$15 - Galvanized Steel Hardware Cloth (10ft × 2ft, 1/4" mesh)

Soil and Amendments: ~$80

$60 - Kellogg Garden Organics Raised Bed and Potting Mix (2 cu. ft.)
$12 - Premium Dark Brown Mulch (3x 2-cu ft)
$10 - Steer Manure Organic Compost (4x 1-cu ft)

Tools: ~$160

$76 - Milwaukee M12 HACKZALL Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 36-Piece Blade Set
$58 - Felco Pruning Shears (F 6)
$15 - Hori Hori Japanese Weeding Knives
$15 - Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder

Pest Control: ~$50

$52 - ASPECTEK Ultrasonic Animal Control (2-Pack)

Plants: ~$200

Various herbs, vegetables and flowers throughout the season

All notes