Save money when gardening, with Anya Lautenbach

In this episode of the BBC Gardeners World Magazine Podcast, host Sunny Patel Ellis interviews money-saving gardening expert Anya Lautenbach. Anya discusses her gardening journey, rooted in her experiences growing up in Poland, where post-war survival meant utilizing every resource for sustainable living. She reminisces about her grandparents' frugal lifestyle and the joy of growing food and flowers, which instilled in her a passion for gardening.

Anya offers practical advice on how to create a beautiful, productive garden without significant financial investment. She suggests repurposing items, propagating plants, and choosing cost-effective crops to save money. She explains the importance of soil health, recommending homemade compost and green manure to improve soil quality while keeping costs low. Anya emphasizes the right plant choices and conditions to ensure successful gardening.

The conversation highlights the benefits of self-seeding plants, the joy of sharing flowers and seeds with neighbors, and the emotional connection to gardening passed down through generations. Anya shares her personal gardening methods, including taking cuttings, propagating herbs, and using upcycled containers, further showing how gardening can also positively impact the planet.

Finally, Anya stresses the significance of teaching gardening to children, ensuring that these valuable skills and love for nature are preserved for future generations. She encourages listeners to explore her social media platforms and books for more tips and insights into budget-friendly gardening.