As the sneezes increase and the daylight stretches longer, it's a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. If your ideal cottagecore scene involves twirling through a whimsical garden, clad in a princess dress while your favorite tunes serenade you, then it's time to roll up your sleeves and start planning your garden.

When I dipped my toes into the world of gardening, I was taken aback by the expenses involved in building, filling, and maintaining a thriving vegetable garden. But with a few seasons of gardening experience now tucked into my apron, I've picked up a trick or two that can help you save some green without skimping on the quality of your garden.

Raised garden beds are highly recommended for backyard gardening (over in-ground gardening) because these kind of beds tend to have better drainage and will keep your plants warmer earlier in the season. Building your own raised beds is much easier than you might imagine, and with my little trick, it’s surprisingly affordable.