Ep 142: “The Garden Goldmine: 7 Things in Your Backyard You Didn’t Know Were Valuable” Artwork

The Messed Up Gardener

Hello and Welcome to The Messed Up Gardener. This podcast covers all areas of gardening from a beginner, intermediate to advanced level. It covers gardening on any budget, any space, any place. There are no rules when it comes to me, and my gardens and I do it messy. There is nothing more fun than getting your hands dirty and creating that space that gives you joy and abundance. This podcast will give tips, tricks, hacks and methodology’s to make any space work from the tiny indoor garden to the rolling meadows with even a dash of bees and hydroponics thrown in. I have been a horticulturist for as long as I can remember and in the industry since I was 15 so that’s nearly 30 years of hands on gardening experience. I am really looking forward to being on this journey & doing it messy with you.

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The Messed Up Gardener

Ep 142: “The Garden Goldmine: 7 Things in Your Backyard You Didn’t Know Were Valuable”

September 14, 2025 • Esther Aitken

What if your garden was hiding treasures you’ve been walking past every day? 🌱

In this episode of The Messed-Up Gardener, I’m digging into seven overlooked “goldmines” that can save you money, grow healthier plants, and make your garden feel abundant without another trip to the garden centre. From tired old potting mix that still has life left, to self-seeding volunteers, fallen leaves, kitchen scraps, rainwater, and even weeds — you’ll learn how to spot hidden value and put it to work.

I’ll also share a few personal stories (like the scraggly compost-heap tomato that outperformed the seedlings I bought!) to remind you that sometimes the garden knows better than we do.

✨ What you’ll discover in this episode:

· Why we often overlook the resources right under our noses

· 7 everyday garden “treasures” you can turn into soil, plants, or savings

· Simple ways to safely harvest, store, and use them

· How to track and celebrate your garden wins so they don’t go unnoticed

By the end, you’ll be seeing your backyard through “treasure hunter” eyes — and trust me, once you spot the gold, you can’t unsee it.

🎧 Press play, grab your notebook, and get ready to uncover the riches hiding in your garden!

🌻 Until next time: remember that gardening can happen in any space, any place, and on any budget. Have an incredibly abundant week—and I’ll buzz you later.

PS: If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a new garden chat! And if you have a gardening question or topic you’d love me to cover, send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.

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· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

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Freebies: Grab the

- "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden

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- Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

- Mini Masterclass Audio Lawncare basics which has included the Lawn care Mini Masterclass Audio & a Lawn Love Mini Masterclass Companion Guide. https://stan.store/EstherA

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.