Let’s bust a myth: Gardening is not just for people with land, time, or big budgets.
You don’t need fancy tools, imported soil, or RM150 ceramic pots to start growing food at home. If you have RM50 (or less), some sunlight, and a bit of motivation — you can start your first edible garden this week.
Here’s a complete guide to starting your garden the Malaysian way — on a RM50 budget or even less.
🌱 What You Actually Need to Start a Garden
| Item | Cost (Est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soil (Topsoil/Compost mix – 5kg) | RM5–RM10 | Many nurseries sell pre-mixed |
| Recycled Containers / Polybags | Free–RM5 | Use ice cream tubs, buckets, Milo tins |
| Seeds / Cuttings | RM2–RM10 | Go for high-yield herbs or veg |
| Basic Tools | RM5–RM10 | Or use old spoons/gloves |
| Fertilizer (Organic/DIY) | Free–RM5 | Banana peel water, chicken manure |
✅ Total: ~RM30–RM45 (with some leftovers!)
🪴 What to Plant (Easy + Fast Options)
🌿 1. Kangkong
- Grows in soil or water
- Harvest in 2–3 weeks
- Cheap to start (just soak store-bought stalks!)
🌿 2. Pudina (Mint)
- Easy regrow from market stems
- Loves shade, spreads fast
- Can survive in ice cream tubs
🌿 3. Ulam Raja
- Seeds cost RM2–RM4
- Grows well in poor soil, full sun
- Looks beautiful + tastes fresh
🌿 4. Daun Kesum
- Grows in wet trays or pots
- Use cuttings from grocery store
- Loves shade and moisture
♻️ Free Stuff You Already Have
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Ice cream tubs | Plant containers (poke drainage holes) |
| Eggshells | Fertilizer + pest repellent |
| Plastic spoons | DIY plant labels or mini trowels |
| Cardboard | Weed control or seed starter trays |
| Banana peel | Liquid fertilizer (just soak in water) |
✅ Gardening = budget-friendly and eco-friendly!
🧃 How to Make Your Own Fertilizer (Free)
Option A: Banana Peel Tea
- Soak 1 banana peel in 1L water for 2–3 days
- Water plants weekly
Option B: Eggshell Powder
- Crush dry eggshells
- Sprinkle around base of plant
Option C: Compost Starter
- Fruit scraps + dry leaves in a small container
- Let break down for 2–3 weeks
💡 Gardening Without a Garden
Even if you live in a flat, condo, or studio apartment, here’s how to make it work:
- Use vertical racks from Shopee (RM10–RM15)
- Plant in recycled bottles or trays
- Stick to herbs or small leafy vegetables
- Place pots near balcony or window with at least 4 hours of sun
Tip: Start small. Even 2 pokok is still a garden 🌿
🛠 Bonus: What to Upgrade Later (Optional)
| Add-On | Why |
|---|---|
| Cocopeat | Improves soil moisture |
| Neem Spray | Natural pest control |
| Compost Bin | Long-term fertilizer source |
| Grow Bags | Expandable, breathable containers |
✅ Recap Budget Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Soil (5kg) | RM10 |
| Seeds/Cuttings | RM10 |
| Containers (upcycled or polybag) | RM5 |
| Tools (mini trowel, gloves) | RM5 |
| Fertilizer (DIY) | Free |
| Total | RM30–RM50 |
🎯 Quick Tips for Success
- Start with 2–3 types of plants
- Water consistently (not too much!)
- Observe your sunlight hours
- Use what you already have — be creative
- Share cuttings with friends and swap!
✅ Wrap-Up
RM50 won’t get you much at the supermarket these days — but it can buy you a garden.
With the right mindset and a little hustle, you can start feeding yourself from your balcony, porch, or even your kitchen window.
Started your garden for under RM50? Tag us @projectharvest.my — let’s see your budget pokok babies 🌱💪