MADISON, New Jersey (WABC) — The cost of plants and flowers nationwide are on the rise. One reason is a trickle down effect from the war in Iran. As fuel prices rise, so does the cost to transport plants.<\/p>\n
Higher labor costs and other economic issues are also causing prices to spike — so what can you do to save?<\/p>\n
Marcia Zweig, an avid gardener, shops all over for plants—one recent planting purchase was more than double.<\/p>\n
“It was $641 and last year it was $300,” Zweig said, “I have a lot of containers, a lot of garden beds, stuff for the greenhouse where I volunteer.”<\/p>\n
The dirt on why flowers and plants cost at least 40% more this year comes down to fuel, labor and tariff costs.<\/p>\n
“Everything’s more expensive this year,” David Brill said.<\/p>\n
Brill’s family has owned The Farm at Green Village in Madison since the 1970s. His tips: buy seeds, buy smaller plants and more of them, and space them out.<\/p>\n
He said space flowers out anywhere from six to eight to 10 inches apart. Some plants can even be 12 to 18 inches apart.<\/p>\n
And start with seeds since it’s early in the season. Just one packet for $2 to $6 can give you a small field of flowers.<\/p>\n
The same goes for other plants, like tomatoes — Michelle Charlesworth’s personal favorite.<\/p>\n
And get the kids involved—they will love it. For years, Brill has done all kinds of gardening with his kids, Jack and Madelyn.<\/p>\n
“I myself love doing what I call a chaos garden and using wildflowers, especially with the kids, the younger ones,” Kathryn Atkinson from The Farm at Green Village said.’<\/p>\n
Don’t forget wildflowers attract pollinators like honeybees and hummingbirds.<\/p>\n
“You’re getting a spread that can cover 660 square feet,” Atkinson said.<\/p>\n
That’s the size of a New York studio.<\/p>\n
Another tip? Buy small plants—they’ll grow—get a bunch of organic herbs too. If you pinch off the ends to use, it will help them to keep growing.<\/p>\n
And buy flats of flowers. Atkinson said if you plant them smaller, you can get more value for the price.<\/p>\n
Good luck with your planting and saving!<\/p>\n
———-<\/p>\n
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered<\/a> <\/p>\n * Download our connected TV app<\/a> <\/p>\n * More local news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n