A vegetable garden can save money, but the first year often costs more than people expect: bed frames, soil, compost, plants, irrigation and tools all add up. These free calculators help you budget before you buy, compare options such as building versus buying raised beds, and see what a garden costs to run once it is set up.
Every calculator uses editable prices, so you can replace the typical defaults with quotes from your local suppliers.
Costs tools
- Garden Cost CalculatorAdd up the cost of beds, soil, compost, mulch, plants and watering for a new garden.Open tool →
- Raised Bed Cost CalculatorEstimate what it costs to build and fill your raised beds.Open tool →
- Vegetable Garden Cost CalculatorEstimate setup and season costs for a vegetable garden.Open tool →
- Garden Cost EstimatorBudget a complete garden project, including delivery and optional labor.Open tool →
- Garden Shopping List GeneratorTurn your garden plan into a shopping list with quantities.Open tool →
Costs guides
Planting & Seeds
How to Start a Vegetable Garden on a Budget
Start a productive vegetable garden for less: where to spend and save, the best-value crops, free compost and mulch, and a sample starter garden for about $100.
Soil & Compost
How Much Soil Do I Need for a Raised Bed? (Charts & Calculator)
Work out exactly how much soil a raised bed needs, with charts for common sizes, settling allowance, the best soil mix, and how to fill tall beds for less.
Planting & Seeds
How to Plan a Vegetable Garden Layout: A Step-by-Step Guide
Plan a vegetable garden that works: choose the site, size beds and paths, place crops by sun and height, plan successions and map it all out.
Planting & Seeds
10 Easiest Vegetables for First-Time Gardeners
Ten forgiving, productive vegetables for your first garden, with planting times, spacing and tips, plus a starter plan for one 4x8 raised bed.
Planting & Seeds
Container Vegetable Gardening for Beginners
Grow vegetables on a patio or balcony: the best crops for pots, the right container sizes, potting mix, sun, watering and feeding for a good harvest.
Where to start
- Get a quick total with the garden cost calculator.
- Price your beds with the raised bed cost calculator, which compares lumber with kits and includes soil.
- Plan a bigger project with the garden cost estimator, including fencing, delivery, labor and a contingency.
- Know the running costs with the vegetable garden cost calculator.
- Shop once with the garden shopping list generator.
Soil is often the biggest cost. For raised beds, the soil to fill them often costs as much as the frames. Keeping beds about 11 to 12 inches tall and buying soil in bulk are the two easiest ways to save.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a vegetable garden?
A small in-ground garden can start for a few hundred dollars. A garden of several raised beds with delivered soil and drip irrigation often costs over a thousand. Use local prices in the calculators for a realistic figure.
Does a vegetable garden save money?
Often, especially after the first year and when you grow high-value crops such as herbs, salad greens, cherry tomatoes and peppers.
Is it cheaper to build or buy raised beds?
Building from untreated lumber is usually cheapest. Cedar beds and metal kits cost more but last longer.