34 Budget Yard Upgrades That'll Make A Big Difference

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14 hours ago

A pack of solar-powered garden lights to turn your yard into a wind-powered light show. They charge during the day and glow at night, no plugs or switches required.
An outdoor rug for an instant (and cheap!) way to make your outdoor space look pulled together. The bold floral print brings the color, it folds up when you don't need it, and it costs less than a round of drinks.
Promising review: "Love this outdoor rug and it's reversible. White where the yellow is on this side. I love it ... the yellow is a beautiful, bright color. Just magical." —BarbGet it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three colors and three sizes).
Or a geometric black and white outdoor rug so chic it'll instantly transform your backyard into a scene straight out of The White Lotus. Not only does it add a touch of pizzazz to your outdoor space, but it's also made from durable materials designed to withstand the elements.
Hauteloom is a small business in Georgia that sells rugs for the home.Promising review: "Delivered exactly as described. This is a really beautiful outdoor rug that adds coziness and pop to my deck. I put heavy items around the perimeter of the rug for a day to help flatten the edges. Great price for a great quality rug." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $35+ (available in 15 sizes and three colors).
A fade-resistant outdoor umbrella for relaxing without worrying about harmful UV rays. (But remember to always wear sunscreen when your skin's exposed to the sun!) It's got a diameter of 7.5 feet, which can provide shade for a small table and three or four chairs.
Note: The umbrella stand is not included, but this is a good one if you need one. Promising review: "This umbrella was perfect and met my needs. I live in a condo and needed a way to shade the balcony from the intense morning sun. This worked really well. The setup was easy. The crank works well ,and the tilt is easy to do." —DanielleGet it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in 15 colors and patterns).
And a clip-on umbrella light, because sometimes a great day on your balcony turns into a great night, and you want to make sure you have the proper illumination.
A pack of sunflower seeds with nine varieties so your backyard will be an oasis for honeybees, bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Each package has over 1,000 seeds and can cover up to 325 square feet.
Or a pack of wildflower seeds that'll turn a sad patch of dirt into a butterfly-and-hummingbird buffet. You get over 30,000 seeds (!!!) across 23 varieties, so even if half of them ghost you, you'll still end up with a bloom-filled backyard.
Seed Needs is a family-owned small business in Michigan that makes seed packets. Promising review: "I bought this package hoping to attract butterflies. It did not disappoint. I have the opposite of a green thumb, and this was super easy. I couldn't tell you the names of any flowers, but we have at least six different types. I overseeded a smaller area, so I will probably make the area larger or only do half the seeds next year. We can go outside at any time and see our beautiful flowers and SO many butterflies! 10/10" —Tesa TaylorGet it from Amazon for $5+ (available in four mixes and two sizes).
An inflatable pool for taking a dip whenever you please. No packing a bag and heading to the local pool required. It has a built-in bench and a couple of cupholders, too!
And a dog/kiddie pool so the tiny tots and furry friends in your life have a safe spot to splash, too. This folds up for easy storage when not in use and doesn't need to be inflated to work.
A Chomp! oil stain remover to finally get rid of those nasty spots on your patio and walkways. Just smear on the thick gel, let it dry, and peel it up. It's heavy-duty help for the kind of stain that you thought was permanent.
Promising review: "I went in skeptical, I'm not going to lie. We had grease spilled on our brand-new paver patio. The grease had been sitting for a few weeks, and I saw an ad for this stuff. I ordered it to try because why not? Well, I'll be damned because this took the spots right off! No evidence we ever spilled anything! I'd buy it again." —SusanGet it from Amazon for $17.97.
A three-piece wicker chair and table set for under $100 that doesn't look like it came from the dusty clearance corner of a big-box store. You get two cushioned chairs, a glass-top table, and the undeniable satisfaction of leveling up your outdoor space without blowing your budget.
Some bamboo wind chimes to bring some zen vibes to your outdoor space. When it moves, the bamboo produces deep, soothing tones that'll blend nicely with nature's soundtrack. No batteries, no wires, just peaceful background music you didn't have to find via a playlist.
Promising review: "Was actually a little bigger than I expected to be for the price. Beautiful and well worth the money. Sounds beautiful." —Ashleigh Yates Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes).
Or a set of solar wind chimes for bringing a little glow and gentle sound to your outdoor space after dark. The charge during the day, then kicks on automatically at night with soft, color-changing light.
Promising review: "Ok so I absolutely LOVE this! So much so I have bought two more for gifts, lol. They shine wonderful amounts of light. The whole unit is lightweight. Hangs well and blows nicely in the wind. I could watch it for hours... and have. I see more orders in my future." —Fairy girl Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in seven shapes).
Some waterproof and shatterproof solar-powered outdoor string lights to turn your backyard into a whimsical nighttime oasis. Perfect for draping over trees, winding around railings, or highlighting the edges of your outdoor living space, they create an intimate setting that's both magical and inviting.
Brightech is a small business in Los Angeles that sells indoor and outdoor lighting for the home.Promising review: "I have had these lights up since the end of September 2022. They lit up right out of the box. They have been through a snowstorm, ice storm, and massive rain, and are still perfect. They are pretty easy to hang. They are shatterproof, which I love. —D KellyGet it from Brightech on Amazon for $27.99+ (available in warm or soft light).
A pack of four plant supporters because some plants just need extra help staying upright. Bonus points because the metal is powder-coated green, which camouflages well.
A set of metal hanging flower pots so you can have fresh flowers or herbs, regardless of whether you have a plot of dirt to grow them in. Each set includes 10 planters, so you can plant different types of flowers, herbs, and other greenery to really make a big visual impact.
A colorful three-piece patio set if you want a cozy place to enjoy your morning cup of joe or a meal al fresco. The bright color will create a nice focal point for your outdoor space.
Promising review: "This set was just what I needed to add a pop of color to my porch. It seems sturdy and tolerant of extreme weather conditions. My friends and neighbors love the bright yellow." —Judith J. Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in five colors).
Or a three-piece folding wood bistro set that comes with the cushions. This is such a timeless look; you can put this anywhere and it's sure to impress.
Promising review: "I recently moved and have a small front patio. The rules of the complex are neutral as far as furniture is concerned. And so I spent forever looking for something that would fit the color scheme, plus be cute and comfortable. I am so so happy with this purchase. The table and chairs are not only a good size, but they are tall! I myself am almost 6 foot tall, and to not have to lean over with a patio set is really cool. The cushions are very comfortable, and the setup was extremely easy. Highly recommend." —Ashley kGet it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in three colors).
A triangular sail to block harmful UV rays and also provide you with necessary shade. A simple way to create a relaxing area.
The corners of the sails have D rings so you can attach them to whatever you'd like with your choice of hardware or rope.Promising review: "Purchased this to increase privacy and provide some shade. The color is vibrant, hasn't faded, and the loops are well-stitched. The sail has also fared well in winds, thunderstorms, monsoon rain, and the brutal heat of Vegas. Shade is wonderful and one can definitely feel the temperature difference from full sun to being under this sail. The look and feel compliments our pool area and will certainly be purchasing an additional one." —VHC MediaGet it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in a variety of sizes and 12 colors/patterns).
A hanging hammock chair, because sometimes you just need a main character moment and this is the chair that'll give it to you.
Some solar-powered stair lights that'll keep your stairs from turning into a tripping hazard after dark. They're waterproof, they charge themselves (bless), and they'll make your stairs look like the runway your guests deserve.
Promising review: "Where I live, it's so dark and I have no outside electricity off my screened-in deck. I wanted lights for my stairs for safety and found these lights, which work and look great! They come with everything you need to fasten them to the stairs so they don't fall off as well. I even bought extra and tested them in the event that the ones that are currently outside get damaged for any reason, and they are no longer sold. Definitely recommend for the price, nice and bright, and easy installation. Plus, they last all night long!" —BrookeGet it from Amazon for $30.99+ (available in warm or cool white light and six pack sizes).
A waterproof outdoor curtain to either partition off space in your outdoor space or provide you with some privacy, like if your balcony looks directly onto someone else's balcony or something unsightly.
A wooden wall-mounted trellis for adding some vertical greenery to your exterior walls. From potted plants to air plants, this trellis will provide you with everything you need to help your garden grow vertically.
A bottle of Scotts multipurpose outdoor cleaner if you want to tackle dirt, mildew, and grime without blasting everything with bleach. It's tough on messes but gentle enough for your exterior. Just spray, scrub (if needed), and admire how much less gross everything looks.
A seeding start kit for giving your backyard a literal fresh start. This little setup is basically the pregame to a garden glow-up: it comes with everything you need to start a whole lineup of veggies, herbs, or flowers indoors before sending them out to thrive in the wild (aka your raised beds). Plus, it's way more fun than impulse-buying yet another sad basil plant from the grocery store.
The kit has space for up to 72 seedlings in cells measuring 1.5" x 1.5" x 2" each. Entire tray is 10" x 20" x 5". Recommended for use with a heat mat to promote germination. Once sprouts emerge, use a plant grow light or place near a well-lit window.Promising review: "As an avid gardener, I've found this kit to be an essential tool for starting seeds and nurturing young plants before transplanting them into the garden. Each cell is sturdy and well-designed, ensuring proper airflow and drainage to promote healthy root development. The included greenhouse dome helps retain moisture and warmth, promoting optimal germination and seedling growth. Incredibly user-friendly, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike. The included growing medium is pre-fertilized and ready to use, eliminating the need for additional soil amendments and saving time during the planting process. Highly recommend." —Blondie16Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
And a pack of the 20 most popular vegetable seeds to basically turn your vegetable beds into your own organic produce market. From beets and cucumbers to cabbage and okra, there are enough seeds to grow plenty of produce year-round.
A wood patio set that's cute enough to impress your guests and comfy enough to keep them lingering. The slatted acacia wood and crisp cushions give it a clean, modern vibe, and the table is juuuust the right size for a couple of cold bevvies and a snack bowl. It's proof that functional doesn't have to mean boring.
Promising review: "I was looking for some nice small chairs to put on our front patio. We had camping chairs out there before and they looked awful from the street. We ordered this little set and it has been perfect. They have great street appeal. They are extremely comfortable. The cushions are firm and supportive. We easily sit out here for an hour or two now each day. Cat and human approved." —Vik Get it from Amazon for $74.99.
A two-pack of solar-powered outdoor lantern lights to add just the right amount of illumination to your backyard. Because they don't require electricity, you can hang them and then not worry about maintenance.
Promising review: "My goodness, I did not expect to love these lanterns as much as I do. They are very, very good quality and display lots of light. I hung both of them between my small patio and English garden, and they provided enough light for both areas. I received them late afternoon, so they got about four hours in the sun. At 9 p.m., both came on like clockwork. I got up at 3 a.m. to check if they were still on, and they were as bright as ever. They are so dang cute and unique in my yard. I will be buying more. Love, Love, Love them." —Dog TailorGet it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in three styles).
A flexible adjustable mister so you can feel like you're at a high-end resort when you're lounging around outside during a really hot day. Just hook it up to your hose and voilà! It's ready to go.
Or a misting system if you're already sweating just thinking about summer and want maximum misting in your outdoor space. This easy little setup connects to your garden hose and mists a fine spray that can cool the area by up to 20 degrees. Perfect for patios, play spaces, or wherever else you'd rather not melt.
An outdoor inflatable ottoman so you can kick your feet up after a long day. It's fade- and water-resistant, and deflates for easy storage when not in use.
Just inflate the interior pouf and stick it inside the printed, water-resistant cover.Promising review: "Love these! Ordered two more. The fabric is very nice and sturdy especially for outdoors. The inflatable part appears to be good quality. How to: Place inflatable inside of cover before inflating it. Do not inflate to full capacity or it will look like an inflatable and will not rest in a nice flat position. Far nicer than I imagined. They look great flanking my outdoor rattan sectional." —Cali gGet it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in 18 fabric patterns).
A colorful small raised garden bed that costs less than takeout and looks like it came from a Crayola collab. It's tall enough to save your back, compact enough for small spaces, and colorful enough to count as decor. A cheerful little upgrade for anyone flirting with the idea of gardening.
Promising review: "I searched all over for a planter small enough to fit on my porch. I'm so happy I came across this one. There really isn't anything out there right now that's 1. This size, and 2. This price. It's exactly what I was looking for, and I was able to plant six herbs in it. Assembly was easy but it helps if you have an extra hand to hold the pieces together. It's made out of metal and feels very sturdy. It has a drain hole, which is a plus. I highly recommend this, especially if you are limited on space." —ChristineGet it from Amazon for $45.99.
An instant mold and mildew stain remover spray to take your patio, siding, or outdoor furniture from "abandoned for decades" to "ready for guests" in seconds. Just spray it on and watch the gunk disappear like magic. It's powerful, a little smelly, and kind of a miracle if you've been neglecting your exterior for who knows how long.
And a glassworks wind chime for adding some gorgeous color to your outdoor space. Nearly all wind chimes are metal or neutral tones — which is fine! — but it's refreshing to find an option that has a bit more flair.