If you’re trying to live more frugally, grow your garden on a budget, or simply avoid buying new when you don’t have to, there’s a surprisingly easy way to get plants for free.
Over the years, I’ve filled my home and garden with free plants, pots, and cuttings simply by using local give-away platforms like Freecycle, Gumtree, and Facebook community groups.
In this article, I’ll show you how to get free plants in Australia, why Freecycle still works (even in 2026), and how this simple habit supports a more frugal, low-waste lifestyle.
Watch: Getting Free Plants From Freecycle
Join me in the video below as I chat about picking up plants from Freecycle (and show you what I got). 👇
What is Freecycle?
Freecycle is a global give-away network where people list items they no longer need — completely free.
Instead of throwing things away, members offer them to others in their local community. The goal is simple:
- Keep usable items out of landfill
- Encourage a sharing economy
- Reduce unnecessary consumption
You can find it at freecycle.org, where you join a local group based on your area. You can set your preferences to receive an email every time a new item has been posted (put up in the group) by someone.
How Freecycle Helps You Get Free Plants
Plants are one of the commonly listed items on Freecycle (along with bric-a-brac and furniture) especially when:
- Someone is moving house
- A property has been sold
- A garden is being downsized
- Indoor plants have outgrown their space
Often, listings are as simple as:
“Plants out the front — help yourself.”
No money. No swapping. No awkward negotiations.
Just rock up, take what you’ll use and leave the rest for someone else.
You Don’t Have to Be Picky
One of the best things about getting free plants is that you don’t need to know exactly what you’re getting.
Some of my favourite plants came from:
- Not knowing the species at all
- Just liking the shape or size
- Experimenting to see where they’d thrive
If it survives — great.
If it doesn’t — you’ve lost nothing.
Can You Ask for Plants on Freecycle?
Yes — and many people don’t realise this.
You can:
- Post a “Wanted” request
- Ask for specific plants, pots, or cuttings
- Mention you’re happy with anything suitable for your space
People are often relieved to give things to someone who genuinely wants them.
Is Freecycle Still Worth Using in the 2020s?
Short answer: Yes — but it’s not the only option.
Freecycle was far more active between 2010–2015, before Facebook Marketplace existed. While it’s quieter now, there are still plenty of genuine listings — especially for plants and garden items.
That said, I recommend using all three:
Freecycle
- Best for true “giving” culture
- No selling or bidding
- Less spam
Gumtree (Free Section)
- Larger audience
- Regular plant listings
- Easy local pickup
Facebook Marketplace & Local Groups
- Very active
- Great for suburb-based give-away groups
- Quick responses
Together, these platforms make it incredibly easy to grow a garden without spending money.
Why Free Plants Fit a Frugal & Simple Lifestyle
Getting plants for free isn’t just about saving money (although that’s a bonus).
It also:
- Reduces waste
- Keeps usable items in circulation
- Limits support for mass-produced, disposable goods
- Encourages patience and creativity
Living with less urgency to buy creates more time, money, and freedom — which is exactly why this approach fits so well with frugal and simple living.
What I Picked Up (Real Examples)
Using local give-away listings for plants, I’ve picked up:
- Indoor plants of various sizes
- Succulents already potted
- Large outdoor plants
- Decorative pots and bases
Once home, I simply placed them around the house and garden and let them settle in.
No shopping trip required.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy frugal living, slow living, or reducing waste, learning how to get free plants is an easy win.
Start with Freecycle, then expand to Gumtree and local Facebook groups. Check regularly, stay flexible, and don’t overthink it.
Sometimes the best things really are free.
| 🌿 READ: 50 Things to Stop Buying! → |
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