Gardeners say these are the best backyard upgrades under $30 on Amazon

Upgrading your yard can be as simple as adding some lighting to an outdoor water feature, according to Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. “If you want to add a dynamic splash of color to your pool, hot tub, or outdoor water feature, solar-powered floating fountains like these are an excellent choice,” he says. Friedman recommends this low-maintenance water fountain, which features a sturdy glass panel that charges more efficiently than alternative panels. At night, it cycles through a rainbow of colors while spraying one of seven patterns (via your chosen nozzle) for up to four hours. And in the daytime, you can still enjoy its soothing trickle.

Steve Schumacher, owner of Boston Landscape Co., suggests focusing on lighting as a good start. “For safety and style, border walkways with solar pathway lights,” he says. “They illuminate paths at night using free, renewable energy [...] The warm glow also highlights surrounding plants and gives your yard a picturesque ambiance for evening strolls after the sun sets.”

Try these solar lights with a timeless design and features Schumacher recommends. With 12 lights total, you can easily space them out to light a pathway. After charging, the lights will last for at least eight hours. Plus, they’re completely weatherproof, so no maintenance is required.

“Place [solar lights] a few feet apart along sidewalks or garden paths to prevent tripping hazards,” says Schumacher. This LED rope light has a length of 24 feet, so you can easily space it out to line a pathway, a patio, or even stairs to prevent tripping at night. Its flexible, bendable design makes it easy to string along a stairwell, but you can also mount it to a deck rail with the easy-to-use mounting hardware.

“Improve seating areas by adding weather-resistant cushions to chairs and benches,” Schumacher advises. “New cushions make wrought iron or aluminum furniture cozier and more inviting. Look for cushions made of durable, outdoor fabrics like polyester canvas or Sunbrella.”

These waterproof pillow covers are 100% polyester, like Schumacher’s recommendation, and they come in various fun colors, like hot pink and sage green. A PU coating makes the covers completely water-resistant and dust-proof. Zip them onto your pillows and your yard will get a practical pop of color. Bonus: They’re machine-washable.

Schumacher advises using durable fabrics outdoors so they “stand up to the elements while making your space feel more like an outdoor room.” If you don’t want to invest in new fabrics, try this sun and water shield spray, which will treat your fabrics to make them repel water. A quick, one-step spray treatment will also protect your outdoor cushions and textiles from fading caused by UV rays.

“A small can of exterior paint in your favorite color can revive tired wood or metal surfaces. For small DIY projects, spray paint provides even coverage without the mess of brushes and rollers,” explains Schumacher. For metal or wood projects, try this textured spray paint that also protects metal from rust and corrosion. Its oil-based formula is designed to give you excellent coverage as you spray, and it dries in just 15 minutes. It’s also chip-resistant and available in five other colors, including white, brown, and gray.

Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love, says a great way to improve your yard and keep your plants healthy is to invest in a drip irrigation system. “Firstly, they cut back on time spent tending to your plants significantly since you don’t have to personally go out and hand water each plant anymore. Secondly, drip irrigation systems help make sure that your plants are always getting the exact amount of water that they need.”

This drip irrigation kit offers what Yamaguchi touts. With 50 feet of tubing to reach your entire garden, a two-way connector that attaches to your outdoor spigot, and staked emitters that release a 360-degree spray, your plants will get all the water they need. Plus, the water flow on each emitter is adjustable.

“Solar lights are an easy way to upgrade any garden space,” says Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter. “Whether you want simple lanterns to line a garden path or something more whimsical like these solar garden lights, you’ll have plenty of affordable, low-maintenance options to choose from.” This pack of four lights, which Farley recommends, brings a magical touch to your yard. Each light’s base sprouts eight flexible wires, each with a large LED bulb emanating a soft golden glow. When the wind kicks up, they’ll sway like fireflies. And on a full charge, their light glows for up to 12 hours.

Another whimsical option, per Farley’s fun lighting suggestion, is something like these solar butterfly lights. Each solar light has six large bulbs with a butterfly and a leaf on them, which are attached to flexible, coated wire that sways in the wind. When the wind blows, it’ll look like a cluster of butterflies fluttering above your garden.

These solar lanterns fit Farley’s suggestion for a simple, clean addition to light your outdoor space. A minimalist wire frame encases a bright solar bulb with 15 LEDs inside, while a hanging wire makes it easy to hang them from a tree or fence. And because they’re rustproof and weatherproof, they’re low-maintenance.

“Motion lighting isn’t just for the front yard to protect your entryway and vehicles; it’s also a great way to keep the neighborhood wildlife from using your yard as their bathroom by scaring away anything that sets off the lights,” explains Al Ruggie, marketing director at ASAP Restoration LCC. Ruggie says these solar lights provide wide illumination and are super easy to set up — it even comes with screws and a hinge system. Its four heads offer a 270-degree lighting angle, and its sensor detects movement within 26 feet so it could scare away animals. And you can quickly switch between four operation modes using the remote control.

Another security option in line with Ruggie’s suggestion is this stealthy, light bulb-shaped security camera with 360-degree motion tracking. Screw it into an outdoor light bulb socket, then use the compatible smartphone app. Once installed, it tracks motion and shines a spotlight when it detects motion. You can also watch its live stream via the app.

If you always forget to turn your porch lights on at night, use these light sensor sockets to take Ruggie’s safety lighting to the next level. They feature a 360-degree sensor that detects light, so they’ll turn on your light bulbs when it gets dark and turn them off when the sun rises. Bonus: All you need to do to install them is screw them into a compatible socket.

Ruggie also recommends a common backyard feature as a quick aesthetic upgrade. “Potted plants provide a different aesthetic vibe than ones planted directly into the ground,” he says. “Not only are they swaddled, but the planter itself becomes a statement piece with the right plants inside it.” He suggests this modern concrete planter with a minimalist square design. Its blend of concrete and fiberglass is both durable and weather-resistant, so it’ll stay looking great for a long time. It also has a spacious interior and sufficient drainage to keep your plant healthy and happy.

Once you grab some potted plants, per Ruggie’s advice, you might want some help watering them. These hand-blown glass watering globes look like a colorful bit of backyard decor, but they’re actually quite useful. Fill each globe with water, then stick it stake-end down into your pot, and the globes will release water into the soil for up to two weeks.

If you want to fill your potted plants with something that requires little maintenance, try these succulents, which will look great in a pot like Ruggie suggested. Each succulent in the pack of 12 is unique and would look incredible layered together in one succulent garden or spread into different pots. Reviewers rank these high on sturdiness and how easy they are to grow.

Per Taylor Olberding, co-owner of Heroes Lawn Care, a small garden space doesn’t have to mean zero gardening. “Maximize your garden space by growing plants on trellises or vertical planters,” says Olberding. “It’s a smart way to get more yield from a small area and adds visual interest to your garden.” Using something like this three-tiered planter means you can layer 12 plants in one compact space. It also makes watering easier — water the top and water will trickle down into the rest of the pots. Meanwhile, a drip tray will keep water from leaking onto your patio.

If you prefer trellises to maximize garden space, grab this trendy pack of metal trellises for your potted plant babies. You get four different stylized shapes for your plants to grow up and weave around, including moons, squiggles, and more. They’re also extra-thick, so they’ll even stand up with heavier vines.

If you’re extra-low on space, you can stick these wooden lattice trellises to your wall to instantly create a space for patio plants. You can easily tie it to a fence, pop it on wall, or even use adhesive hangers to hang it up. The expandable design also lets you customize how much space for plants you have.

Olberding also recommends, “Sprinkling used coffee grounds in your garden can boost nitrogen levels in the soil and keep pests like slugs away. Plus, it's a great way to recycle kitchen waste!” So, grab this hand shaker and spreading tool to make this coffee grounds hack even easier. Simply spin the lid to control how many coffee grounds come out or to close it to prevent messes on the way to the garden. This budget-friendly find is also perfect for seeds, fertilizer, and more.

If you think your soil might be missing more than just nitrogen, grab this budget-friendly soil tester kit to find out exactly what your plants need. The super easy-to-use mail-in design will look for up to 13 different things your yard could be missing — including nitrogen for Olberding’s coffee grounds hack.

“Transform old wooden pallets into a compost bin,” says Olberding. “It’s an easy project that turns garden waste into nutrient-rich compost, boosting the health of your plants.” To make this project super easy, keep this clever little compost starter with your gardening tools to speed up the process. It comes in an easy-to-use bag, so you can quickly sprinkle it over your next compost project every four to six weeks to keep things going.

Olberding final easy tip is: “After mowing, spread grass clippings around your plants. This not only helps retain soil moisture but also slowly releases nutrients back into the ground as the clippings decompose.” This budget-friendly pack of oversized yard waste bags comes with gloves, so you’ll have everything you need to gather up and spread grass clippings where you want them. They’re complete with durable handles, rip-resistant fabric, and a reusable design that saves you from buying disposable grass clipping bags all the time.

David McCary, the owner of Seattle Sustainable Landscapes, says, “Most of landscaping can be learned, so if you have the time, you enjoy the work, then do a project yourself. I would probably recommend to start with a smaller simpler portion to see how much you enjoy it.” If you don’t have the budget for a professional landscaper, these solar ground lights are an easy DIY that’s super easy to do and won’t mess up your yard. They come with little stakes on the end, so you can stick them in the dirt wherever you want them and illuminate your plants with barely any effort. They’re also waterproof and automatically illuminate your plants when the sun goes down.

McCary also warns, “There are times that we have to undo and redo portions of projects that the homeowner didn't have the expertise to accomplish.” If you’re a novice and worried about making a mistake, this clever little weeding tool makes it easy to tackle weeds around the yard without messing up any foliage. The budget-friendly design is made of durable stainless steel with a game-changing shape, so you can pop out dandelions, thistles, and more from around your outdoor space.

“Lighting is a great way to make your landscaping stand above the pack,” says Josh Rudin, the owner of ASAP Restoration LLC. “Lighting can accent centerpiece trees that would otherwise remain in the dark, or you can use it to guide a sidewalk from the street to your door.” He specifically loves this pack of whimsical hanging mason jar lights that have a zero-effort design. Each one is filled with glittery string lights and topped off with solar-powered lids that will automatically charge up the lights during the day.

If you don’t have a spot to hang lights, these twinkle string lights are another go-to solar-powered option. They come with a remote, eight customizable modes, and plenty of dimmer settings for cozy patio lighting. Plus, the solar stakes can go right in the grass or plant pots for easy setup.

If your fence could use some lighting, these popular solar fence lights will look like you had them professionally installed. You can pop them on with screws or adhesive, and they’ll automatically illuminate your fence in sleek, professional-looking lighting when it gets dark.

“It may seem like a bad idea to introduce bats to your backyard, but they can be a fantastic addition in many circumstances,” says Rudin. “Bats eat an enormous amount of insects like mosquitos and moths.” So, he recommends this clever bat house that you can simply mount to a tree or outdoor area to attract them. Its cedarwood design is the perfect cozy home for bats, so they’ll stay awhile and keep all the bugs away. Plus, it’s covered in waterproof paint to make it a durable home.

“These destructive and potentially dangerous insects will be virtually eliminated from your yard if you put in a bat house,” Rudin says. “And you get the added benefit of helping out the local wildlife.”

Senior editor at Plant Whisperer, Victoria Cummins, loves adding this adorable inflatable ottoman to outdoor space because she says it’s “comfy but also lightweight to move around.” Plus, she says, “They can hold a lot of weight too so plenty of people can use them.” Once inflated, it looks like a pricey piece of patio furniture while also being waterproof. It’s also fade- and dirt-resistant and comes in over 40 different colors and patterns.

“String lights are a fun way to make any patio or yard look neat at night,” says Cummins. She especially loves that this solar option turns automatically and that you can leave their waterproof design outside in the rain. They’re also heat- and wind-resistant, so you can be sure these timeless and cozy lights will stay put wherever you put them. They also come in almost 10 lengths, so they’ll fit wherever you want some cozy outdoor lighting.

Cummins also loves this throw blanket as a cozy outdoor option because she says it’s “thick and soft without costing loads.” Plus, she says, “It will keep everyone happily sitting outside on cool nights.” Its 100% cotton fabric with a chic woven design will look way more expensive than it is when you drape it across an outdoor sofa. You can also put it in the washing machine after relaxing outside, so it always feels fresh.

“Mini hooks that stick to ceilings are perfect for hanging plants,” Cummins says. “The Sucenance hooks hold lots of weight without using any floor space underneath.” This pack of budget-friendly hooks is super versatile to work on the ceiling or even on a wall to hang up plants and lights. They even come with easy-to-use anchors and sleek, matching matte black screws to make your plant hanging project look professional. Choose from two colors and plenty of sizes for your plant pots.

To make your patio or outdoor space cozier, Cummins recommends this fade-resistant rug that comes in more than five colors and styles. She says, “The Vaukki plastic straw rugs are perfect — they look nice, clean easily in the washing machine, and turn over for a new pattern.” Its clever plastic design can also be rinsed off with a garden hose if you’re running low on time for the washing machine. Plus, the double-sided design means you can flip it over if one side is looking dirty, but you don’t have time to rinse it off.

“Wall decor like the metal sunflower from Hogardeck adds personality,” says Cummins. “It'll last for ages outside and the colors will brighten your backyard.” These little sunflowers come in a budget-friendly pack, so you can pop a few of them around your space or style them together on the patio. Each one of these dainty flowers is also rust- and fade-resistant, so they’ll be durable and long-lasting in your outdoor space.

Jessica Robinson, a two-time cookbook author, recipe developer, and food blogger at A Farmgirl's Kitchen, loves using herbs and perennials in her garden to “help attract hummingbirds, honey bees and butterflies which help pollinate plants in our garden.” This budget-friendly pack of annuals and perennials is specifically formulated to fill your garden with flowers while attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. The bag also has a reusable zipper top, so you can keep some seeds around whenever you need more hummingbird-attracting flowers.

Plus, Robinson also says, “Two hummingbird feeders hang on custom metal hangers off the sides of the garden posts.” But, if you’re low on space for a hanging feeder, grab this super compact hummingbird feeder that simply pops on your window. It comes with two shatter-resistant and flower-shaped bowls to fill with hummingbird food. Meanwhile, the sturdy suction cup keeps these adorable flower bowls perfectly secure.

“We also use herbicide and pesticide only as needed, plant plants that help deter unwanted insects with things like marigolds around the garden,” says Robinson. This budget-friendly seed mix has all of the marigolds you could want to scatter around and repel bugs away from your yard or patio. It comes with 5,000 seeds, but don’t worry — the bag is easy to reseal, so you’ll always have some bug-repelling marigolds on hand when you need them. The brand even boasts mosquito-repelling qualities.

Luckily, Robinson also says, “Herbicides and pesticides are easily found in organic forms.” This easy-to-use spray bottle of organic neem oil deserves a spot in your gardening supplies. Spritz it over outdoor greenery, indoor plant babies, or even your herb garden because this anti-bug oil can even be used on veggies and herb plants. It works on a ton of frustrating bugs and can even help with things like powdery mildew and more.

If your problem is more of the “bugs flying into your drink while you relax on the patio” variety, these organic essential oil incense sticks are the things to keep on hand. Their luxe-smelling essential oil formula is deet-free, and just as easy to use as any other incense stick — they just happen to also keep mosquitos and bugs away.

To tend to her garden, Robinson uses sprinklers to add water “as needed.” This sprinkler is a budget-friendly way to cover a ton of space because it has a clever spinning design. You can twist the nozzles in different directions so the three sprayers will be sure to cover all of your plants and greenery. You can also connect more than one of these sprinklers if you need even more greenery coverage.

Janine Just Hornig, the founder, design curator, and managing partner at Roxy Rentals, says, “Decorative lanterns can add a charming touch to your backyard and instantly warm up a small space. They create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for evening gatherings.” She loves this pack of sleek matte black lanterns, and they already come with the flameless candles you’ll need to create the coziness. Their metal frames are durable and completely glass-free, and they have a clever rust-resistant finish. Plus, the built-in candles even have timers.

"Growing your own herbs is not only practical but also adds a delightful fragrance to your backyard,” says Just Hornig. “Herb garden kits are perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.” This herb seed kit is the one to grab because it comes with 15 different herbs, wooden herb markers that are easy to label, and a resealable bag to keep everything fresh between planting. You get impressive seed options, like dill, lemon balm, arugula, and more, and the online grow guide will help you out with them.

Just Hornig also loves birdhouses and feeders because they "not only attract beautiful wildlife but also create a peaceful, natural atmosphere.” She recommends grabbing this adorable little house, complete with faux stairs and a screen door. The back has an easy-to-use latch, so you can open it if you ever want to clean it out between seasons. It’s also topped off with a little front porch and, of course, a hanger on top.

Bonus: She says, “They’re easy to set up and maintain, adding that extra pop to your outdoor living space. "

"Comfort is key in creating a cozy outdoor space,” Just Hornig says. “Adding a few colorful, weather-resistant throw pillows to your outdoor furniture can make a huge difference." She suggests this budget-friendly pack of inserts that will ensure your cozy pillows stay dry. They have a game-changing waterproof design, so you won’t even have to remember your comfy outdoor pillows if it starts to drizzle outside. Plus, this pack has plenty to style on multiple pieces of patio furniture.