| Scenario | Budget | Plants | Planters | Lighting | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small patio refresh | PKR 20,000 | PKR 5,000 | PKR 2,400 | PKR 1,600 | PKR 1,000 |
| Medium backyard upgrade | PKR 75,000 | PKR 18,750 | PKR 9,000 | PKR 6,000 | PKR 3,750 |
| Feature-focused setup | PKR 120,000 | PKR 24,000 | PKR 16,800 | PKR 12,000 | PKR 4,800 |
- Total budget = (Total Budget) or (Garden Area × Budget per m²)
- Category amount = Total budget × (Category % ÷ 100)
- Per m² cost = Category amount ÷ Garden area (if provided)
- Unallocated = Total budget − Sum of rounded category amounts
- Choose a currency and enter your total budget or per m² budget.
- Select a preset split, then adjust category percentages as needed.
- Enable contingency if you want a safety buffer.
- Click Calculate Split to view results above the form.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to download the latest results.
Budget split targets for garden décor
A clear split keeps decorative choices aligned with plant health and long-term upkeep. Many home gardens perform well when 20–35% supports plants and seeds, 10–20% covers containers, and 8–15% funds soil improvements. Lighting and accents often sit between 5–12% each, while structures like benches or trellises may take 8–18% depending on your design goals. Reserve 3–8% for contingency, plus 3–6% for maintenance items such as mulch, ties, and replacement emitters.
Using per square meter budgeting
Per-area budgeting helps when your space changes or you are planning multiple zones. Multiply garden area by a realistic rate, then allocate by percentage. Small patios may run higher per m² because fixed items dominate, while larger beds benefit from scale. Comparing per m² figures across categories highlights where premium items inflate the plan.
Preset strategies and when to change them
Presets are starting points, not rules. A balanced split suits mixed gardens; a minimal split prioritizes essentials; a luxury split increases features and ambiance. Adjust after pricing key items: if pots are custom, raise planters; if you already own tools, reduce that line and move funds to plants or seating.
Rounding and unallocated balance handling
Rounding can simplify shopping lists, but it may create a small gap between the budget and allocated totals. The unallocated value shows the difference after rounding, so you can top up contingency, add mulch, or upgrade a single focal item. If unallocated becomes negative, reduce one or two categories by small increments. As a rule, adjust high-ticket categories first, because 1% changes there produce the largest correction.
Tracking spend with exports and revisions
Exporting results supports vendor quotes and teamwork. Save a CSV for spreadsheet comparison and a PDF for sharing with family or contractors. Recalculate after every price check, seasonal sale, or design change. Keeping dated exports makes it easier to justify choices and protect the overall garden look for every season.
What should I do if my percentages do not total 100%?
Adjust one or two categories until the running total reads 100%. If contingency is unchecked, its percent is ignored. Keeping the total at 100% ensures each category amount matches your full budget.
Is a contingency category necessary for small gardens?
Yes, even small projects face price changes and delivery fees. A 3–8% buffer often prevents last-minute cuts to plants or soil. If you are confident on prices, keep it low rather than zero.
How do I choose between total budget and per m² mode?
Use total budget when you have a fixed spending limit. Use per m² when you are estimating early, comparing zones, or scaling designs. The calculator converts per m² into a total before splitting.
Why does unallocated sometimes show a negative value?
Negative unallocated usually comes from rounding up category amounts. Switch to no rounding, or reduce a few high-value categories by small percentages until the allocated total fits your budget.
Which categories are most sensitive to seasonal price changes?
Plants, planters, and soil inputs often fluctuate with season and supply. Lighting and structures are steadier, but shipping can vary. Recalculate after major price checks to keep your split realistic.
How should I use the CSV and PDF downloads?
Use CSV to compare versions in a spreadsheet and track actual spend. Use PDF to share a clean summary with helpers or vendors. Re-run the calculator anytime you change rates, areas, or percentages.