I'm curious about how many of you rely on your home-grown veggies instead of buying them from the store, especially now that prices are getting high. I mean, how much of your diet comes from your garden? Do you find it feasible to get most of your produce this way, or do you still supplement with groceries? Let's share our experiences!
5 Answers
Most of our veggies come from the garden! We get grains and some fruits from the store, but we’ve learned to adapt our diet based on what we grow throughout the seasons. In summer, we’re well-stocked with beans, squash, and fresh greens, and I even preserve a lot for winter use.
I admire your setup! What variety of crops do you focus on for preserving?
Living in New England, I only get about 4 months of growing. I dream of having a greenhouse! That said, I do manage to get by with my limited space, but it's tough to grow enough to avoid the grocery store altogether, especially when the weather isn’t cooperative!
I hear you! Without the right setup, it’s nearly impossible to avoid store-bought food in colder climates.
I grow in Maine too, and while it’s challenging, I’m hoping to invest in a greenhouse one day!
I can't grow everything we need because my space is limited, but I manage to harvest a good amount of herbs and kale when they’re in season. It’s hard to be fully self-sufficient; usually, I still need to buy some groceries, especially during the long gaps between harvests.
How much space do you think you would need to be more self-sufficient?
I’m getting there! I can produce a lot during the peak summer months, with tons of tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, and I always have an abundance of oregano. But climate limits me, and I really appreciate the flavor of home-grown produce. It's been a learning journey in the garden for over 30 years, and it’s worth the effort to fight pests and make compost!
I've heard beer traps work well for snails! Have you tried that?
I totally agree! Homegrown tomatoes taste way better than store-bought. Plus, I find they last longer in the fridge!
In my household, I grow about 70-90% of our veggies, depending on the season. I’ve learned to adapt my diet to what I grow, but I still buy some fruits and veggies I can’t grow, like oranges and tomatoes in winter. It’s all about balance—even though I try to maximize my garden produce, I don’t beat myself up for hitting the store for what I need!
That sounds incredible! I’m trying to figure out how to grow more fruits and herbs—any tips?