I'm living in Florida (Zone 10a) and have a small balcony (4 ft by 13 ft) where I'm planning to start a garden with planters, potting soil, and grow lights. Since my balcony is mostly shaded, I'm curious if anyone has found gardening to be cheaper than just buying produce, considering only the costs and ignoring labor expenses. What are your thoughts?
3 Answers
If you're focusing on easy herbs like basil or parsley, it might be worth it to grow those from seeds. But more complex crops like broccoli might not give you a great return.
In your case, since you need to invest in planters, soil, and lights, it might end up costing more than just buying produce. Especially in the beginning, you won't see much savings until you're really experienced at it.
That's a bummer! Guess I'll have to find some other hobby while I figure this out.
It really depends on various factors like your inputs and what you plan to grow. If you're sourcing things like soil and seeds on a budget, it can be quite economical. But if you go for a full setup with fancy tools or specific plants, it can add up quickly.
That makes sense! Right now, I'm just getting potting soil and seeds from the local store, and I'm hesitant to buy sprouting plants until I feel confident in my gardening skills.
Good to know! I'm hoping to grow lettuce, beans, and tomatoes since they thrive here almost all year.