I started my vegetable garden this year as a fun project but ended up tracking everything I grew and comparing it to grocery prices. To my surprise, I've saved a decent amount on my grocery bill! Here's what I harvested this summer:
- **Tomatoes:** About 25 lbs grew from my plants instead of buying organic ones for $3.50/lb, which would have cost me $87.50. I spent around $13 on seeds and soil.
- **Zucchini:** Harvested 18 medium-sized zucchinis, which would typically cost $27 if bought at $1.50 each. My seeds cost only $2.
- **Bell Peppers:** I grew 15 medium bell peppers, usually priced at $1.80 each, totaling $27. My plants cost about $12.
- **Lettuce:** 10 heads of lettuce, worth $25 from the store, but I planted seeds for $2.
- **Herbs (like basil and parsley):** Probably saved $20-$30, as I use them weekly.
The total value of my produce equals roughly $200, and I spent about $75 on everything related to the garden. While not exact, keeping track really made me appreciate how much produce I could grow for minimal costs if I have the tools and space. Plus, everything tastes better fresh! Has anyone else noticed how much they save by gardening? What crops do you think are the most cost-effective?
3 Answers
Tracking your produce is a smart move! I've found that growing herbs saves me the most money. Store-bought herbs cost a fortune since I often waste some before using them. With my homegrown herbs, they’re always fresh and ready to use without the guilt of waste. Plus, they taste way better! It's like having a constant supply of flavor on hand.
I hear you on the water costs. Gardening can quickly get expensive with the right conditions. I switched to using rain barrels to collect water, and it’s helped tremendously with my bills. I grew tomatoes last year too, and honestly, it felt like they were endless! I probably saved hundreds during peak harvest.
Rain barrels are such a great idea! I’m seeing how much I've spent on water, and it's eye-opening. I never realized that I could save so much by planning better with my watering.
Yes! Those juicy tomatoes are the best! I make salsa and sauces to preserve them, which helps me extend that savings into winter.
I go for fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers. They’re a great investment! A single pepper plant can produce a ton of peppers, and tomatoes are similar. I also grow my herbs and can veggies like green beans, and they really contribute to my family's savings over time. The veggies are fresher too, which is a huge bonus.
That’s so true! Freshly picked heirloom tomatoes taste way better than anything from the store. Plus, I get to experiment with different varieties that I can't find locally.
Exactly! I tried growing strawberries this year, and while the costs piled up initially, I'm excited for next year when they start producing more. Such a sweet treat!
Exactly! Plus, I love that I can make my own pestos and sauces right from the garden. Can't put a price on that flavor!