Buzz
As grocery prices continue to climb, more individuals are considering the idea of starting their own gardens. This isn’t surprising, given that humans have relied on cultivating their own food for millennia. Fresh produce naturally springs from the earth and grows abundantly on trees. Beyond the financial aspect, gardening brings numerous advantages: it can be deeply rewarding on a spiritual and emotional level, enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home, and yields tasty, nutritious food. The possibility of cutting costs is an added bonus.
At first glance, gardening might appear to be a clear-cut way to save money. For instance, once a tomato plant matures, you can enjoy a steady supply of tomatoes without repeatedly purchasing them. However, gardening comes with its own set of expenses, and not all plants are equally cost-effective. Is it truly possible to save money by growing your own food? The answer is yes, but it requires careful planning and strategy.
Crunch the numbers before you start gardening
Once again, your high school algebra teacher proves their point. This is another real-life scenario where math will come in handy.
The first step is calculating your initial investment. Fortunately, starting a garden doesn’t require a huge financial outlay. According to a cost survey by the National Gardening Association, most home gardens need around $70 upfront. This covers essentials like seeds, soil or fertilizer, cages, covers, water, tools, and fences if needed. The even better news? You can anticipate an annual yield worth approximately $600. Seeds are far more affordable than store-bought produce. For example, vine-ripened tomatoes cost about $2 per pound, while a $4 packet of seeds can produce plants yielding between eight to 30 pounds of tomatoes (though results may vary).
While these figures are promising, don’t overlook ongoing expenses. Water usage will be a recurring cost, and you’ll also need to invest in pesticides and other protective measures for your crops. Additionally, crop loss is inevitable—some plants may die due to frost, pests, or other factors. These unexpected setbacks can significantly reduce your initial optimistic projections for returns.
Another key factor is your choice of plants. Some crops are more economical than others, but it’s pointless to grow high-yield plants if you won’t consume them. When designing your garden, focus on fruits and vegetables you genuinely enjoy and will eat regularly. To maximize your savings, you’ll need to consume a significant portion of what you grow.
Here are the most budget-friendly crops to consider
If you’re planning to tackle financial worries by cultivating a home garden and relying on your own harvest, which plants should you prioritize? Here’s a list of some of the most economical crops to grow.
Tomatoes. As mentioned earlier, tomatoes are an excellent choice. They require minimal space and are relatively simple to cultivate. While seeds are the most affordable option and offer the highest economic return, they take longer to mature. Purchasing a seedling or an established plant costs between $4 and $8, but it speeds up the process, allowing you to enjoy ripe tomatoes sooner. With a yield of at least eight pounds, you’ll save approximately $3 per pound compared to store prices.
Squash. Although squash plants aren’t as prolific as some other crops, they have a long growing season. For instance, $3 worth of seeds can yield up to 10 pounds of zucchini, compared to the $1.50 per pound you’d pay at the store. Additionally, squash freezes well, so a surplus harvest can provide savings throughout the year.
Leaf lettuce. Lettuce is a highly versatile crop, making it a staple for nearly every meal. It also thrives exceptionally well, requiring harvests twice a month. You’ll find yourself with an abundance of lettuce. A seed packet typically costs less than $3, ensuring you get excellent value for your money.
Green beans. A $3 packet of seeds will give you access to this low-maintenance crop. Alternatively, purchasing plants costs around $2 each. A single plant can produce 40 to 60 bean pods, and by staggering your planting schedule, you can enjoy a continuous harvest. With fresh green beans priced at $2 to $2.50 per pound in stores, growing your own will undoubtedly save you money.
Herbs. If you’re spending a fortune on supermarket herbs, you’re paying too much, regardless of the price. Herb seeds are incredibly affordable—often less than a dollar per packet—and are simple to grow. They’ll provide you with an endless supply of mint, basil, parsley, and more.
Berries. Fresh berries can be quite pricey, with blueberries costing up to $7 per pound. Instead, invest around $30 in three blueberry bushes, which can yield approximately six pints of berries annually. Raspberry bushes are slightly more expensive but offer similar yields, making them a cost-effective option. Plus, they’ll continue to produce delicious fruit for years to come.
Okra. Okra is a fast-growing, low-maintenance crop that’s perfect for a budget-friendly garden, provided you enjoy eating it. A $5 seed packet typically yields three plants, each producing about a pound of okra once mature. With store-bought okra priced at around $5 per pound, this is a solid way to save.
Cucumbers. A $6 packet of cucumber seeds can produce about 10 six-ounce cucumbers per plant, totaling nearly four pounds. Since cucumbers cost around 70¢ per pound in stores, just three plants will cover your investment, with additional plants adding to your savings. As a bonus, you can pickle cucumbers, preserving your harvest and reducing grocery expenses.
Kale. For $5, a pack of kale seeds can be a fantastic addition to your garden. Kale grows rapidly, and each harvested bunch saves you about $1, allowing you to recoup your investment quickly. Its versatility and delicious flavor make it a worthwhile crop for any home gardener.
A well-planned home garden can significantly reduce your expenses. However, it’s important to remember that gardening requires considerable effort and attention, and your time is valuable too. While you may save money, the garden isn’t truly cost-effective if it consumes too much of your time. That said, with prices on the rise, starting a home garden is certainly worth considering.
