Almost everyone can benefit from saving money at home. If you’re looking to spend less money on groceries, a home garden may be the answer. You can grow to produce right at home, and it’s cheaper than buying fruits and vegetables from the store. Plus, you’ll know exactly where your food comes from and how it was grown. If you’re ready to seed some savings, keep reading to learn how to save money with a home garden.
Start Small And Watch Your Savings Grow
Having a home garden can save you money in many ways. Starting a garden is relatively inexpensive, and once you have one, it costs very little to maintain. The produce from your garden will be fresher and healthier than what you find at the store, and most home gardeners agree that it tastes better, too.
Fruits and vegetables grown at home are naturally organic, as long as you refrain from using any harsh pesticides. Organic produce is usually the most expensive option in any grocery store, so savings you grow at home carry gold-standard value.
Research has shown that the average American household spends $45.25 per person on produce each month. On average, every U.S. household has three people meaning most homes in the country spend $1,629 every year on fruits and vegetables at the store.
However, replacing your shopping list with all homegrown alternatives may seem daunting. After all, starting and maintaining a home garden takes a significant time investment. There’s no need to grow massive bounties right away. You can enjoy immediate savings on groceries by starting small, perhaps with just one or two types of plants.
The amount might seem insignificant initially, but it adds up quickly over time. Especially once your garden grows, and your skills improve.
The savings of homegrown food can even help homeowners budget for even more rewarding home improvement projects.
Identify The Most Cost-Effective Produce to Grow at Home
If you want to save money with your home garden, the first step is to determine what types of fruits and veggies that offer the best return on investment. Not all edible plants are created equal when it comes to savings. Some cost more than others to produce, so they’ll save you more money at the store.
Cost-Effective Fruits For Growing at Home
Fresh fruits are a delightful addition to any home garden. Growing fruits at home can save you money in the produce section and in the dessert aisle if you can start replacing after-dinner treats with fruit salad or berries and cream. Here are some of the most cost-effective fruits to grow at home.
Berries. Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are some of the most expensive options at the store when evaluated by price per pound. A home gardener can invest in a berry plant and grow numerous pounds per year. The investment can pay for itself in just one season.
Watermelon. By price per pound, watermelon is one of the cheapest fruits in the grocery store. That said, watermelon seeds are even cheaper. Unfortunately, watermelons are challenging to grow and might not be the best option for new gardeners.
Citrus. Lemons, oranges, and limes are also relatively inexpensive at the store. They’re also among the easiest fruits to grow at home, as long as the weather is appropriate year-round. States like Texas and California often feature the best climates for growing citrus.
Cost-Effective Vegetables For Growing at Home
Vegetables are often easier to grow than fruits, making them an excellent option for home gardeners trying to save money. Here are some of the most cost-effective vegetables to grow at home.
Potatoes. Potatoes offer an exceptional return on investment, especially when you consider how often they show up in recipes. They’re also easy to grow and store, which further adds to their financial payoff.
Lettuce. Lettuce is another cheap, easy-to-grow option that can be used in various dishes. Lettuce grows quickly in high volumes, making it a money-saving staple for any household garden.
Tomatoes. Tomatoes are another versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor of numerous recipes. They’re also one of the most popular produce items because they’re relatively low maintenance and can quickly replace in-store purchases.
Green beans. Green beans are a healthy, cost-effective addition to any home garden. They grow quickly and offer a high yield, making them an excellent option for budget-minded gardeners.
Plant a Garden And Watch Your Savings Grow
A home garden is a great way to save money on groceries. You can start small and gradually increase the size of your garden as you learn what grows well in your area. By growing typically expensive produce at the grocery store, you can save a lot of money over time.
Homeowners can use those savings to enhance their properties, while renters with space for a garden can use the extra room in their budgets to save for a down payment.
Eating homegrown fruits and veggies is also good for your health, so gardening can be a win-win situation! Are you ready to start saving money with a home garden?
