No, money still doesn’t grow on trees, but there’s another way you can plant something to keep your bank account happy. Personal gardens have risen in popularity recently, and for good reasons. People are discovering that growing a garden is a great way to lower the grocery bill.
There are more benefits to gardening than simply saving money, although that’s a pretty convincing argument. By starting a garden, you’re sure to find that you eat healthier, enjoy the freshest possible crops and are able to tailor your selection to the desires and tastes of your family. You might discover that eating vegetables you have grown yourself is pretty rewarding, and that gardening can be quite fun as you develop the skill into an enjoyable hobby.
If your thumb is far from green, fear not! Garden veterans and rookies alike can reap the benefits of a backyard crop. You don’t need to be skilled and experienced, just open to learning and getting your hands dirty. There is an initial startup cost including equipment, fertilizer, soil and seeds. This shouldn’t be too much, but enough to make you want to take this new hobby seriously. If done correctly, you can save a substantial amount, but failure to prepare can leave you with wasted money and a few sickly cucumbers.
If you are new this idea, do some planning and research before you start burying seeds in the ground. The first place to visit should be your grocery store’s produce section. Take note of which items you purchase most frequently, and which ones cost the most. You obviously want to grow plants that you will want to eat, but also ones that will save you money. Potatoes, for instance, are very cheap to buy and may take up a lot of your garden space if it is limited.
Your next stop should be a nursery or garden supply store. Talk to an employee and you’re sure to learn plenty. Ask them what some good “beginner” vegetables are. Certain plants may not grow well in your area or require more skill and attention than others. It also might not be a bad idea to pick up an introductory level book on gardening to get familiar with basic techniques.
Once you feel confident (and the time to plant is right), map out your plan and go for it! Stay dedicated and you’re sure to be proud of your yield and the money you’ve saved.
What are your gardening experiences? Do you have a green thumb and tips for beginners? Share them here!
