Below are several other important factors to consider when growing a vegetable garden to save you money. Policies Iowa State University of Science and Technology. Research and consider ways to reduce your inputs. For those that are venturing into growing vegetables for the first time, the start-up costs can get out of hand in a hurry. Using the same space for two or more crops is called succession planting. As a result, you could cut into some hefty grocery bills. With an average-sized garden, it’s pretty likely that you could save $200 on grocery bills during the growing season, even after the expenses. PM 608, Tomatoes Preserving vegetables is a great way to enjoy the “extra” produce later in the year. But with a few tips, it can save you some money on a grocery bill or two. The humorous book, The $64 Tomato by William Alexander, discusses one man’s quest for the perfect garden and how it ended up costing him $64 per tomato (among other things). Many of us want to consumer more natural and organic products; and last year a study by Imperial College London declared that eating 10 portions of fruit and vegetables a day – rather than the 5 portions previously recommended – may give us longer lives. This year’s summer plants have all been raised from seed so the cost per plant is cents. To save money, grow more expensive items, like tomatoes and melons, or large quantities of vegetables that you purchase regularly. Visit each other’s gardens and trade “extra produce” regularly. Iowa State University of Science and Technology. Collect rainwater for irrigation. This astonishing figure is the result of all of the input costs (tools and equipment, fertilizers, pesticides, water, etc.) MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The vegetable garden also should be located near a source of water. But, once you've purchased all of the supplies, and tried various things, you might be able to figure out what grows really well and does save you money over the long term. We had a few jobs in the garden that needed to be done as we are off on holiday in a few days. 9. Like many things, gardening takes practice. Truth is, the only way a garden saves money is if you only plant what you’re actually going to use. We usually buy one huge tub or organic lettuce a week for $6, and then kale and spinach. This method not only saves you money, but over time, the natural material breaks down and returns nutrients to your soil, allowing your plants to thrive year after year — just like amending your soil with compost. July 15, 2013. By Cindy Haynes Consider vegetables like beans, beets, onions, spinach, broccoli, peppers, carrots, summer squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, peas, and Swiss chard. As I walk through the produce section of my grocery store, there are only a few things I see that are difficult to grow. But this “potential” depends on the costs involved in growing the crops, types and amounts of vegetables grown, yields that are derived from the garden, and other factors. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. And you earn some good karma as well. PM 823, Watering the Home Garden – Use of Trickle Irrigation Select vegetables that are expensive to buy in the grocery store. Like many things, gardening takes practice. But with a few tips, it can save you some money on a grocery bill or two. Remember that saving money with vegetables usually means keeping the costs as low as possible while still growing productive plants. 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