BloggerKristina Seleshankoestimates her 12-by-14-foot and 33-by-3-foot gardens significantly cut her grocery bills during the summer of 2013.
With returns like these, Penny Hoarders willing to get their hands dirty should take notice.
Heres how to make the most of your garden tosave money on groceriesand cut your bill at checkout.
Plant What You Eat
Grow stuff you eat!
exclaims Cape Cod, Massachusetts, backyard gardener Brittany Haskell.
Im growing celery, green beans, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and squash.
If you regularly purchase fresh herbs at the grocery store, he suggests an alternative.
Spend $20 on herb plants and have enough to use all summer, he says.
Just do the math.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
Seeds are still a great deal.
The savings of starting your plants from seeds make that spaghetti dinner even more affordable.
Did you know?
Planning is essential when gardening to save money.
Take careful notes, says Haskell.
All that helps me decide what and how much to plant the following year.
Haskell also plants her garden with the winter in mind.
I didnt have to buy a pepper at all last winter.
Both Haskell and Bodrie chop, blanch and freeze extra vegetables.
A smallchest freezeris a worthwhile investment if you are looking to enjoy farm fresh veggies all year long.
Think Outside the Garden
Food gardens arent just in backyards anymore.
Dont underestimate your gardens value beyond its food.
Most importantly, itsfree entertainment, says Bodrie, a single mother.
Your states cooperative extension or master gardeners program typically offers great (and free!)
advice for gardeners of all levels.
Ally Piper is a writer, designer and marketing director living on Cape Cod.
