We decided to start our frugal living journey and save money by growing endless veggies. Discover below how to save money by growing fruit and vegetables. Harvesting vegetables can be rewarding in many ways.
I also compared prices (below) from Aldi, and Walmart and what you could save by growing our own.
You could save money, petrol, and precious time as well as provide you and your family with fresh produce
that can be harvested whenever you need it.
Now you have to make a decision by yourself.
Okay, let me tell you why I started growing veg. Well, for one thing, we are protecting our health, but it can also be extremely cost-effective, and let’s not forget fun.
The majority of fruit and vegetables sold in the supermarket are grown with chemical products.
The quality isn’t there unless you buy organic.
We buy organic when the budget permits.
Keep reading to learn about the good varieties and cost of homegrown vegetables/fruits and other tricks to save money by growing your own vegetables in this frugal lifestyle guide.
Select Crops for Your Growing Zone/Climate
Before you start buying any seeds or plants, do your own diligence and check the season table.
With that said, planting and growing vegetables are easy, as long as you follow some logical steps.
Make sure you choose your favorite fruits and vegetables that will suit the soil and climate of your area.
Now, if your soil is somehow hard and alkaline-poor, do check the USDA planting zones for your own region, so you can identify which plants thrive best.
You get to see the low temperature, average sunlight, and average frost dates.
The U.K. relies on (for the majority) USDA for hardiness zones 6 through 9. With some small variations across the growing seasons.
You can always buy a soil testing kit to identify the type of soil you have. I am pretty sure this will help you determine the quality of your ground.
I recently became a big fan of easy growing crops for maximum yield. I am starting with a few small raised beds. Not only that, but I know I will get a decent yield.
I may have a few decent bags from each one I sow. I am counting on it.
Almost forgot, I already got the potatoes I planted last October.
Are you tempted to do the same?
How to start growing veggies?
To start your vegetable garden all you need is good soil, regular watering, and a sunny spot for your plants to thrive. Follow the table below to find out which are the easiest to grow.
In addition to saving good money, you’ll be glad to know that your vegetables taste great and have not been laden with chemicals or pesticides.
Related post: Many reasons to eat fruit and vegetables
Now, I am sure this question pops up in your head.
Which vegetable crops work best for your patio, garden, or homestead?
As you read above, it all depends on your zone, region, and your soil. Continue reading to find out more.
Overall, it is fairly easy when you know what is in season.
If you are based in the south of the U.S. or in particular California, follow this fruit and veggie chart.
Will you buy or grow your own fruit and veggies?
Depending on the region you are living in and weather permitting. If you are U.K. or US based, follow this table:
Note: Prices and savings are subject to country, seasons, and shops. US/U.K. prices on – Y2023.
The above are the most high-yielding fruits and vegetables to plant on your patio or garden.
How to Grow Leafy Greens in Containers and/or Raised Beds?
The best and quick ones are spinach and lettuce you can plant in either containers or raised beds. This will keep growing.
Step 1) Decide which leafy greens you are going to start with,
Step 2) Design a plan – this helps you figure out what and how much soil you’ll need,
Hint: Look for bags of mixed soil designed for container gardening – fill both the containers and raised beds.
Step 3) Purchase bags of soil: ask the vendor for organic vegetable and herb mix or organic garden soil for vegetables,
Step 4) Create easy access for yourself and somehow protect yourself from too much wind,
Step 5) Water regularly so the vegetables continue to grow healthily.
Now. If you’re growing in beds, make sure they are high-raised to improve and have good nutrients in them.
Remember to place your containers in a location that gets plenty of sunlight.
I bought a metal raised bed this week, so I’ll get to try it out. (picture coming soon).
Maximize Your Space with Vertical Gardening
This is a friendly and economical way to grow veggies. Vertical gardening has been growing in popularity in many countries.
Not surprising, as it’s a fantastic way to maximize space if you don’t have a properly sized garden.
You can grow more vegetables, strawberries, and herbs in the same area.
I will explain below how.
Basically, if you are running out of space, or are living in a flat or small house, using vertical gardening towers is an excellent choice for a frugal lifestyle.
However, there are more ways to accomplish this.
For example, you have some top-rated methods including:
- Stacking tier containers,
- Making trellises,
- Hanging,
- Window container boxes.
Now any of the above will be great to keep you busy whilst saving on space.
If you choose to buy a vertical tower, you have to invest a bit more up-front but save money in the long term while gardening, and you can move your crop on wheels.
Not only can you grow several plants in a very small space, but it saves you the cost of purchasing a large amount of wood, or even a garden plot that can often be very expensive.
Additionally, you might need to explore the different materials available for vertical gardens like wood, plastic, metal, hooks, and even fabrics that become expensive and break your bank account.
Vertical gardening also conserves water as it’s positioned in a location where it’s easy to water the plants directly with a watering system or hose.
Conclusion
Children love growing veggies, and it’s also a great way to help them understand where their food comes from and to get them outdoors instead of stuck in front of the TV or computer.
Now the choice is yours. Keep growing in abundance and save hundreds in the process.
Share your comments, and experiences and explain to our readers how you have made yours.
Related: You can learn more about pesticides found in U.K supermarkets