What to Grow in Your Garden to Save the Most Money

Growing your own food is one of the easiest ways to cut down on grocery bills, but some crops are better at stretching your dollar than others. Savvy gardeners focus on plants that are quick to grow, yield a lot, and tend to be pricey at the store.

Tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini are prime examples. A single tomato plant can produce pounds of fruit throughout the summer. Peppers? Just a few plants will keep you stocked for months. And zucchini? Let’s just say one plant can practically feed the whole neighborhood.

Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach are also great choices. They grow fast, and you can keep harvesting them again and again. And don’t forget about herbs. A small pot of basil or cilantro can save you from buying those expensive bunches at the grocery store.

With these plants in your garden, you’ll notice a real difference in your grocery spending.

Herbs: Small Space, Big Savings

Growing herbs at home can save you a lot of money while adding fresh flavors to your meals. These plants are easy to grow and don’t need much space.

Best Herbs To Grow For Saving Money

Basil, cilantro, and parsley top the list of money-saving herbs. They’re pricey at the store but cheap to grow. Mint is another excellent choice. It spreads fast, so you’ll have plenty to use.

Chives and thyme are also good picks. They grow well in small spaces and last for years. Rosemary and oregano are hardy plants that give you lots of leaves to use.

Why Growing Herbs Is Cost-Effective

Fresh herbs from the store can cost a lot. A small bunch might set you back $2-$4. But for that same price, you can buy a whole plant or seeds to grow many plants.

Herbs grow fast and keep producing. You can snip what you need, and the plant will keep growing. This means you always have fresh herbs on hand without buying more.

Many herbs are hardy and don’t need much care. They can grow in small pots on a windowsill or balcony. You don’t need a big garden or fancy tools.

Herbs also have many uses. You can use them fresh, dry them for later, or freeze them in ice cube trays with oil. This helps you get the most value from your plants.

Leafy Greens: Fresh And Affordable Year-Round

Growing leafy greens in your garden can save you a bundle at the grocery store. These nutritious vegetables are easy to grow and can provide fresh salads and side dishes throughout the year.

Best Leafy Greens To Grow For Savings

Spinach is a top choice for home gardeners looking to save money.

It grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times from the same plant. Just 10-12 spinach plants can feed a family of four.

Kale is another superstar in the garden. It’s tough enough to survive cold weather and produces leaves for months.

Mizuna, also called Japanese mustard greens, is a less common but valuable addition. It has a mild peppery flavor and grows fast. Lettuce varieties like loose-leaf and romaine are also great options. They’re simple to grow and can be harvested leaf by leaf as needed.

For year-round production, try a mix of seasonal greens. Plant cool-weather crops like spinach and kale in spring and fall. Add heat-loving greens like Swiss chard for summer harvests.

How Leafy Greens Save You Money

Leafy greens are some of the most cost-effective crops you can grow.

A single packet of seeds can produce dozens of plants, each yielding multiple harvests. Compare that to store-bought greens, which can cost $3-5 per bunch and spoil quickly.

Growing your own greens also cuts down on food waste. You can pick exactly what you need, when you need it. No more slimy lettuce languishing in the fridge!

Leafy greens are nutrient-dense but low in calories. By growing your own, you get maximum health benefits for minimal cost. Plus, homegrown greens often taste better and stay fresh longer than store-bought options.

To maximize savings, use the “cut and come again” method. This means harvesting outer leaves while leaving the center to keep growing. With this technique, a single planting can provide weeks or even months of fresh greens.

Vegetables With High Yields And Low Costs

Some vegetables give you more bang for your buck in the garden. They grow easily and produce lots of food without costing much to plant or care for.

Tomatoes And Peppers

Cherry tomatoes are garden superstars. They make tons of sweet little fruits all season long.

Try planting Super Sweet 100 or Sungold varieties for big harvests. Regular tomatoes work well too. Just give them some support to climb on.

Peppers are another winner. Bell peppers and hot peppers both grow like crazy once they get going. They don’t need much space either. Plant a few different kinds for variety.

Both tomatoes and peppers love the sun and warm soil. Give them a good start with compost-rich dirt. Water them deeply but not too often. Soon, you’ll have more than you can eat!

Zucchini And Cucumbers

Zucchini is famous for its vast harvests. One or two plants can feed a whole family all summer. Pick them small for the best flavor. Big ones work great for zucchini bread.

Cucumbers are just as prolific. They grow fast and keep producing for months. To save space, try growing them up a trellis. Picking often encourages more growth.

Both these veggies need lots of sun and water. They also like rich soil. Add some compost before planting. Keep an eye out for pests, but they’re generally easy to grow.

With just a few plants, you’ll have more than enough for fresh eating, pickling, and sharing with neighbors. Talk about getting your money’s worth from the garden!

Root Vegetables: Long-Term Storage And Savings

Root veggies are an intelligent choice for gardeners looking to save money. They’re easy to grow and can be stored for months, giving you fresh homegrown produce long after harvest.

Garlic And Onions

Garlic and onions are kitchen staples that can save you big bucks.

Plant garlic cloves in fall for a summer harvest. Onions grow best from sets planted in spring. Both need well-drained soil and full sun.

After harvest, cure garlic and onions in a warm, dry spot for 2-3 weeks. Brush off dirt, but don’t wash them. Cut off the tops, leaving a few inches of stem. Store in mesh bags or braids in a cool, dark place.

Good storage can keep garlic fresh for 6-8 months and onions for 3-6 months. Check often and use any that start to sprout first.

Potatoes And Sweet Potatoes

Potatoes and sweet potatoes are filling, versatile, and budget-friendly. Plant potato pieces with eyes in spring. Sweet potatoes grow from slips planted after the last frost.

Harvest when the plants die back. Let them cure in a warm spot for 1-2 weeks to toughen the skins. Don’t wash – just brush off excess dirt.

Store in a dark, cool (40-50°F) place with good airflow. A basement or garage often works well. Keep them in boxes with ventilation holes or paper bags. Check regularly and remove any that show signs of rot.

With proper care, potatoes can last 2-6 months, and sweet potatoes up to 6 months. That’s a lot of meals from your garden!

Perennial Plants: Invest Once, Harvest For Years

Planting perennial flowers and crops can save you money and time in the long run. These plants come back year after year, giving you a steady supply of food without replanting.

Asparagus And Rhubarb

Asparagus is a tasty spring vegetable that’s worth the wait. It takes about three years to get your first harvest, but after that, you’ll have spears for up to 20 years.

Plant asparagus crowns in well-drained soil with plenty of sun. Space them about 18 inches apart to give them room to grow.

Rhubarb is another long-lived perennial. Its tart stalks are perfect for pies and jams. Like asparagus, it needs a few years to get going.

Plant rhubarb crowns in rich soil with lots of compost. Give each plant about 3 feet of space. Don’t pick any stalks in the first year – let the plant get strong.

Artichokes And Other Perennial Vegetables

Artichokes are a gourmet treat you can grow at home. These plants look pretty in the garden and produce tasty buds for years. They do best in mild climates but can grow in colder areas with some winter protection.

Other perennial veggies to try:

• Jerusalem artichokes: Easy to grow and great for soups
• Scarlet runner beans: Beautiful flowers and tasty beans
• Sorrel: Lemony leaves for salads and sauces

These plants come back every year, saving you time and money on seeds and planting.

Plus, they often get bigger and more productive as they age. With a mix of perennial veggies, you can have fresh food from your garden for years to come.

Berries: Fresh, Delicious, And Economical

Growing berries in your garden can save you money and provide a tasty treat. These fruits are easy to grow and offer great value for home gardeners.

Best Berries To Grow For Savings

Strawberries are a top choice for saving money. They’re simple to grow and produce a lot of fruit. Plant them in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Strawberries come back year after year, giving you a steady supply.

Raspberries are another money-saving option. They grow quickly and spread on their own. You can start with a few plants and end up with a whole patch. Red raspberries are the easiest to grow.

Blackberries are tough plants that don’t need much care. They can handle different types of soil and weather. Once established, they’ll give you berries for years.

Blueberries are a bit pickier but worth the effort. They need acidic soil to thrive. If you can meet their needs, you’ll have fresh blueberries all summer long.

Wrapping Up

Starting a garden is a fantastic way to save on fresh produce, and some crops really give you more value for your effort. Tomatoes, lettuce, and herbs are great choices, offering a high yield even from small spaces.

Zucchini is another winner. Just one plant can give you 6-10 pounds of squash over the season—talk about getting your money’s worth!

Consider vertical gardening, too. Training plants like beans or cucumbers to grow upward on a DIY trellis (made from sticks or bamboo) can stretch limited space without costing a dime.

Kale is another solid pick. It’s packed with nutrients and keeps producing for weeks, making it a reliable addition to your cost-saving garden.

Ultimately, the most valuable crops are the ones you actually like to eat. Pick what your family enjoys, plan wisely, and you’ll be growing fresh, tasty food while cutting your grocery costs in no time.

Happy gardening!