Foodprints for the Future
The Best Plants to Put into Your Garden to Reduce Food Cost
February 8, 2023
As spring approaches it’s time to start thinking about our gardens. The fantastic thing about growing a garden is that you have the ability to eat the plants that you grow. As food costs skyrocket, let’s take a look at 5 of the best plants you can grow to save a few bucks this summer season.
- Herbs: Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano
Herbs are a great staple to anyone’s garden as nothing makes a meal better quite like fresh herbs. One of the main herbs to plant in your garden this spring is Basil. The perfect thing about basil is that it freezes well and can be preserved throughout the growing season to make yummy pesto all winter long. Along with basil, herbs like Rosemary, Thyme, and Oregano are great herbs that are easy to grow and can be repotted to indoor plants during the winter months to continue to produce fresh herbs all year round. - Celery
Celery is a relatively easy plant to grow in your garden and the best part about it is that you can grow celery from an existing stalk that you picked up at your local grocery store. To regrow the celery, you cut off the bottom of the celery and place it in a shallow container with warm water in a sunny and warm place. In about a week, the leaves will begin to grow. - Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden vegetables. Cherry, Roma, Heirloom tomatoes have a long harvest season and require very little upkeep after planning and caging the plant. - Lettuce and Greens
Typically classified as “cut and come again”, lettuce and greens are great ways to save some money for people who eat a lot of salads. One of the best things about growing Lettuce is that as soon as your leaf is big enough it can be harvested and it will keep growing. Romaine is typically the highest-yielding lettuce leaf and is a great source of nutrients in your daily diet. - Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries
Berries can be very expensive at the grocery store but are relatively easy to grow on your own. The most expensive cost related to growing berries is getting the canes to start your crop, which can range from 20 to 40 dollars. After getting the plant you can have fresh berries all summer long that will come back for years to come.
When planning your garden this spring, find a place that is in direct sunlight and use well-drained soil to help produce the best vegetable yield. Some of the most common ways people grow a garden at home are through a traditional garden, where you till up the soil and plant in rows; a raised garden bed, made through garden boxes and soil mix;or a container garden, though planting in pots on a patio or deck.
Whether you start small with just one plant or are an experienced gardener, adding fruits and vegetables to your garden is a great way to save money on your grocery bill and eat fresh produce all summer long! Changing where and how you buy your produce is a great way to reduce your personal foodprint and join Earth Day in investing in our planet.
