As grocery prices continue to soar, many of us are seeking ways to lower our food costs. Growing your own food can be a powerful strategy, especially when focusing on crops that are nutrient-dense and high-yielding. Here are five must-grow crops that will save you money and help you thrive during tough economic times.
1. Budget Beans
Beans are an incredibly versatile and nutrient-rich crop, offering a high-calorie content and plant-based protein. They can be stored in various ways: frozen, canned, or dried. Bush beans are easy to slot into smaller spaces, but pole beans are more space-efficient and provide a continuous harvest over the summer months. Beans can yield impressive amounts from a single raised bed – up to 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) of green beans or 32 lbs (14.5 kg) of runner beans, potentially saving you around $54 annually.
Growing Tip: Plant beans in pots and transplant once the frost danger has passed. Use trellises or bamboo teepees for vertical growth, even in containers.
2. Save Money with Squash
Squash plants are highly productive and can be divided into two types: summer and winter. Summer squash (like zucchini) produces continuously throughout the summer, often outpacing your ability to consume it. Winter squashes, including pumpkins, are harvested in late fall and can be stored for months, providing delicious and filling meals during the colder months.
Growing Tip: Sow both types indoors in the spring, then transplant them after the last frost. Squash needs rich soil and plenty of water to thrive.
Potential Savings: A raised bed can yield up to 45 zucchinis worth $32, or about four winter squashes saving you around $15.
3. Kale: A Nutrient Powerhouse
Kale is an excellent choice for leafy greens, providing high amounts of vitamins and minerals. It’s hardy and can even grow throughout the winter months, making it a long-term investment in your health. With a little care, you can harvest kale leaves multiple times throughout the growing season.
Growing Tip: Plant kale in rich, well-watered soil, and space plants well to allow for continued growth. It’s ideal for container gardening, and three plants per container will thrive.
Potential Savings: A single bed with six kale plants can yield around 12 lbs (5.5 kg) of nutritious leaves, saving you around $37 at the store.
4. Beets: A Versatile Money-Saver
Beets are both a root and leafy green vegetable, providing great value by utilizing the whole plant. The roots can be roasted, boiled, or juiced, while the leaves can be used like spinach. Beets are quick-growing and relatively pest-free, making them a reliable crop to grow multiple times each year.
Growing Tip: Beets grow best when spaced about 4 inches apart and kept well-watered to ensure a good harvest. You can typically grow two or three crops in one season.
Potential Savings: A raised bed can yield around 36 lbs (16 kg) of beets, saving approximately $34. With two harvests a year, your savings could be even higher.
5. Peppers and Tomatoes: High-Value Fruits
Both peppers and tomatoes are expensive in stores, especially during the off-season. Growing them yourself can offer significant savings, particularly in areas where these fruits are pricier. Both crops are started indoors and need plenty of sunlight and support to thrive.
Growing Tip: Start peppers and tomatoes indoors and transplant them after the last frost. In cooler climates, containers work well to move them to sunnier spots.
Potential Savings: A raised bed can yield around 54 peppers worth $80, or at least 32 lbs (15 kg) of tomatoes, saving around $66.
Bonus: Herbs
Fresh herbs can be costly, especially when bought in large bunches. Growing your own herbs like rosemary, mint, oregano, and basil can save you money while adding fresh flavor to your meals. Many herbs are perennial, so once planted, they’ll provide harvests for years to come.
Affordable Gardening Tips
Gardening doesn’t have to be expensive. Start by repurposing containers and tools from your recycling bin or local free listings. Look for discounted seeds at the end of the growing season and consider making your own compost to reduce soil costs. A few basic tools, like a hand fork, rake, and watering can, are often all you need to get started.
By growing these five crops, you can significantly reduce your grocery bills while ensuring a steady supply of fresh, nutritious food. Whether you have a large garden or small containers, these high-yield, money-saving plants are an investment in both your wallet and your well-being.