In the face of rising grocery costs, growing your own food is a powerful way to reduce your expenses. The following high-value crops offer great returns, saving you money while enhancing your meals. Here are the top 10 crops I would choose for a productive and cost-effective garden.
10. Beans
Beans are incredibly productive, especially varieties like runner beans and slender green beans. You can harvest them fresh, or allow them to mature and dry for storage. Beans are climbers, so they benefit from tall garden arches or simple teepees made from bamboo canes. The more you harvest, the more they produce, meaning a continuous supply of beans throughout the summer. Excess can be frozen, canned (dilly beans are delicious), or dried for long-term storage.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a classic crop that can significantly cut your grocery bill. While store-bought tomatoes can be pricey, homegrown vine-ripened varieties offer superior flavor and freshness. For a stronger plant, plant your seedlings deeply, as tomatoes can develop roots along their stems. Be mindful of blight, which can affect outdoor tomatoes. If your plants are hit, harvest the remaining fruit to ripen indoors or turn them into chutney. In cooler climates, pollinating with an electric toothbrush can help speed up fruiting. Any surplus can be made into sauces for long-term use.
8. Zucchini
Zucchini is one of the most productive vegetables you can grow, often leaving gardeners with more than they can use. Despite being affordable in season, zucchini prices can still rise, making it a great crop to grow at home. Plant them in nutrient-rich soil and keep them well-watered. Frequent harvesting encourages continued fruit production. Zucchini can be eaten fresh, grilled, or used in a variety of dishes. If you find yourself overwhelmed, you can always give away the surplus!
7. Garlic
Garlic is essential in so many dishes, making it a valuable crop to grow. You can plant garlic in the fall, allowing it to sit dormant over the winter before thriving in spring. For storage, garlic can be dried and kept for months, or even years. Beyond fresh use, you can make your own garlic granules or powder by dehydrating sliced cloves. Garlic also has excellent companion planting benefits, especially alongside potatoes, as it helps repel pests like aphids.
6. Potatoes
With potato prices soaring, growing your own is a smart way to combat rising costs. Start by chitting (sprouting) your seed potatoes before planting them in the warm soil. Potatoes are often grown alongside garlic, as garlic’s strong scent helps deter aphids. Harvesting your own potatoes will ensure you always have a supply of this versatile and hearty food.
5. Herbs
Herbs are a simple and affordable way to elevate your cooking. Many herbs, like oregano, parsley, mint, and rosemary, can be easily propagated from cuttings or purchased plants. Growing your own not only saves you money, but it also provides fresh, flavorful additions to every meal. You can dry or freeze excess herbs for later use, or even create homemade vinegars and oils.
4. Mushrooms
Mushrooms, particularly oyster mushrooms, are a great crop to grow at home. While store-bought gourmet mushrooms can be expensive, growing them yourself can triple your investment. Mushroom kits are an easy way to get started, but for an even greater yield, you can grow them in pasteurized straw. Dehydrating mushrooms for later use adds depth and umami flavor to dishes, and they store well for months.
3. Corn
Sweet corn is a beloved summer treat, but consider growing varieties meant for drying and grinding into cornmeal. With ample space, you can grow corn to produce a pantry staple that can be used in a wide variety of recipes, including tortillas, cornbread, and polenta. Sow corn in blocks to ensure effective wind pollination, and let it dry on the plant for the best results.
2. Berries
Berries, whether black raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, are a fantastic investment. They’re expensive in stores, but once planted, they’ll yield fruit year after year. The most cost-effective way to buy berry plants is when they’re bare-root in the winter. Berries are easy to freeze, making them available for months beyond their harvest. They’re packed with nutrients, and growing them is a surefire way to save on your grocery bill.
1. Salad Leaves
Salad greens are a must-have in any garden. While pre-bagged salads can be overpriced, growing your own provides an endless supply of fresh greens. Salad mixes are easy to sow, and you can harvest the outer leaves while allowing the rest of the plant to keep growing. This extends the harvest for weeks. You can even grow other leafy greens like chard for continuous harvests throughout the season.
By focusing on these high-yield, cost-saving crops, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown food while easing the strain of rising grocery prices. Which crops would you choose to grow? Share your thoughts in the comments!