9 Homegrown Foods That Will Save You the Most Money

By Ron Neal

Save money on groceries by cultivating delicious and nutritious foods right in your backyard. With just a bit of planning for your garden, you can avoid the high prices of grocery stores while enjoying the satisfaction of nurturing and harvesting your own vegetables. We picked nine homegrown foods that will save you the most money. From versatile leafy greens with regrowth potential to vibrant peppers thriving in sunny conditions, these 9 homegrown foods are perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Tips for Maximizing Your Harvest

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No matter what you decide to grow, you want to make the most of what they have to offer. Here are some ways to help increase your production:

 

• Trellises can help you make the most of your space by allowing vining plants like cucumbers or peas to grow vertically rather than taking up valuable ground area.
• Raised beds are special garden beds built above ground level, which means you have greater control over soil conditions. The better the soil, the happier the vegetables!

• It goes without saying, but be sure to read about what your plants need in terms of water and sunlight. Note that even your house can impact your garden’s health, so plan ahead for where you’re planting what.
• Keep the plants healthy by keeping an eye out for pests—and dealing with them as soon as they’re seen—and keeping the soil healthy with nutrients and mulch.

 

Now how about we look at some of the best homegrown foods that will save you money?

 

Lettuce

Get more bang for your buck by growing lettuce, which is not only one of the easiest homegrown foods but also can regrow from scraps. It makes an excellent window box plant, allowing you to enjoy fresh salads throughout the season. Lettuce comes in various types such as romaine, butterhead, and leaf varieties like oakleaf or red leaf lettuce. Each type offers different flavors and textures that can be enjoyed in salads or used as toppings on sandwiches and burgers.

 

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers require plenty of sunlight and watering, making them ideal candidates if you have access to ample outdoor space. They come in various colors like red, yellow, orange, or green, adding visual appeal as well as flavor variety. Bell peppers are often chopped up and used in soups or fajitas, but they can also become the star in recipes that call for them to be stuffed.

 

Tomatoes

When it comes to homegrown foods, tomatoes are a must have! Tomatoes need full sun exposure along with regular watering. Countless tomato varieties available at garden centers, each offering unique flavors and growth habits. Some popular options include:

• Cherry Tomatoes: Small, sweet, and perfect for salads or snacking.
• Roma Tomatoes: Garden taste ideal for sauces and cooking.
• Grape Tomatoes: Tiny oval-shaped fruit that packs a flavorful punch in salads or pasta dishes.

 

Cucumbers

 

 

Cucumbers are a popular and refreshing summer vegetable that can be easily grown from seeds. Since cucumbers have such a short shelf life, they are one of the best homegrown foods! Wait until the weather is consistently warm before planting the seeds directly in your garden. Cucumbers make a delicious addition to your garden. They require ample space for growth, so plan accordingly. 

Zucchini

A zucchini plant yields abundant harvests once temperatures consistently hit around the 60-degree mark. Harvest zucchini regularly to encourage the plant to produce even more vegetables throughout the season. Popular dishes for this vegetable include zucchini lasagna or a casserole.

 

Green Beans

One vegetable that should be on every gardener’s list is green beans. They don’t take up much room in your garden and are relatively easy to grow. Depending on the space you have available, they can be planted as either bush or pole varieties. If you choose poles, provide support structure like stakes or trellises.

Herbs

While herbs are more of a supporting player in meals, they’re still an excellent homegrown food choice! Some of the most common homegrown herbs include basil, parsley, and mint.

Basil

Basil is a popular herb that can be used in many different dishes, including pasta sauces, salads, and sandwiches. It’s also one of the easiest herbs to grow at home. Basil prefers warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight, so it’s best planted in the spring or summer months.

Parsley

Parsley is another commonly used herb that adds flavor and nutrition to meals, often by being chopped or pureed. It grows best in cooler temperatures with partial shade during hot summer months.

Mint

Mint is known for its refreshing taste and aroma, making it perfect for teas, cocktails, desserts, and more. Mint plants are relatively low maintenance once established, but they do require frequent watering, especially during dry weather conditions.

 

Start Growing Your Own Homegrown Food & Save Money

Growing your own vegetables not only helps you save on groceries but can also be a rewarding hobby. From lettuce to zucchini, there are plenty of options for those looking to start small or expand their garden space. You can always start small, and before you know it, you may have a consistent supply of your very own vegetables without even having to go to the store!

 

This article was written by Ron Neal, Team Leader of The Neal Estate Group