Grow Your Own

I love food. Most people do. And why not? It is tasty and satisfying, if done right, and keeps your body going, going, going. Well, let’s avoid a trip or two to the grocers, saving money on food, gasoline, and travel time to grow our own this year.

This is the time of year to plan a kitchen garden and start seeds indoors. Your own food garden should be close to the kitchen, in a sunny spot, and safe from garden predators like bunnies, deer, and cats. Ideally, a vegetable garden will be no farther from the door than you could throw a kitchen sink – which is not very far in my case.

Raised beds work just fine if you have bad soil to start with, or have trouble working on ground level beds. Straw-bales make great raised beds with a few inches of soil on top, and last a couple of years before they need replacing.

Containers are another great way to grow. Decorative pots at the garden center can be pricey, but don’t be fooled… Almost anything can become a plant ‘pot’, as long as it has a hole in the bottom. Old pots and pans, galvanized wash tubs, tires, old dresser drawers, even a worn out cowboy boot can all serve as kitschy additions to your container garden. I have even seen folks plant in cardboard boxes – anything that will hold soil and drain water can work for a season or two. If the plants are growing, they will all look great – and think of the cash you saved!

Since we are talking about economy, seeds are undoubtedly the cheapest way to plant a garden. It is tempting to think you’re saving time with starts from the garden center, but this is often how snails and other pests enter. Take the time to grow from seed – it will be fun to watch the little ones grow! Beside avoiding new garden frustrations imported from the pricey starts, you will save money.

And yes, organic matters even (especially) with seed. Newer, conventional varieties probably won’t produce viable seeds and it might even be illegal to try saving them. While organic and Heirloom varieties are a wonderful way to explore new taste treats while keeping alive the work of generations. Set aside part of your harvest as it grows, and allow it to seed. Gather these for use next year and you will have the beginnings of your own heirloom variety! (Oh, more money saved, too.)

And while you plan your veg patch, remember a spot for compost – maybe a quick acting compost-turner if you haven’t room for the old-fashioned pile. Compost happens, and it’s a great way to add nutrients to garden soil without using expensive, store-bought fertilizers. Compost tea will perk up houseplants, and sterilized compost is a great start for precious seeds. There, you’ve saved money and avoided chemical fertilizers – that’s Home Economy! More about compost later…

Just imagine how much lovely low-stress exercise you will enjoy. How fit, tanned, and just plain ‘grounded’ after all that fun. Are you planting a garden this year? What will you grow? Post in comments – we’d love to hear from you!