Expert reveals which crops offer the best return on investment when growing your own food at home
Growing your own food can save you money(Image: Getty)
Milder temperatures are approaching, which means gardens will begin thriving once more following the colder months. If you’re looking to cut costs as expenses continue rising, growing your own produce could not only reduce your spending but also prove to be a fulfilling pastime.
That said, not every crop will deliver savings – certain varieties offer far better value than others. Vince Braun, founder and CEO of HealthiStraw, a family-run Canadian business specialising in wheat straw products, explains that home-grown food can cut costs – but there’s a caveat.
He explained: “It’s not a guaranteed shortcut. The return depends heavily on what you grow, how you set up your space, and what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.”
Getting your plot established is where many people end up overspending.
There’s an initial outlay for starting a modest garden, covering containers or a raised bed, equipment and compost.
Growing the right thingsa will save you money(Image: Getty)
Pest management and fertilisers push costs higher, and suddenly you’ve parted with over a hundred quid before cultivating a single thing, reports the Express.
Vince explained: “People often focus on the seed packets and forget everything else.
“The bed, the soil amendments, the tools… it all adds up. That’s not a reason not to do it, but it is a reason to go in with realistic expectations.”
Nevertheless, for the appropriate crops, the initial investment pays dividends. You’ll be able to make genuine savings if you’re cultivating the correct varieties.
Vince suggests herbs, salad leaves, tomatoes, peppers, and berries for optimal savings. He explained: “If you’re growing basil, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens, you will see the savings.
“Those items are expensive to buy regularly and easy to grow in a small space. That’s where you get the best return on what you’ve put in.”
Cultivating your own produce also cuts down on food waste whilst saving you additional cash. You can say goodbye to that bag of spinach turning mushy at the back of the fridge – when it’s thriving in your garden, you simply harvest exactly what you require, straight from the earth.
The financial benefits are substantial. You’ll also economise by avoiding spontaneous fruit and veg purchases at the shops.
When you’re aware of what’s available in your garden, you can shop more deliberately and spare yourself both time and expense.
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