Growing your own vegetables can be a cost-effective way to enjoy fresh produce, but some vegetables are cheaper to grow at home than others. Experts recommend growing herbs like rosemary, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, and asparagus, which can be harvested for years to come.
With grocery store prices continuing to climb, more Americans are looking for ways to cut food costs. While growing your vegetables can be an effective way to enjoy fresh produce for less money, things like equipment costs, available space, labor requirements, and yield can influence the overall savings you’ll actually reap from your backyard garden.
Herbs
Herbs like rosemary are a smart, low-effort crop that saves money and adds fresh flavor on demand. According to University of Georgia horticulture specialist Robert Westerfield, herbs are “so forgiving” and easy to grow. Damon Abdi, Assistant Professor at the Louisiana State University AgCenter, suggests starting with rosemary, which is a hardy, reliable performer in the landscape and can offer ornamental value with its evergreen foliage and small flowers.
Peppers
Peppers are cold hardy and come through disease and insects better than anything, according to Westerfield. Generally considered one of the easiest vegetables to grow, peppers need a lot of water and well-draining soil to thrive.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes, especially cherry varieties, are easier to grow and more prolific in production. Westerfield recommends cherry tomatoes, which are “less trouble than the larger ones.” Just make sure that your plants have some kind of support, like a trellis, to keep them upright.
Green Beans
Green beans are another one of the easiest crops to grow, and they can be seeded directly into the ground. They’re also prolific producers, and if you take care of them, you can harvest into the summer.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a long-lived perennial crop that can be harvested for up to 20 years. Both Westerfield and Abdi recommend asparagus for backyard gardeners, noting that it’s pricey up front but pays for itself over time.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a great choice for backyard gardeners, as they can be enjoyed year-round, first fresh and then pickled. Keep in mind that cucumbers should not be in contact with the ground, so you might want to grow yours vertically.
Maintaining a successful vegetable garden is a “labor of love,” Westerfield advises, noting that it takes a considerable amount of time, effort, and initial investment. So, before you get started, it’s essential to be honest with yourself about how much you’re willing to commit to your garden and which crops you will actually use.
For more information on gardening and growing your own food, visit Southern Living, a trusted source for gardening tips and advice.
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