16 Fruits & Vegetables to Grow If You Want To Save Money on Groceries
Growing your fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce grocery expenses while promoting self-sufficiency. This article explores 16 practical and productive garden plants suitable for both gardeners and homesteaders with land of any size. From the cost-saving benefits of tomatoes and strawberries to the long-lasting value of winter squash and versatile herbs, each selection is chosen for its ease of growth and high yield.
Learn how to make the most of your garden space and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce throughout the year as you save money.
Tomatoes
Would you like to save this page?
We'll email you a link to this post, so you can come back to it later!
Tomatoes are a staple in many kitchens and can significantly reduce grocery costs when grown at home. They come in various sizes and colors, from sweet cherry tomatoes to hearty beefsteaks. Growing tomatoes at home ensures you have a steady supply of fresh, juicy fruits throughout the summer. They thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil and regular watering. Starting tomatoes from seeds indoors before the last frost can give them a head start, ensuring a more extended harvest period.
Strawberries
Fresh strawberries are often expensive, especially when opting for organic varieties. Growing strawberries at home allows you to enjoy the superior taste and freshness of homegrown berries. Strawberry plants are perennial and can produce fruit for several years. They prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and keep the fruit clean. With proper care, a small patch of strawberry plants can yield a substantial amount of fruit.
Blueberries
Blueberries are another fruit that can be pricey in stores. Planting a few blueberry bushes in your garden provides an abundant supply year after year with minimal maintenance. Blueberries thrive in acidic soil and benefit from being planted with other acid-loving plants. Regular watering and mulching help maintain soil moisture and prevent weeds. Pruning the bushes each year encourages new growth and increases fruit production.
Raspberries
Raspberries can be expensive to buy fresh but are relatively easy to grow at home. They produce a high yield and can be enjoyed fresh, in jams, or frozen for later use. Raspberries prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location. They are perennial plants that produce fruit on two-year-old canes, so pruning is essential to maintain productivity. Supporting the canes with a trellis can help keep the plants tidy and make harvesting easier.
Peaches
Growing peach trees can be highly rewarding, providing a bounty of delicious fruit. Homegrown peaches are far superior in taste to store-bought ones and can save you money in the long run. Peach trees require well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering. Thinning the fruit when it’s small ensures that the remaining peaches grow larger and healthier. Pruning the trees each year helps maintain their shape and encourages fruit production.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are versatile and used in many dishes, from salads to stir-fries. Growing your own can save money, especially considering the high cost of organic peppers. Peppers thrive in warm weather and need well-drained soil with regular watering. Starting seeds indoors before the last frost can give them a head start. Bell peppers can be harvested at any stage, but their flavor and nutritional value increase as they ripen and change color.
Lettuce
Lettuce grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times, making it a cost-effective crop that keeps your salad bowl full with fresh greens. Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures and can be grown in early spring or fall. There are many varieties of lettuce, including loose-leaf, romaine, and butterhead, each offering different flavors and textures. Succession planting ensures a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
Spinach
Spinach is another leafy green that’s easy to grow and can save money, particularly if you frequently buy organic. It’s rich in nutrients and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to smoothies. Spinach prefers cooler temperatures and can be planted in early spring or fall. It grows quickly and can be harvested as baby leaves or allowed to mature. Regular watering and well-drained soil help produce tender, flavorful leaves.
Carrots
Homegrown carrots are sweeter and more flavorful than store-bought ones. They are easy to grow and store well, providing a cost-saving option for a staple vegetable. Carrots prefer loose, sandy soil that allows their roots to grow straight and long. They can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Carrots can be harvested at any size, but their flavor is best when they are fully mature.
Zucchini
Zucchini plants are prolific producers. A few plants can yield more than enough for a family, making it a great vegetable to grow for cost savings. Zucchini thrives in warm weather and needs full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering and mulching help maintain soil moisture. Zucchini can be harvested when they are small and tender or allowed to grow larger for stuffing and baking.
Potatoes
Potatoes are inexpensive to grow and store well for months. They are a versatile staple in many diets and growing your own ensures you have a steady supply. Potatoes prefer loose, well-drained soil and need to be planted in early spring. Hilling the soil around the plants as they grow helps protect the tubers and increases yield. Potatoes can be harvested when the plants die back, and they store well in a cool, dark place.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers grow quickly and abundantly. They are perfect for salads, pickling, and fresh eating, saving money compared to buying them regularly. Cucumbers prefer warm weather, full sun, and well-drained soil. Regular watering is necessary to keep the fruits juicy and tender. Trellising the plants helps save space and keeps the cucumbers clean and straight. Harvesting regularly encourages continued production.
Garlic
Garlic is used in many recipes, and growing your own is easy and cost-effective. Planting in the fall and harvesting in the summer ensures a year-round supply. Garlic prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. Each clove planted grows into a new bulb, making it a productive crop. After harvesting, garlic can be cured and stored for several months, providing a continuous supply for your kitchen.
Onions
Onions are a kitchen essential. Growing them at home is simple and saves money, especially when you grow different varieties for various culinary uses. Onions can be grown from seeds, sets, or transplants and prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They can be harvested as green onions or allowed to mature into large bulbs. Onions store well in a cool, dry place, making them a convenient staple.
Herbs (Basil, Rosemary, Mint, Parsley, Thyme, etc.)
Herbs are often expensive to buy fresh in stores, but they are easy and cost-effective to grow at home. A small herb garden or even a few pots on a windowsill can provide a continuous supply of fresh herbs for cooking, reducing grocery bills and enhancing the flavor of your meals. Basil is perfect for adding to salads, pesto, and pasta dishes.
Rosemary adds a wonderful flavor to meats and roasted vegetables. Mint is great for teas, desserts, and cocktails. Parsley is a versatile herb used in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads. Thyme pairs well with many savory dishes, providing a robust flavor.
Winter Squash
Winter squash varieties, such as butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash, are excellent choices for saving money. These squash store well for months and can be used in a variety of dishes. They thrive in warm weather and need plenty of space to grow. Winter squash prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. They are typically harvested in late summer or early fall, once the rinds harden.
The long storage life of winter squash makes them a valuable addition to any garden, providing nutritious and flavorful options throughout the winter months.
Grow These Veggies in Partial Shade
Learn More: 32 Vegetables You Can Grow in Partial Shade
Grow More Perennial Foods
Learn More: 19 Edible Perennials To Grow For Self-Sufficiency
