Janelle Esker I don’t know about you but inflation is killing us over here! My husband and I keep reviewing the budget to find legitimate ways to save money each month. One of the most important things that we have done to reduce expenditures is to have a garden. We have found that growing our own food has been essential this year, as it has been a pleasant hobby in past years. Here are specifically chosen plants that you can grow, so that you will never have to Buy These 9 Groceries Again.
You can reduce your initial investment by purchasing seeds instead of mature plants. The following herbs and vegetables are perennials in garden zone 5 and some are even perennials in zones 4 and 3. I live in garden zone 6 and harvest many of these vegetables year-round. I might mention that a bonus to gardening is that kids love it. The whole family can be involved in this easy project.
Never Buy These 9 Groceries Again
Chives
Traditional garden chives have lovely pink blossoms and can be planted in ornamental garden beds. They are lovely and hardy plants to have on hand. I use them fresh and even dry some in my oven to have on hand in winter months. A tasty addition to almost anything. I use chives in soups, salads, and even stir-fries!
Garlic
This easy-to-grow plant is sown in autumn. I have grown many varieties but have settled on German Hardneck Garlic which is huge and reliable. You can even get two harvests of garlic. First, the scapes which I pick and freeze, and finally the garlic cloves. We hang them to dry from the garage ceiling in bunches. A big thank you to my son-in-law for introducing me to this amazing garlic variety!
Horseradish
A big thick root is what you want to grow. Horseradish is amazing paired with meat, and also made into a sandwich spread using mayonnaise! All I can say is, YUM!
Kale
I harvest kale year-round. It is so easy. I pick the fresh leaves and stick them directly into freezer bags to freeze. When I take them out to use they are easily broken into smaller pieces with your hands. Kale is one of the healthiest foods to eat. I substitute kale for spinach in recipes. Kale is especially good in omelets!
Oregano
Spaghetti anyone? I use this herb fresh and frozen. Frankly, oregano is delicious in any recipe, which is good because it is a prolific plant. Delightful in bread and why not try adding some to your salad?
Mint
Mint is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern food. I must confess that I use mine for tea most often. Iced tea in Summer and hot tea in winter. Mint is known to aid in digestion and the scent is amazingly energetic!
Sage
Oh, I love the flowers on a Sage Plant. It is lovely in floral arrangements and the bees love it. I have two varieties, one with bluish-purplish flowers and the other with bright red. I use sage year round especially when cooking poultry!
Sorrel
This plant has only been growing in my garden for a few years and I have fallen in love. It tastes wonderful, especially when picked young. It is a cut-and-come-again perennial! I have it planted in my flower garden beds because my variety has red stripes in its green leaves. Beautiful to look at and eat. I use it as a spinach substitute in anything including spinach dip!
Thyme
A must-have herb for your garden that grows well in pots. It is an amazing pollinator and then there is the taste. Use this nutritious plant in as many ways as you can think of. I make sure to dry some in my oven so I have plenty for my pantry… I also like to freeze the stems to use in stuffing and roasting vegetables.
As you can imagine you will not only save money on groceries when you plant herbs and vegetables you will also be healthier! Being healthier reduces doctor visits which in turn saves you even more money! You may want to check out The 52 Healthiest Food On Earth for even more gardening ideas.
YOUR TURN…
How are you saving money in the garden this year?
Peacefully Yours,
Janelle
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