Do you garden to save money?

[michiganmom116]

I've grown up with gardening every year and the canning and preserving that goes along with it.  It's just a way of life for me, but one year my husband wanted to know if we REALLY saved money.  I took about 1/2 hour and went through the home canned goods on the shelves and the fruits, veggies, & jams in the freezer and then figured how much it would cost me to buy those things in the store.  The total was over $700!!  Granted, that's only about $60 a month, but that's $60 a month less for our groceries.

Anyone else garden?

[COGMOMJen]

We grew up canning and gardening too.  My hubby argues that by the time to figure in all the supplies needed to preserve, cook etc it's not as great a save.  Along with the cost of keeping up a garden...  So I play the It's better for you card lol.  Still don't have a big garden, hubby is convinced it won't get taken care of.  We do pack up our jars and such and help can at my MIL though.  Not as much as when we were kids, but some!!

I have a greenhouse this year,  So far I have 2 tomatoe plants, strawberries and some collard greens started.  I want to get a 'salad garden' going, but still working on that :)

[momofsix317]

I love my veggie garden. I too, can and freeze the produce. My family makes a trip to the apple orchard every September to pick usually 40-60 pounds of apples. I use some for pies, just for eating, and make applesauce to freeze. We grow pie pumpkins to cook, puree, and freeze for pies and bread all winter.  The kids and dh are a huge help and love the benefits they eat all winter!

[Syra3.14159]

I like having a tomato plant and basil growing in pots in my backyard.

[Freckleface78]

I don't garden to "save money" per say, but I do garden to have things we wouldn't otherwise have.  I only buy dried herbs and this way I get fresh herbs.  

In the past I did try to grow bell peppers and tomatoes, but my garden is so small (pots on my balcony) it was difficult.

I also homeschool so planting doubled as lesson plans. :D

[catherine595]

I would love to learn canning.

[michiganmom116]

Quoting catherine595:

I would love to learn canning.

Canning involves quite a bit of work but I think it's  a simple step by step process.   Of course, I grew up helping my mom can from a very early age, so I may see it as such.

Check out Home-Canning Mommies for more tips, info, help, etc., or I'll be happy to answer any questions.