Today I went to my garden (across town!) and picked fresh arugula. It was arugula that I grew myself. I have to admit it is an amazing feeling cultivating your own food. I am on a quest to learn how to become a lot more self-sufficient beginning with learning how to grow easy to grow foods.
So, what is a Community Garden? Basically, my “plot” or 12 foot by 5 foot space is on a block populated with similar plots that other novice and expert gardeners grow their own vegetables and fruits in. The Community Garden that I’m in is a lovely collection of gnarled fruit trees, a communal herb garden, and everyone else’s own plots. There are picnic tables and a small patio table with two seats that remind you of an outdoor patio in France. All of the gardeners pay a small fee towards water, programming, manure, and maintenance. We are also allowed to use the tools that are at the location. Some cities have gardens that are ornamental in nature (flowers only) or whose stated purpose is for growing food. Community gardens are located throughout the city of Denver and are available on a first come-first served basis. Plots fill up fast, I was really lucky to get such a great spot.
Why Garden? Food is one of the biggest expenses that I have in my budget. So, I am always looking for ways to cut my food expenses without affecting the quality of the food that I’m eating. In the summer I eat a TON of fresh veggies and some fruit so I thought growing my own food would be a great way to learn something new, hopefully grow some good food, and save a little money in the process. I am really enjoying observing the changes in my garden from one week to another. I have only harvested arugula so far, but the: corn, cucumber, radishes, peas, nasturtiums, green onion, carrots, okra, and tomatoes still need time to grow.
I have a very vague idea as to what is planted where because I had to plant before leaving for London…I didn’t put in signs up to mark what was where so I am guessing as to what is where. It’s a little embarrassing. Hopefully I don’t eat a poisonous weed.
I will be looking for a canning class so that any excess tomatoes, etc. can be canned and pickled for the winter. Yes, I am starting to think about putting together my winter pantry already! I will write a post about my winter food preparation process soon.
I highly recommend growing some of your own food. There are now ways to grow food on the side of your house/apartments/backyard/ or front yard. If you live in a shared housing situation try to talk to your landlord and roommates about setting aside a space to grow some food. The first year you might break even in term of cost and the energy that you put into it, but, the second year you’ll probably see a great rate of return.
Other ways I save money on food…
- I only grocery shop every 2 weeks now. I used to go grocery shopping whenever the whim hit me. I would also drop by the grocery store for random ingredients that I thought about for random recipes I wanted to cook. I don’t do that anymore! Going every 2 weeks saves a lot of money and pushes me to be creative when pickings get slim towards the end of the second week. Yes-I do eat fresh fruit and veggies during that time.
- I plan my meals-and prep them! I make 2 or 3 entrees late Saturday or on Sunday. These meals are what I take to lunch and warm up for dinner. It saves a lot of time, money, and ENERGY! Parents, plan your meals. I do not know how you’re cooking a full meal when you get home and helping the kids. Put in the time over the weekend and make your life simpler.
- I have a well stocked pantry. It is my belief that a home without a well stocked pantry is a home without a second emergency “fund.”
- I bring my lunch to work! This one is huge. I buy my lunch about twice a month. When I do, I don’t compromise on the quality (read-no fast food) ! So, it costs around $10 dollars. If I bought lunch and a snack that ends up being a $15-$20 dollar day. If I ate like that 3 times a week times 4 weeks that would equal $240 on the high end. That’s equal to $2,880 in a year. Not including eating dinners out-that’s a lot of money!!!
- I go out for dinner no more than 4 times a month and I rock the LivingSocial Deals and Groupons. I drop good money on a nice dinner so that’s why I don’t go out to eat dinner too often.
My food bill stays consistently low and I am eating really well. I love my garden and can’t wait to harvest the remaining veggies towards the end of the month. It is great sharing the food with my mother who thinks it’s wonderful that I’m doing this. We come from a long line of farmers and she often remarks that my grandfather(s) and great-grandparents would be amused by how excited I am about growing this garden.
Do you have a garden? When did you start growing your own food? How do you save money on food? What is your average monthly food bill? Do you think you’re paying too much? Too little?
Amazing peppery arugula and a tiny radish
Small section of my garden and the creepy character who guards it
It was raining so I had a lovely latte and biscotti at the fabulous coffee shop down the street
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I love that you mention “an obsessive foodie, but not self-righteous with it” in your bio. Maybe you’ve been to San Francisco and noticed that they think they are the only ones who appreciate food. Anyways, great idea on the garden. If we didn’t have oranges, pomegranates, lemons, etc in the backyard, that would be a to-do on my list.
Hehe! I work with some really self-righteous food zealots and it drives me crazy. Since I’m not buying anyone else’s groceries I try not to boss people around when I’m not buying their groceries 🙂 I also would like to grow lemons but it’s too cold in Denver to do that. When I buy a house I will build a greenhouse and grow citrus fruits…and flowers.