How Much Money Can You Save Growing Your Own Veg?
The amount of money you can save by growing your own vegetables in the UK depends on a number of factors, including the size of your garden, the types of vegetables you grow, and how much time and effort you are willing to put into gardening. However, it is possible to save a significant amount of money by growing your own vegetables.
According to a study by Which?, a consumer group, the average UK household spends £500 per year on fresh vegetables. By growing your own vegetables, you could potentially save up to half of this amount – and potentially much more if you’re prepared to change your diet to match growing seasons, as our forebears did.
The most cost-effective vegetables to grow in the UK are those that are relatively easy to grow and have a high yield. Some of the best options include:
- Tomatoes
- Courgettes
- Lettuce
- Beans
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Onions
- Peppers
If you have a small garden, you can still save money by growing vegetables in pots or containers. You can also save money by buying seeds and seedlings from garden centres or online retailers, rather than buying plants from supermarkets.
Growing your own vegetables can be a rewarding hobby, and it can also help you save money. If you are thinking about starting a vegetable garden, there are a number of resources available to help you get started. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has a website with a wealth of information on vegetable gardening, including advice on choosing the right plants, preparing the soil, and caring for your plants.
Here are some additional tips for saving money by growing your own vegetables:
- Plan your garden carefully. Consider the size of your garden, the amount of sunlight it receives, and the types of vegetables you want to grow.
- Prepare the soil well. This will help your plants grow healthy and strong.
- Water your plants regularly.
- Fertilise your plants regularly.
- Protect your plants from pests and diseases.
- Harvest your vegetables when they are ripe. This will ensure that they are at their best flavour and nutritional value.
- Perennial vegetables such as aparagus may require a higher investment in the short term, but will return season after season, giving a much greater saving in the long run.
- Learn about preserving. Many veg produce gluts, with large crops coming all at once. Pickling, freezing, drying or fermenting can turn these short term gluts into food which can be enjoyed over a much longer period of time.
- Don’t just stop at veg! If you have the space, all manner of fruit can be grown at home or on the allotment, from apples to strawberries.
With a little planning and effort, you can grow your own vegetables and save money on your grocery bill.
