How to Lighten Your Grocery Load

Living frugally is hard enough in this economy, none the less trying to eat smart and healthy. Despite your efforts, it still seems that you are spending too much money at the grocery store. Fortunately, there is a way to help lighten the financial load of your grocery bill and feed your family. The best way to do this is through gardening. It is simple, the more you can rely on your own crop, the less you have to depend on and spend at the grocery store. Whatever you cannot grow in your garden or backyard, buy at the grocery store.  

Gardening, some people love it, some people grimace at the mere thought of hoeing weeds, bending over, and watering plants. However, this could make quite a dent in your food budget. Fresh vegetables and fruit can be grown right on your property and enjoyed all summer long: green beans, peas, lima beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, spinach, lettuce, carrots, beets, and much more. Also, fruits like strawberries and grapes can be added to your garden while pear, apple, cherry and peach trees can be planted. These delicious and incredibly healthy fruits and vegetables can be grown right in your backyard and best of all lower grocery costs. Just think, with every bean and tomato you pick, you are saving money.  

What about the winter?

During the spring and summer, eating from the garden is simple and fun. But during the winter your money making garden now is on hold. Thankfully, in the spring, you have the option of growing more produce than you need. This way you can freeze and can your produce for the winter months. Most vegetables can be frozen and even canned, depending on how you want to eventually eat them. You can also freeze or can your fruits, that way you can enjoy them all winter long.

Eating out of your own garden is not only cheaper, but also healthier. You be confident in knowing where your food came from and what is in it. The fresh taste will become a hit, and gardening is a great activity for families to do together. You will be able to save a lot of money through gardening, while putting better, fresher, and more quality food into your body. It is a great way to combat high food prices and enjoy delicious fruits and vegetables straight from your backyard.     

Kelly Shertzer works in Web Marketing at Medical Support Products Inc. On the side she enjoys a life full of health and fitness.