But if you get seduced by marketing hype and buy lots of stuff that isn’t really necessary (e.g., hybrid seeds or fancy containers for planting), then it can also be easy waste of money!
Here are 8 tips on how maximize returns from this investment:
Pick the right veggies for your garden
It’s not the size of your garden that matters, but how much you plant. If possible, try to grow as many vegetables in it as possible- from leafy greens and fresh produce such as tomatoes or cucumbers, all the way down to root veggies like potatoes, which can be planted again once they’ve harvested their first crop!
And don’t forget about flowers too – just because there are no leaves doesn’t mean it’s less important; bees need plants with pollen, so these will help provide them safely instead if some metal containers without any life inside.
Start from seeds—with a few exceptions
In contrast to buying new hybrid seeds, it is often cheaper and healthier for you (and the environment) to buy old-fashioned non-hybrid vegetables grown from scratch.
This will almost always provide better produce with less risk of disease or pest infestation when compared hybrids, since there are no unknown genetic traits being introduced into your plants.
There are a few exceptions to the “start everything from seeds” rule.
For example, heat-loving plants like tomatoes can take some planning and timing before they’re ready for planting outdoors in your garden—especially if you don’t have any sunny windowsills or don’t even have grow lights.
Coordinate a seed swap
It’s easy to make your own fresh vegetables at home with a seed swap.
Seed packets typically contain more than the average gardener will use in several years, so dividing them up saves money and supplies for everyone involved!
Go small to start
The best thing to do is start small—no more than 10-by-10 feet or two 4’x8′ raised beds.
You’ll harvest a lot more from such an area and have so much fun growing your vegetables in them too!
Consider container gardening
It is important to know that vegetables can be grown in containers. For a quick-maturing variety, look for ones with compact growth habits and sturdy trellises if you want them climbing up your container!
If it’s less expensive or more convenient than buying new pots, consider using old furniture as well – just drill some drainage holes so they will not get flooded when watering from above (make sure these do not have handles).
Veggie plants are thirsty creatures; make sure there’s plenty of water available at all times. Also, get some organic potting mix specifically designed for containers.
Keep your veggies productive
There are many ways you can improve your harvest by prepping the right veggies. For example, lettuce and spinach will come back year after year if they’re harvested at just the right time before maturity.
Note: Baby Spinach grows super fast so it’s best to snip these off with scissors rather than cutting directly down from their stalk base.
Waste nothing
You don’t want your hard-earned produce going wasted so use every last bit of our favorite veggies before they spoil.
This means, sharing with your family, friends, even neighbors! Or, if you are more adventurous, donate it to people who need them!
Save seeds for next season
Saving seed is important because you can save a lot of money by planting extra seeds. Store your unused ones in an airtight container away from moisture and light to keep them lasting for years!
Don’t forget about the end-of season sales either – they’re perfect time to stock up on those hard-to find varieties that everyone wants!