African Americans, especially our elders, were good about keeping a backyard vegetable garden—perhaps as a throwback to the Southern ancestors who maintained a patch to feed themselves and their families, perhaps as a result of needing to have some sort of sustenance to help them through the Great Depression, or perhaps as a good hobby to keep them active. Or maybe for all of these reasons and more.
Considering how inflation is impacting food prices—especially the price of eggs—people are thinking our elders were onto something. And they were.
Gardening has been a popular hobby for many people around the world. It is not only a relaxing and satisfying activity, but it can also help save on food expenses. With the rising cost of living, every penny saved can make a significant difference in our lives.
There are many benefits to growing your own food, and one of the most significant advantages is the amount of money you can save. When you grow your own fruits, vegetables and herbs, you can significantly reduce your food expenses. A study conducted by the National Gardening Association found that a well-maintained garden can yield a return of $600 worth of vegetables and herbs on an average plot size of 600 square feet. This is a considerable amount of money saved, especially for those who are trying to reduce their grocery bills.
Another way that gardening helps save on food expenses is by reducing the cost of transportation. However, when you grow your own fruits and vegetables, you eliminate the need for transportation, which can save you a significant amount of money. Additionally, when you grow your own food, you also reduce the amount of packaging waste that is generated, which is better for the environment.
Gardening also helps save on food expenses by reducing the need to purchase expensive organic produce. Organic produce is often significantly more expensive than conventionally grown produce, and it can be challenging to find organic options for certain fruits and vegetables. However, when you grow your own food, you have complete control over the growing process and can ensure that your produce is organic and free of harmful chemicals.
Moreover, gardening helps save on food expenses by reducing the need to purchase herbs and spices. Fresh herbs and spices are an essential part of many cuisines, and they can be expensive to purchase at the grocery store. However, when you grow your own herbs and spices, you can significantly reduce your food expenses. Not only are they less expensive to grow, but they are also fresher and have a more robust flavor than store-bought options. Additionally, you can dry them for later use.
Gardening also helps save on food expenses by encouraging you to eat more plant-based meals. Eating a plant-based diet is not only healthier for you, but it is also more cost-effective. Meat and dairy products are often some of the most expensive items on grocery bills. When you grow your own fruits and vegetables, you are more likely to consume them, which can lead to a reduction in meat and dairy consumption. Additionally, plant-based meals are often more affordable than meat-based meals, which can further reduce your grocery bill.
Aside from the financial benefits, gardening also offers numerous other advantages. Gardening can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity, which can help reduce stress and improve mental health. It also provides an opportunity to get outdoors, connect with nature and get some exercise. Moreover, gardening can promote a sense of self-sufficiency and independence as you are growing your own food and taking control of your diet.
Starting a vegetable garden can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to grow your own food. The cost of starting a vegetable garden can vary depending on the size of your garden, the types of plants you want to grow, and the materials you choose to use. However, in this article, we will provide a rough estimate of the costs involved in starting a basic vegetable garden.
First, you will need to consider the cost of tools and equipment. Some essential tools for a vegetable garden include a garden spade, rake, hoe, gloves, and a watering can or hose. You may also need a wheelbarrow, pruning shears, and a soil tester. The cost of these tools can range from $50 to $150, depending on the quality and brand of the equipment.
Next, you will need to include the cost of soil and compost. The quality of your soil will have a significant impact on the growth and health of your plants. Depending on the size of your garden, you may need several bags of soil and compost. The cost of soil and compost can range from $20 to $100 or more, depending on the quality and quantity needed.
You will also need to purchase seeds or seedlings. The cost of seeds and seedlings can vary depending on the types of plants you want to grow. Some vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers, can be more expensive to purchase as seedlings, while others, such as lettuce and beans, can be easily grown from seeds. The cost of seeds or seedlings can range from $20 to $50 or more, depending on the variety and quantity of plants you want to grow. If you’re on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you can buy the vegetable seeds with your EBT card at participating stores that carry seeds.
Additionally, you may want to consider the cost of fertilizers and pesticides. Organic fertilizers and pesticides can be more expensive than their conventional counterparts, but they are often safer and more environmentally friendly. The cost of fertilizers and pesticides can range from $20 to $50 or more, depending on the type and quantity needed.
Finally, you will want to contemplate the need for irrigation. Depending on the climate in your area, you may need to install an irrigation system or purchase a hose and sprinkler to water your plants. The cost of irrigation can range from $20 to $100 or more, depending on the size and complexity of the system.
In total, the cost of starting a basic vegetable garden can range from $150 to $450 or more, depending on the size and scope of your project. However, it is essential to keep in mind that a vegetable garden can provide a significant return on investment in the form of fresh, nutritious produce and reduced grocery bills. Moreover, a vegetable garden can be a fun and rewarding hobby that provides numerous health and wellness benefits.
If these eggs prices got you considering buying your own chicken, it’s understandable. The cost of raising a chicken can vary depending on a number of factors such as the breed of chicken, the quality of their feed, and the cost of living in your area. However, some general estimates can be made.
First, the cost of purchasing a chicken can range from a few dollars for a standard breed to over $100 for rare breeds or show quality birds. The cost of a coop or other housing can also vary widely depending on its size, quality, and whether or not it is pre-built or DIY.
After the initial setup costs, ongoing expenses will include chicken feed, which can range from $10 to $50 per month depending on the quality of the feed and the number of chickens. Other ongoing expenses include bedding material, chicken healthcare costs, and electricity if you choose to use a heat lamp in the winter.
Overall, the cost of raising a chicken can vary widely, but estimates suggest that it can cost anywhere from $150 to $500 per year per chicken.
Unfortunately, it’s illegal to own chickens in the city of Detroit.
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