Inflation, The Russian invasion of Ukraine, and supply issues are teaming up to send your grocery bill through the roof in the coming months. Could you save some money by growing some of your own food instead?
LSU AgCenter Horticulture Agent Anna Timmerman told WWL you can absolutely save on some of the big grocery store vegetable staples by investing as little as $100 dollars in a home setup.
“If we look at some of our more fresh green items like kale, salad greens, spinach, all of that stuff can be grown in relatively small spaces, and relatively quickly,” said Timmerman. “Easy, quick turnaround crops that are actually easier to produce some of that stuff at home.
Timmerman advises against trying to grow things like potatoes because there’s no way you could get the per-unit price below that which you would find at the grocery.
Is it economically feasible to grow more than just some salad materials? Yes. Turns out in Louisiana you can grow most of the trinity pretty easily if you are willing to do so seasonally. In addition to the trinity, accoutrement like garlic and green onions are also good options for Louisiana home growers.
“Bell peppers, it’s actually the prime time to start planting them,” said Timmerman who added that celery can be a bit finicky, and onions are really a winter crop for us.
Grow space can be limited in urban and suburban areas, but Timmerman said if you’re dealing with the traditional three bed two bath with a back yard and a lawn you should consider trying out container growing. Any kind of container that drains from the bottom will do, just fill it up with the best quality fertilizer that you can afford, plant some seeds or pre-grown plants, and go to work.
The whole process can be even more affordable if you manage to scrounge up some free labor.
“It’s good for kids because it teaches kids where their food comes from,” said Timmerman. “It can build work ethic to get them out there gardening, watering, pulling weeds.”