Today’s economy is forcing all of us back to basics. We’re striving to live within our means, and cutting back on some of the things that we used to never think twice about. One “discovery” when we realign our spending habits is that we have a little more left at the end of the month, allowing us to perhaps put an extra payment or two against our mortgage, make a tax payment, or even save a little more for the downpayment on a new home. One of the ways we can save—and achieve a goal of sustainability and a myriad of other benefits—is to “grow our own.” That’s right—gardening is enjoying a renaissance in America today!
The way nature intended—2010 Vegetable and fruit gardening today is on the rise, and is a great way to save money and get the healthiest produce you desire. It gives you and your family an affordable way to try gourmet varieties of vegetables that would otherwise be too expensive to purchase in grocery stores. And let’s not forget that the flavor from homegrown is unforgettable!
Good health in the 21st century demands that we enjoy more fruits and vegetables in our diets. They provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help control high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Growing your own also gives peace of mind—you know how your food was grown, you know what chemicals (if any) you used to grow, and you know your soil is pristine and uncontaminated. Cultivating cash Let’s face it—grocery shopping is one of our biggest monthly expenses. But by spending just $50-$100 for seeds, plants or vegetables, you can reap more than $1,250 worth of produce in return. The only other thing you’ll need is a small, sunny spot in your yard, a little water, and some time spent in maintenance.
Shifting your dollars In northern Nevada, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries average $3.99 for 6 oz. of fruit. This equates to $63.84 per pound of berries. The average family consumes 18 pounds of berries annually, resulting in costs of $1,149 per family. By planting your own, you’ll spend $12.99 for a plant that will produce 18-22 pounds of berries per year—a savings of $1,136 annually!
There’s a lot to be said about taking care of yourself and your loved ones by taking control. Conditions today are forcing us to reevaluate many aspects of our lives. Food production is one of the greenest, most sustainable means of enhancing our quality of life—grow it!
(Garden Spot Nursery, Inc. is located at 990 Glendale Ave in Sparks. A 4th generation business, Garden Spot’s founder, Lorrie Sanders, her son CJ Sanders, and their qualified staff are truly dedicated to helping you with all of your gardening needs. Garden Spot Nursery stocks a great selection of fruit trees, berries, vegetables and herbs that do well in our area. To learn more—or to take one of the gardening classes offered from April through June, contact Garden Spot at 775-972-0841)
