Speaking of groceries-You can Save a lot by doing this!
lisa_fla
6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (9)
User
6 years agoRelated Discussions
how much do you guys save on your grocery bill from your garden?
Comments (20)It would be difficult (and time-consuming) to add that up, but especially if you buy organic vegetables, you will save money. Last year I purchased two kale plants and at the time I bought them I thought they were sort of expensive, I think they were over a dollar apiece. But they produced enormous amounts of kale for many months, until our weather got really hot in the early summer. I think I could have kept them alive through the summer if I had tried, but I needed the space for other things, and by then the kale leaves were tasting bitter. But for all those months, I noticed that organic kale of the same variety at the farmers market was about $4 a bunch. If I had bought just one bunch each week I guess would have saved between $80 and $100 just on kale. I was eating at least that much of it, and giving more away. Then there was the organic looseleaf lettuce I grew. I paid $2 or $3 for a large packet of mixed seed (still using it this year) and also supplied myself, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Organic lettuce was going for $2 to $3 a head but since I cut my lettuce leaves with scissors and let them regrow from the roots, I used the same plants all fall and winter and spring and saved an awful lot of money for myself and others. Beets were another good example. They are ridiculously easy to grow and a seed packet seems to last a lifetime. Yet organic beets (heck, even non-organic fresh beets) are very expensive at the market. Not every vegetable provides such a drastic cost comparison, of course. Zucchini squash is usually pretty cheap at the store, and of course it produces so much on the vine that you want to pay people to take it off your hands. Some other vegetables can be bought cheaply, although if you buy only organic vegetables most of those will cost twice as much as non-organic and that makes your cost comparison with homegrown a little more meaningful. But as most every gardener points out, the taste of homegrown food is much better, and the knowledge that food you grew yourself is safe for you and your family is priceless. When you factor in pride of accomplishment, convenience at cooking time, and the joy and pleasure of being close to nature, the value of gardening rises exponentially....See MoreA metal cutting chop saw off its base can save you lots of torch
Comments (5)Gator: My Makita Chop Saw is my best tool for cutting Pallet Planks (found as planks only as starter wood). Then 2-4â dia trimmings cut to 4-6â away from home and re-cut with a 10â Carbide blade for use. Plus, cutting concrete stress cracks (off the base with a concrete blade). The 1984 purchase has paid its cost many times. It saved my 1968 1 HP Craftsman Skill Saw from a 2nd rebuild. The gearing has really saved the saw. Cutting tons of small 2-4â dia Oak/Pecan/Mesquite (BBQ/Firewood) turned out to be too dusty on a band saw inside (as planned). It was too much dust pulled in my sawâÂÂs motor (affecting it) and on me. On better weather days the chop saw is the better saw, outside with less resistance and dust. I Am Still Learning!!!...See MoreHow often do you grocery shop? How many places do you go?
Comments (29)I shop at multiple stores. Pay day is every other Friday so I that is when I go to Wal-Mart or Smith's (Kroger owned). Every 2 weeks we also get coffee beans at the little mom and pop shop. We go to Sprouts every 2 weeks as their ads overlap on Wednesdays. This is actually getting less frequent as they have not put the bulk things on sale that I want the most as frequently (steel cut oats and short grain brown rice). The bread outlet is a once a month trip. Other stores such as Keller's (for meat), Trader Joe's, the international markets, Vitamin Cottage (for other bulk items), I alternate months. Some things I get through Amazon's subscribe and save and that can vary in frequency. Eggs are mostly from my hens and many of our vegetables come from our garden. Some of the variety in shopping is about the money savings but it is more along the lines of trying to match the quality to a certain price point and meeting my needs of acquiring a diversity of ingredients. Arborio rice at TJ's, quality meat at Keller's, red lentils in bulk at Vitamin Cottage, etc. Part of it is me trying to maintain a well stocked pantry because my moods are fickle and if the pantry has a variety of things, I can cook according to my mood. Pre-planned menus never, ever work for me....See MoreDo you think I can save this....and do I want to?
Comments (11)I do like the cider brined pork roast, but I never let it sit overnight, and I only use my own pork, the commercial stuff is nearly always already full of "flavor enhancers". I tried brining the turkey/chicken/pork etc. and just didn't care much for it and I seldom marinate beef either. I guess I just like the flavor of the meat itself, without adding anything. Plus brine just seems to add too much salt for my liking, I can taste the salt over everything else. Sorry about your pork loin, though, that type of experience is why I seldom buy prepared foods. I'm picky and I usually just don't like them. I don't think I've ever eaten any product at all from Smithfield, so maybe they just aren't good, as Beverly doesn't like their ham either. Annie...See Moreont_gal
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoaok27502
6 years agoUser
6 years agosleeperblues
6 years agoAdella Bedella
6 years agosedona16
6 years agoabbisgram
6 years ago
Related Stories
THE POLITE HOUSEThe Polite House: What Can I Do About My Neighbors’ Trash Cans?
If you’re tired of staring at unsightly garbage way before pickup day, it’s time to have some tough conversations
Full Story
KITCHEN DESIGNThe Cure for Houzz Envy: Kitchen Touches Anyone Can Do
Take your kitchen up a notch even if it will never reach top-of-the-line, with these cheap and easy decorating ideas
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESThe Cure for Houzz Envy: Dining Room Touches Anyone Can Do
Get a decorator-style dining room on the cheap with inexpensive artwork, secondhand furniture and thoughtful accessories
Full Story
LANDSCAPE DESIGNThese 4 Planting Strategies Can Save You Money
Use seeds, plugs and more to keep costs down as you fill out your garden
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDESCan 1970s Decor Don’ts Be Turned Into Do’s?
Mixed plaids, wood paneling, BarcaLoungers and more are finding their way into chic updated spaces
Full Story
DECLUTTERING10 Decluttering Projects You Can Do in 15 Minutes or Less
Try these ideas to get organized at home one small step at a time
Full Story
HOUSEKEEPINGCan-Do Cleaning Strategies for Busy People
While you dream of having a maid (to go with the cook and chauffer), this simplified cleaning routine can keep your real-world home tidy
Full Story
LANDSCAPE DESIGN6 Ways You Can Save on Your Garden Renovation
Find out how to spend wisely without compromising on style — and what to splurge on for big impact
Full Story
GARDENING GUIDES10 Tips to Start a Garden — Can-Do Ideas for Beginners
Green up your landscape even if you're short on time, money and knowledge, with these manageable steps for first-time gardeners
Full Story
BUDGET DECORATINGThe Cure for Houzz Envy: Living Room Touches Anyone Can Do
Spiff up your living room with very little effort or expense, using ideas borrowed from covetable ones
Full Story
lisa_flaOriginal Author