by S B BLACK

Created on: May 29, 2009

The economy is in a state of turmoil at the moment. Whether you are one of the unlucky ones out of a job or are just trying to prepare for the possibility, everyone is trying to cut back on expenses. Food is one of the necessities that we can't do without, so what can be done to save on the grocery bill? Planting your own garden is a solution.

It may seem like a very daunting task, but with a little time and effort it can be done. Even if a backyard garden isn't in the cards because of space limitations, you can grow many vegetables and herbs in containers on porches and windowsills. The biggest expense you have is purchasing the seeds to get your garden started.

Before starting your garden think of things that you purchase each week at the grocery store. Of these, which are things that can be grown in a garden in your zone? If this is your first garden, be sure to check out some gardening books at your local library or do some research on the Internet to find out the proper care each plant will need. It's better to start out small and work your way up as you gain experience.

There are many simple things that can be grown in a backyard garden that are grocery staples. One of the most popular is tomatoes. Tomatoes can be eaten fresh as you pick them and can also be canned or dried for later use. Just think of the money that you'll be saving on tomato sauce and diced tomatoes when you make your next batch of chili or spaghetti. Tomatoes are also a great container crop if you are limited by space.

Two other crops that everyone uses are potatoes and onions. They are both easy to grow. After harvesting, clean them up and store them in a cool, dark, dry place. They should last you through the winter. An herb garden is a great way to save money at the grocery store. Herbs can be grown in a backyard garden or in containers. If you have a nice south-facing window in your house, decorate it with a small herb garden. You will have fresh herbs at your fingertips to use in your meals with no cost at the store.

As you gain experience, you can expand your garden to include many other fruits and vegetables, like strawberries, blueberries, squash, and peppers just to name a few. If you have space, plant some fruit trees. There is nothing better than grabbing an apple right out of your own backyard tree. Fruit trees take a few years to produce their first fruit, but are definitely worth the wait.

Each season as you add more and more to your garden, you can check those items off your grocery list and start adding up your savings.

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