by Glynnis Hayward

Created on: November 10, 2010   Last Updated: June 11, 2011

A few summers ago I decided that it was time to start a vegetable garden in addition to a flower garden, for I had a little Jiminy Cricket voice saying, "What about something useful?  How about feeding the family?"  I ignored it for years, but finally it got to me. 

My first move was to look online for information about this new aspect of gardening.  There were countless informative sources, but at length I needed to show my commitment to the project;  I went to the local bookstore to browse the gardening section.  There is something very energizing about garden books; all those pictures of healthy, artistically designed gardens.  I was encouraged to see how beautiful even vegetable gardens could be and to ensure that my inspiration remained constant, I purchased two books. I was now committed.  (Although the store has a very good return policy, so I had three days to reconsider.)

Cost: $60.00

I poured over the books and realized that I was going to have to designate my sunniest spot to vegetables.  This could have ended my zeal, but as it turned out, that portion of my garden was in need of serious replanting.  It was the ideal time to literally weed out the poor performers, transplant the rest, and make space for my mini farm.  Fortunately the adobe soil was still soft and pliable from late spring rains and so this part of the process was accomplished with ease. 

Cost: $0.00 (only my time!)

Because our area is plagued with moles, voles, gophers, rabbits and deer, I needed to plan some battle strategy.  It was back to the books and online chats.  The solution seemed to be raised beds lined with gopher wire underneath and surrounded by chicken wire to keep the rabbits and deer out above.  A trip to the lumber yard and some help from my spouse, some days later we had ourselves two raised beds.

Cost: $120.00  There was no going back.

The soil was easy to turn and to it, I added all the compost that I had made during the past year.  A trip to the garden shop was next with a purchase of more planting mix and chicken manure.  The odor from the latter made my mini farm seem very real in the middle of this urban setting.  I apologized to the neighbors and promised them some of the bounty when the vegetables went into production.

Cost: $20.00

Finally we were ready.  Another trip to the garden shop where I at last bought the vegetables; two packets of seeds (carrots and Swiss Chard) as well as two tomato plants. 

Cost: $8.00

The checker looked at the amount and whistled, saying, "Wow, it's so much cheaper to grow your own vegetables!  Isn't it great?"

I tried to smile.  

In July when the first yellow blossoms transformed into green tomatoes, I hovered like an expectant mother.  As they ripened, pride and pleasure knew no bounds.  The carrot and eggplant seedlings also thrived.  We harvested thirteen tomatoes, seven eggplants and twenty carrots that first year.  Not much to share with the neighbors after all and hardly enough to feed the family, but the taste was indescribable.

Cost per vegetable: $5.20! 

I felt deflated when I considered the numbers, but my husband always manages to put things in perspective.  He cheerfully pointed out that I could amortize that amount over the years!  Was it worth it?  Absolutely.  You have to look at the big picture.  I am happy to report that I'm still growing vegetables; the bounty has improved and increased - and they are priceless. 

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