Money doesn’t grow on trees, but you can certainly save some cash this summer by taking advantage of Mother Nature’s goodness.
Don’t let soaring food prices put a damper on your seasonal fun; rather, consider growing your own fruits and vegetables in order to preserve your family’s household budget. You might be surprised by how a little farming can yield big savings for the average American family.
According to the Wall Street Journal, for every $1 you spend on green bean seeds, you have the ability to grow an average of $75 worth of produce. In addition, for every $1 you spend on potato seeds, you can potentially pocket an average of $50 worth of savings. What’s more, studies show that $50 spent on vegetables seeds will save an average family $1,250. You can double or triple that amount if you take the time to can or dry your harvest to use in the fall and winter.
If you don’t have a green thumb or you simply don’t have the space to devote to a large produce garden, plant a container garden instead. Fresh herbs are a cinch to grow, plus you can save a bundle by not having to buy them at the store. Moreover, by taking the initiative to harvest your own crops you are guaranteed pesticide-free fruits, vegetables and herbs to feed your family.
Another way you can save some green this summer is to stop worrying about the color of your grass. Excessive use of sprinklers can put a major damper on summer savings. Studies show, Americans are the world’s largest water users with a staggering 60 percent of U.S. residents spending excessively to saturate their lawn and other landscaping. You can significantly reduce your home water bill by not watering your grass everyday, especially during the summer months.
If you are concerned that you will end up with a brown yard, then don’t cut-out the sprinkler all together; instead don’t overwater your lawn. A good rule to follow is to water grass every five to seven days. However, if you get a good soaking rain, then grass doesn’t have to be watered for up to two weeks.