Well, here we are the still at the beginning of the of 2025. Tariffs looming, money is already tight, but life goes on. You still got to work and take care of your family. Starting a garden can help in several ways.

Home gardening creates a calming atmosphere for adults and children that takes them away from the negative onslaught of TV and the internet. Provides healthy food, easy exercise. It is also good for romance. Just think of all the money you’ll save and loads of affection you’ll receive by bringing your wife or girlfriend a bouquet almost week.

Not everyone has a farm or a big yard, yet alone a big budget. So here are few ways to get started for pennies on a dollar. Start by going to the library and reading up on gardening. While you are there check to see if they have a seed library, many do. You can order free seeds. Also, almost every county in the US has a Master Gardens program. They may have a seed saving library where you can order free seeds too. You can also send them email or call them on their hot line if you are having problems with pest, diseases or just need assistance to make your garden productive. They are associated with the local University. A lot of what they offer is fact based and update information. Take of advantage if they have a monthly newsletter. I am a part of the Camden County Certified Gardners and ours is called The Savvy Gardener.

Check your municipality to see if they have a community garden in the area. In community gardens people can rent a plot for the year to plant fresh produce or flowers. As long as is it legal. They usually have a garden community with rules and regulations. This is to keep everyone working together harmoniously and deal with any issues that arise in a civil manner. I have had garden plot since 2008 in various communities where I have lived. Gardening too me is an oasis and source joy. I cannot even begin to show enough gratitude for. —-But I will try.–Every year I had plenty of fresh vegetables to process and freeze. Which supplements my food budget. In the summer, there lots of tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers plenty for summer salads. Fresh corn and watermelons for cook outs. Might of fact, I can’t tell how many easy side dishes that I have put together for family get togethers from what I have grown from garden. Caprese salad made from tomatoes and basil I picked that very morning. When travelling, I take hostess gifts for my family that put me up the week. I get a bed for the week, and they got homemade pies and quick breads from sweet potatoes and zucchini. Let’s not forget veggies to add to the grill at BBQ’s or other gatherings. Those bake goods also freeze well and was shared during the holidays and given as gifts. Finally, when I didn’t have any food ready to harvest, I was able to harvest flowers to treat myself to fresh bouquets.

My youngest daughter had special needs. She utilized the garden to take photos for her afterschool photography club. Her teachers were so impressed that they featured her work in the school newspaper. Imagine seeing your kid poising with lettuce and greens. She was a cute tomatoe!!

To further cut costs is to share seeds. There are usually more the enough seeds in packet to be share with 3 to 4 households and many get donated and wasted in not used. Start a neighborhood gardening club to split the cost of seeds, tools and labor. It is shame to say almost every day I see too many kids running around getting trouble because they claim that they bored and have nothing to do. A gardening club is a great way to channel that energy and help put them in a calming atmosphere. I’m sure their pediatricians will be more than happy that they are being exposed to healthy fresh food.

When comes to garden tools-CHEAPER IS NOT ALWAYS COST EFFECTIVE. You don’t need lumps of cash to buy top shelf-brands. However, since multiple people will be using and sharing the tools, it is advisable to investigate before you buy. You should purchase quality tools and equipment that will last many seasons. When you decide to upgrade, better quality means that you will be able to get some kind of market value that can be used to offset the cost of the next purchase.

Some communities have a tool sharing library. You usually have to be a member of that community to use it and fill out an application. It is great because if you don’t want to buy or can’t afford to a piece of equipment such as lawnmower, shovel or rototiller, you can borrow it, use it for the agreed time and return it. Just like you would do a book from a regular library.

What if you live in apartment or suburban area with little space? If you are creative, you can grow something just about anywhere. Look around at your front porch/ yard. How about your balcony or patio. Perhaps you can stick a few containers here and there. There are some herbs and plants that don’t need pollinators to produce. They can serve a dual purpose. A source of food and decoration, which helps creates and more relaxing home space.

Aerogardens and hydroponics are becoming more popular.

You can save on seed starting by reusing yogurt cups and milk cartons. Wash and sterilize them. You can cut off the tops of plastic soda, and water bottles and reuse them also. Just make sure to take stick pin to poke holes in the bottom of the whatever containers you are using for drainage. Another cost savvy strategy is to make use your kitchen scraps (fruit, vegetables, coffee grinds and egg shells) to make compost. There are so many at home composter available now and you can make your own compost system with two trash cans. At my community garden we have been utilizing it for years and it so easy.

In one (galvanized steel) I keep and bag of manure such as Black Cow and Scotts Topsoil. I use the layer method. On the bottom of the other ( can be plastic with a securable lid) I put a layer of grass and leaves, then I put my scraps that have cut into small 1-inch pieces for easy breakdown. Then I put a layer of topsoil and a scope of manure. No added moisture because it will make this slimy. I place brick to on top of the cans to keep critters and rain out. No turning needed. Every week I bring the scrapes from my kitchen composter and add layers like making lasagna until it is full then I start another when necessary. Everything is breaking down slowly and nicely. It is breaking down for the next season. So, while working your garden this year, you are building compost for the next season. Using what you got to get what you need. TIPS— Do not add meat or greasy foods to compost. WILL DRAW UNWANTED VISITORS!! WASPS, DOGS, BEARS ETC!! Also do not added onions, garlic or citrus. They will irritate the earth worms’ bellies. We want to keep them happy and feely roaming in garden. The add nutrients and aerate the soil.

In conclusion, sticking with the theme of my blog,– just sharing a few simple ideas to add joy to your journey of life. MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT UNTIL NEXT TIME.