Money Saving Tip - DIY Herb Garden

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” Audrey Hepburn

Starting a DIY herb garden is a practical way to cut down on grocery costs.  With a small investment in seeds, pots, and soil, you can grow the most common herbs like basil, cilantro, and thyme right at home on your windowsill or balcony. On average, growing your own herbs can reduce your grocery bill by $500 annually.

The Hidden Expense of Fresh Herbs

Herbs might seem like a small part of your grocery list, but their cost can add up quickly, especially if you cook often. A small bundle of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil can cost anywhere from $4 to $5, and they often come in quantities larger than you need for a single recipe, potentially causing you to toss out unused portions. Dried herbs, while longer lasting, aren’t necessarily more economical. A small jar typically starts around $3, but prices rise quickly for higher-quality or organic options, reaching $6 or more for a single container.

Cutting Costs with Homegrown Herbs

Now, let’s compare that to growing your own. A packet of herb seeds typically costs less than $2, and one packet can last through several plantings. If you don’t have a backyard, a couple basic supplies such as potting soil, (usually a 6-quart bag of potting soil costs around $6) and a set of terracotta containers (a 3 inch pot is around $3) are all you need. Altogether, if you go with three containers it will be under $20 to start up a simple DIY indoor herb garden that will keep producing fresh herbs for months.

Getting Started with Home Herb Gardening

Not sure which herbs to start with? Money Saving Tip - DIY Herb Garden - Start with the ones you use most, like parsley, oregano, cilantro, rosemary or basil. Along with seeds, pick up a small bag of potting soil and containers. There are also plenty of herb starter kits available. One of the most popular options is Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light, which provides everything you need to begin growing herbs indoors, year-round. These kits typically include seeds, soil pods, and containers, perfect for beginners or those short on space.

And the best part? Any fresh herbs you don’t use can easily be dried and stored for later, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. As your herb garden thrives, you might find yourself enjoying it so much, and growing so many herbs that you could even turn the surplus into a side hustle, selling fresh or dried herbs locally and earning extra income on the side.

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Key Takeaways:

Herb Costs Add Up: Whether fresh or dried, organic or not, purchasing herbs regularly can become expensive.

Low Start-Up Cost: You can grow herbs at home for as little as $20, or less with a backyard, making it a budget-friendly way to save over time. For year-round growing, an indoor garden with Indoor Garden with LED Grow Light costs more but offers continuous harvests.

Reduce Waste: Harvest only what you need, allow the plants to continue growing, and dry any excess for later use, minimizing waste and maximizing value.

Business Potential: Growing herbs at home can open doors to potential business opportunities, such as selling fresh or dried herbs locally, further increasing savings or generating income.

So why not start your own DIY herb garden today? With minimal investment and a little patience, you'll be growing fresh herbs in no time and saving on your grocery bill. Plus, who knows? You might just discover a new hobby or even a profitable side business.