Millions of Americans still make New Year’s Resolution each year. Aside from losing weight and getting organized, saving money and spending less are the top resolutions, reports Forbes on Dec. 31. The good news is: with gardening you can fulfill your resolution to lose weight and eat healthier while saving money and spending less, too.
According to the National Gardening Association, 43 million American households grew vegetables in their gardens in 2009 and shaved an average of $530 off the grocery bill. With an average garden space of 600 square feet, that’s nearly a dollar per square foot. For a family of four, that amounts to nearly a month’s groceries under the USDA thrifty plan.
Depending on the size of your garden and the vegetables you choose to grow, your savings may be higher. But, financial gain is not the only reason to grow a garden. Fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the garden are tastier and higher in nutritional value than those purchased in the store, too.
Working in the garden also reduces stress and provides exercise, both important steps in weight loss.
Any way you look at it, growing your own fruits and vegetables in your backyard provides both health and financial benefits to your family and provides the gardener with hours of enjoyment as well.
Making a decision to grow a garden – or expand your existing garden – in 2013 may be one of the most important decisions you can make for your family this year.
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