Some crops will produce A LOT, often more than your family can consume fresh. Nobody wants to waste food and that should be considered when planning your garden. There are options such as selling your excess or donating it to a food bank but if you are growing yours to lower your food budget, you will want to find a way to extend the benefits to your family.
Canning, freezing, storing and drying are four great ways to extend your gardens fresh bounty. Potatoes can stay in the ground until the land freezes, home canned vegetables are much healthier than commercially canned ones, fruit can be frozen, and tomatoes can be dried just to name a few options. There are many ways to keep enjoying your fruits and vegetables after the season or even when you have too many! To make the most of your garden, eat it fresh and then preserve the rest for later enjoyment.