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Cheap Produce | Plant a Garden and Learn To Can & Freeze

So, I’ve discussed with you how to get Cheap Produce by looking into Kansas City’s Community Supported Agriculture Programs.

Today, we are going to talk about getting cheap produce by things you can do in your own house.

Plant a Garden.

The picture above is baby lettuce from my garden.

You don’t need acres of land to have a garden. We are able to grow lots of veggies with our three different plots – in front of our house (full-sun), side of the house (sun-shade) and back yard (sun-shade). Between these three plots we are able to harvest lettuce, cucumbers, squash, snow peas, peppers, tomatoes, radishes, basil, cilantro, and beans. (And this year we are trying rutabagas and strawberries.) And since I’m the farmer, I know they are pesticide free.

With that being said, knowing what your “plot of land” can produce is helpful. Don’t be like me and spend three years planting and watering tomatoes and only get three tomatoes. That doesn’t make for cheap produce. It makes for $20.00 tomatoes.

Learn How to Store Your Produce.

Once you are able to get your hands on some cheap produce, it’s important to know how to store it for the long term.

The easiest way is to get some good produce storage containers because they honestly make your produce last longer. With the right storage conditions, I’m able to keep my produce for at least a week longer than without it.

Also learning to freeze and can your local organic produce at its prime, you guarantee a superb tasting product. As as added benefit, you are usually purchasing the produce when it is its lowest price – so it is like stockpiling – only with fruits and veggies.

I know canning and freezing can seem intimidating, but it isn’t as hard as you think. I did several freezing and canning tutorials (Look under the subhead “Tutorials”) last year and I plan on doing more this year. And if I can do it, you can too. Because Martha Stewart, I am NOT.

Like anything, you can do as much or as little as you would like. But even if you pick just one, you reduce your overall produce budget long term.

How about you? Are you planting a garden this year? What things do you like to can or freeze? Leave a comment and let us know.