Starting a garden may sound intimidating, but don't be fooled as getting a little dirty has its rewards.
Christine Miller with Pittsboro Feed says, "It can save a huge amount of money." Miller says start simple with just a patio pot or a small area in your yard. She adds, "In your 4x4 area you can get 6 tomato plants in there, three bell pepper plants, banana peppers, beans, and some herbs and you'd be good to go."
Pittsboro Feed has a three pack off tomato plants that will cost you $1.50. Miller says each plant has the ability to produce up to 10 pounds of tomatoes. She adds, "So a 50 cent investment reaps you a lot of reward."
She says first time gardeners should stick with growing veggies you'd put in your salad, like lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
Growing herbs will also save you big. Miller suggests starting your herb garden in a pot next to your grill. She says, "You can plant all kind of herbs in there. Just go out there and cut them, stuff them into a chicken and you have a lot of opportunities and it's very inexpensive."
Stephanie Lee's family grows their own veggies and says besides saving money, it's also healthier. She adds, "It's enjoyable and you know what you're getting. There are no pesticides or herbicides. Plus it's much fresher and they taste better."
And Pittsboro Feed isn't just seeing an increase with their veggie plants and seeds; they're also seeing a spike in chicken sales. A baby chick costs just $2.99 and each one will produce a lot of eggs for your family. Miller says, "A chicken will lay at six months an egg a day or an egg every other day."
What started as just a few chickens for Elizabeth Holloway turned into several chicken houses.
Holloway says, "I used to think people with chickens were crazy, but it's really fun. The chickens are very self sufficient. You just give them feed and water and just try to keep them healthy." And Holloway says she hasn't had to buy eggs for years. She says, "Right now, I'm getting about 15 or 16 a day. I'm giving them to everyone I know."
Of course, you need to know the laws and regulations in your area to make sure you're allowed to raise chickens. As for your garden, now is the perfect time to start it, it will take about 6 to 8 weeks for your veggie's to grow.
Check out Pittsboro Feed's website www.pittsborofeed.com. They have information about an upcoming chicken clinic and also other helpful tips on what you need to know to get started with your garden.
For other money saving ideas and freebies, check out my blog at www.abc11.com/troubleshooterblog