5 Priority Planting Tips To Maximize Your Grocery Bill Savings

Photo: 4 ears of corn cost $5.99 at our local Safeway

The price of food is rising.  You may have already noticed or at least heard about the rising cost of corn, soybeans and wheat.  Just the other day, I noticed that four ears of corn cost $5.99 at our local grocery store.  To mitigate the rising cost of food, I encourage you to try and grow some of your own fruits, vegetables and herbs.  To maximize your savings on your grocery bill this year, I suggest you follow the 5 tips listed below.  These tips are especially important for apartment gardeners or other gardeners that have only a small area to work with.

1. Give Expensive Produce Priority Planting.  Think about the foods you love or frequently use, then walk down the produce aisle, and get an idea of what these items cost.  Take in account that out-of-season produce will generally cost more than it would be in-season.  Then give the pricey items priority planting.  For example, I love corn.  Our local Safeway is selling four ears of sweet corn for $5.99.  I also know that the price of corn has increased dramatically, and will continue to rise so I will be planting sweet corn in my garden this year.  Sweet corn will have priority over vegetables like broccoli because broccoli is only $0.79 per pound and it has a long shelf-life.      
2. Plant Food You Frequently Consume.  I alluded to this in the previous point, but make sure you give priority planting to foods you actually consume frequently, and not just foods you love but rarely eat.  For example, I frequently use tomatoes and bell peppers so I allotted a good chunk of my garden to tomatoes and bell peppers.  For this reason, I will probably not plant eggplant this year although one of my favorite dishes is Thai green curry chicken.  I do not eat eggplant often enough, and that space would be better utilized by planting vegetables I frequently consume.  
3. Plant Rare or Hard-To-Find Varieties.  Heirloom vegetables are delicious, pricey and hard to find so why not try planting heirloom plants this year?  Seed Savers Exchange, Fedco Garden Seeds, and Seeds of Change are some sources of heirloom seeds and/or plants. 
4. Plant Easily Perishable Produce.  Plant foods that are easily perishable.  For example, I love asparagus, but it has a short shelf-life.  So this year, I purchased 3 different types of asparagus crowns.  I planted them in the garden weeks ago and I already see thin asparagus shoots emerging from the soil.  Because asparagus is a perennial (meaning it will live for years without needing to be replanted) this small initial investment will provide me years of future enjoyment.  I will have the freshest possible asparagus spears only steps away from the kitchen.  If you want to grow asparagus for consumption, skip the seeds and purchase the crowns.  Normally asparagus is not harvested before its third year so planting crowns will give you a head start.   
5. Don't Forget The Herbs.  Many herbs are easy to grow, and generally do not require a lot of space.  They provide great flavor with a negligible amount of calories, and they are packed with vitamins and minerals that give our bodies many health benefits.  Fresh herbs can also be pricey, they have a short shelf-life, and they are not always available at the grocery store.  So invest a little time, money and space to an herb garden.  Trust me, the next time you have a recipe that calls for a couple of tablespoons of four different herbs, your pocket book will thank you.

Bell Pepper Plants from Scraps

Some people find it difficult to start bell pepper plants from seeds, but I find it really easy to start new bell pepper plants from kitchen scraps.  All you have to do is cut your bell pepper in half lengthwise.  Then scrape the seeds on to a paper towel or newspaper with your fingers or a spoon.  If you want to store the seeds, allow the seeds to dry out in a cool, dry place before storing them in a cool, dry area.  Otherwise, plant the seeds in soil.  

I planted my red bell pepper seeds in my new Burpee 72-Cell Greenhouse Kit on March 15, and 10 days later red bell pepper seedlings are beginning to emerge from the soil!  I planted one to two seeds about 1/4" deep in each cell.    

I am really impressed with the Burpee 72-Cell Greenhouse Kit.  It is easy to use, re-useable, mess-free, and really eliminates the guesswork in creating just the right environment for seeds to germinate.  I only had to do the initial watering of the Burpee seed cubes, and the cells are still moist 10 days later.  Just make sure all of the seed starting cubes are standing upright before pouring the hot water so they expand correctly.  

Super Cheap Succulent Cuttings

Photo: JIIMZ's 36 Mixed Succulent Spring Collection

If you cannot take free cuttings from people you know, you can still get affordable cuttings shipped directly to you.  JIIMZ are selling 36 mixed succulents for $28.95!  With shipping, it breaks down to $1.18 per succulent.

This seller has a 4.9/5.0 rating for the past 12 months, and a lifetime rating of 95% positive; 5% neutral; and 0% negative.

JIIMZ's other collections:

9 miscellaneous Sempervivum Hens n' Chicks in 2" Pots ($9.95)

36 Cactus Collection with miscellaneous Cacti in 2" Pots ($29.95)

20 miscellaneous Spring Collection in 4" Pots ($58.00)

Hanging Succulent Baskets

I saw these moss covered hanging baskets filled with an assortment of succulents at Home Depot.  I love that you can hang these planters on the walls.  You can bring plant life to your apartment or home without using up any precious outdoor floor space.

Our local Home Depot are selling them for $29.98 each.  This price is hard to beat if you had to purchase each component separately (i.e., individual plants, soil, moss, twine, and basket).  You could create a similar piece by filling a coco fiber lined wall basket planter or hanging basket planter with artfully arranged assortment of succulents. 

Tips:

Prior to filling the basket, attach the moss to the basket exterior with twine or omit it all together if you prefer the look of coco fiber.

If you choose a deep basket, consider filling the bottom half of the basket with clay balls, ping pong balls or some other light, airy material.  Most succulents have shallow root systems, and this will prevent the basket from becoming to heavy.

Whether you are hanging your basket on the wall or from the ceiling, make sure that it is secured to the stud(s) instead of drywall.  

DIY Blooming Gifts Under $25

I have seen potted bulbs in flower catalogs sell from $60 to $90.  Even inexpensive, hardy bulbs like daffodils have been sold for hefty prices.  You can easily create such a gift by potting some bulbs in a planter of your choice.

I chose to plant some daffodils in a light weight and inexpensive 10" golden yellow fiberglass pot.  The blooming daffodils were about $3 per pack at Home Depot.  I planted a bunch closely together to get a more dramatic, rich effect.     

Yogi Echinacea Immune Support

Yogi's Echinacea Immune Support tea is my new favorite tea!  It is so delicious that I do not need to add honey or lemon to it.  I brew a cup as soon as I feel a cold coming on, but it is so yummy I drink it all the time.  Safeway and Target carry this brand.  If you have a hard time finding them or want to save money, you can purchase them online.  

Yogi has other great teas.  Among my favorite for the cold season are Yogi Throat Comfort Tea, Yogi Ginger, and Yogi Lemon Ginger.  Yogi also offers a Cold Season Tea Sampler Pack.

Last time I checked, it cost $5.79 for a box of 16 tea bags at Safeway ($0.36/tea bag).  I have seen them on sale for $1 or $2 off the regular price.  You can get even greater savings by buying them in bulk  online at $15.82 for a pack of 6 boxes and enjoy more than 50% in savings ($0.16/tea bag).

Price Break Down (Per Tea Bag)
        Regular Price:  $0.36
                 On Sale:  $0.24 - 0.30
      In Bulk Online:  $0.16*

*Free Shipping on orders over $25

Tips to Maximize Savings on Online Garden Orders

1. Use Cash Back Sites.  Use online cash back sites.  I use EBATES.  Before making a purchase I see if the retailer is listed at their site.  If it is, I click on their link that re-directs me to the retailer.  By clicking on the link, I receive a certain percentage off my purchase.  These extra few seconds can make a big difference.  I joined EBATES in 2009, and since then I have received $974.23 cash back.    It is FREE to join EBATES.  To join today click here.  
2. Use Coupon Codes.  Performing a simple google search for coupon codes can result in great savings.  For example, I googled "Michigan Bulb coupon codes" and found a coupon code that ended up saving me nearly 50% off my purchase.  EBATES also lists available coupon codes under retailer links.         
3. Combine Cash Back Sites with Coupon Codes. 
4. Use Price Comparison Tools.  For pricey items, use Froogle (i.e., a google product search) to compare prices from various vendors.  Froogle allows you to sort your results by price (including shipping and tax) and also by vendors.
5. Split the Costs with a Friend.  Garden catalogs offer a great selection of unique, hard-to-find plants.  However, shipping prices or minimum quantity requirements can make these purchases less attractive for cost-conscious apartment gardeners.  To save on costs, combine orders with a fellow apartment gardener, family member or friend.  
6. Take Advantage of Guarantees.  Michigan Bulb, Co. offers its customers a life-time guarantee on their plants.  "Any item that does not grow and flourish to your complete satisfaction will be replaced free--with no time limit--for as long as you garden."  For novice gardeners who have not developed their green thumb yet, this life-time guarantee is a nice comfort.      

Continue to use these tips on all your online orders to maximize your overall savings!

If you have any more online saving tips, please feel free to post them in the comment section. 

Starting the New Year: $20 or $40 off Michigan Bulb Coupon Code

Garden catalogs are pouring in, and I am excited for another year of gardening.  This year I want to focus on my flower garden, and Michigan Bulb, Co. offered a good selection of beautiful flowers at a great deal.  See coupon codes below.

I have ordered:

• Sorbet Peony
• Green Envy Coneflower   
• Patty's Plum Poppy
• Rainbow Lewisia Mix
• Mixed Dutch Iris
• Crocosmia "Emily McKenzie"
• Twinkle Toes
• Passion Mixed Begonia
• Double Tuberose
• Hardy Orchid Mix
• Tea Cup Plant
• Banana Cream Daisy
• Hardy Mixed Carnations

Michigan Bulb, Co. Coupon Codes:

1. Get $20 off $40 purchase with coupon code 0817581 Exp. 2/11
2. Get $40 off $80 purchase with coupon code 0817588 Exp. 2/21

Harvesting Sunflower Seeds

I harvested sunflower seeds from my garden today.  I knew the sunflowers were ready for picking because the flower petals were gone, the leaves were brown, and a few seeds were already loose.  I just cut the stem, and rubbed my thumb across the seeds to loosen them.  Most of the seeds fell out effortlessly.   For the stubborn seeds I used a spoon to work them out.  My thumb is not fond of splinters.  

I am going to save some seeds for planting next season, but I am going to roast the rest.  This will be my first time roasting sunflower seeds.  I am going to follow the instructions on the National Sunflower Association website.  

I really enjoyed growing these flowers.  The blooms are large and showy, they last a long time, and I get a nice treat from them at the end of the season!  

Plant a Pineapple Head

Photo: Do not plant the fleshy part of the fruit or you will risk the roots rotting

Update: Just plant the green top part of the pineapple in the soil or you risk the root rotting.  Being careful not to hurt your hand, grab the base of the green top and twist.  The green top should easily twist off.  Then remove leaves from the bottom inch (or two inches) of the stem.  Plant the exposed stem in potting soil and water thoroughly.  Place the plant in a shady place, and keep watering your plant.  The plant will take root.  The outer leaves will eventually brown and die, but new leaves will form in the center, and eventually the plant will produce small pineapple fruit. 

Grow a pineapple plant from the top of a pineapple head!

Last Saturday, I had a craving for an "island" burger, which is really just a normal cheeseburger with a nice slice of grilled pineapple.  I had everything to make the burger except the pineapple so I had to ask myself, did I really want an island burger?  It turns out I did so I made a trip to the grocery store for a whole pineapple and some other munchies.

As I was firing up the grill, an idea in one my gardening books jumped out at me---I should try and plant that pineapple head.  According to this book, you can grow a whole new pineapple plant from the top of a pineapple head.  You should plant a pineapple head that is not too ripe, and has leaves that are still green.

My pineapple head's leaves were only partially green so I am curious to see if it still works.  For detailed instructions on planting a pineapple head, you can click here.

Low-Maintenance Housewarming Gift

I returned to Home Depot to pick up one of these succulent collections as a housewarming present for one of my friends.  She is really busy so low-maintenance, drought tolerant succulents was a perfect match for her.


As I was walking to the register, a woman stopped to ask me where I got them from.  She loved them too, and she was surprised they were only about $20.  I am feeling good about my purchase.  I think my friend will love her housewarming gift!


Clean Up Stragglers and Stretch Your $$$
If you happen to get a collection that looks straggly or overgrown, take a sharp knife and cut back the stragglers, but do not throw away these cuttings.  You can turn these cuttings into new plants.  Succulents are easy to propagate.  I normally just stick them in ordinary potting soil and keep the soil warm and moist (but not soggy) until they sprout roots.  If you wish to take the safer route, allow a "scab" to develop over the end of the stem by allowing the cutting to dry out a bit, then dip the cutting in some Rooting Hormone before planting them in the dirt.  

4 Reasons Why You Should Grow Your Own Herb Garden

1. Save Big Bucks

A single bunch of herbs can cost anywhere from $0.99 to $2.99 at major grocery stores in my area. Many recipes call for more than one herb so you can see how the $$$ start adding up. Most of the time you are only using a tablespoon or so of each herb so much of the herb you bought goes to waste. By growing your own herbs, you will save money, cut down on waste, and still be able to create stellar meals.

2. Convenience

Have you ever planned on making a special dish only to find the grocery store does not carry the herbs you need? This used to happen to me more often than I would like. Now I have all the herbs I need at the tips of my fingers. You no longer have to hop from one grocery store to another in search of the right herbs.

3. Quality

By growing your own herbs, you can control what goes into and onto them. I prefer eating organic produce so I do not use pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Also, by growing your own herbs, you are guaranteed the freshest possible cuttings.

4. Eat Healthier

Fresh herbs are a low-calorie diet's best friend! Herbs have a negligible number of calories. You can use herbs to give those low-calorie dishes a punch of taste to make up for all of that fatty, buttery goodness we cut out. Moreover, herbs are a good source of vitamins.

Parkseed Organic Herb Garden Collection

Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Thyme, Chives, Parsley, and Oregano

More Trash into Treasure: Diluted Brewed Coffee Fertilizer

I rarely drink coffee, but when I do I tend to make too much. I did a little research to find out what I could do with my left over coffee, and I learned you can turn brewed coffee into a fast-acting fertilizer by diluting the coffee with water.

The sites I visited suggested diluting the brewed coffee down to 1 part coffee to 4 parts water. I have been using a weaker solution (1:10 or 1:5 coffee-to-water ratio). I have about 1 to 2 cups of coffee left over so I just fill the coffee pot with water until it reaches the 10 cup mark, and use that to water my plants. Brewed coffee is acidic so I use this solution to water my acidic loving plants (e.g., blueberries, azaleas, hydrangea, roses, etc.).

I did not notice dramatic changes in my blueberries, but my 1 year old hydrangea noticeably perked up within a day after the first application.

Note: You should refrain from using this solution too often, especially if you use this on non-acidic loving plants.

Trash into Treasure: Coffee Fertilizer

If you drink coffee, save your used coffee grounds instead of throwing them away. Dried coffee grounds have essential nutrients that plants need for healthy development. Generally, used coffee grounds are composed of approximately 2.0% nitrogen (N), 0.4% phosphorous (P), and 0.7% potassium (K), but it also contains other beneficial trace elements. This natural fertilizer contains a good amount of nitrogen, which promotes lush, green growth in plants.

Some people may be concerned about the acidity of coffee affecting their soil pH balance, but unlike brewed coffee which is acidic, used coffee grounds are nearly neutral in pH (~6.9 pH). It appears that the brewing process strips away the acidity of the coffee grounds. Therefore, adding small quantities of used grounds to your soil should not dramatically change your soil's pH level.

My friend tells me her worms love this stuff so if you have a worm compost bin feed your worms your wet or dry used coffee grounds. I do not have a worm compost bin so I spread the dried used coffee grounds on the soil and work the grounds slightly beneath the surface. The plants will still get the nutrients, and the stowaway worms in my pots can enjoy a snack too.

I seldom drink coffee, but my coffee-loving friends are more than happy to give me their used coffee grounds. I have so much of it now that I give away extra used coffee grounds to other garden enthusiasts who have larger outdoor gardens.

Sources of Used Coffee Grounds:

• Your Home
• Your Office - Place a bag or jar beside the coffee machine and ask your co-workers to dump the used coffee grounds in the container.
  
• Friends or Neighbors
  
• Coffee Shops (See Starbucks as an Example)
  
• Starbucks gives away free used coffee grounds to its customers and local parks as a soil amendment through a program called "Grounds for Your Garden." To find out more about this program, visit Starbuck's website and look under about us > social responsibility > environmental affairs > store initiatives.

Dixie Cup Seedling Starter

Seedlings (from left to right): Red Bell Peppers, Sweet Basil, Plum Tomato, Black-Eyed Susan

This is an inexpensive and convenient way to start your seedlings indoors.
Materials:

• Dixie Cups
• Seeds
• Potting Soil
• Pencil or Pen
• Water
• Empty Water Bottle
  

Instructions:

1. Fill a Dixie Cup at least halfway full. Leave at least 1/2″ space from soil line to the top of the cup.
2. Press your pinky finger (or use the end of a pencil) to make an impression in the center of the soil. The depth of the impression will depend on the seed sowing instructions, but is usually between 1/8″ and 1/2″ deep.
3. Place 1 or 2 seeds in the impression, and then lightly cover the seeds with soil.
4. Gently pour water onto the soil.
   
   
   
   • Caution: Do not over-water the soil. You want moist soil, not soggy soil.
5. Write down what you are growing on the cup to keep track of what you are planting.
6. Place the cup on a sunny windowsill.
7. Check the plants daily and keep the soil moist. The trick to getting seeds to germinate is to keep the soil moist and warm.
   
   
   
   • Tip #1 (Transporting Seedlings): You can place Dixie Cup seedlings on a tray or in a shallow box (e.g., shoe box) so that you can move several seedlings around at once. If you keep them in a box, make sure there is proper air circulation to prevent the growth of fungus.
   • Tip #2 (Watering Seedlings): When seedlings begin to sprout do not pour water directly on the tender seedling shoots. Spoon water directly on the soil around the seedling shoots.
   • Tip #3 (Retaining Soil Moisture): You can rest a piece of plastic wrap or other transparent material over the cups to help the soil retain moisture. If the plant shoots above the cup line, place clear plastic bags (like Ziplock bags) over a group of seedlings to create a mini-greenhouse tent.
   • UPDATE: It is a lot easier and more economical in the long run to use re-useable seedling starters.  The great thing about these miniature plastic pots is that they help keep the soil from drying out and they can be used over and over again.   
8. Transplant seedlings when they are 3″ to 4″ tall.
   
   
   • Fill 4″ or 6″ pot with potting soil leaving about 2″ or 3″ of space. Place Dixie Cup in the center of the pot and continue to fill pot with soil. You want to leave about a 1/2″ of space between soil line and top of gardening pot. Water plant thoroughly.
   • Tip #4 (Removing Seedlings from Cup): Position the cup so that the seedlings point to the ground at about a 45-degree angle. Then roll the bottom half of the cup in your hand to loosen up the soil and slightly tap or shake until the seedling falls in to your hand. Place in the new pot.