Fresh veggies are so good for you, but over time the expense of constantly buying fresh produce can really add up. This is one reason that I so love the summer and fall, when I have my own garden in the back yard. In the spring I spend just about ten dollars on seeds and new plants. After just a few harvests, the expense is well worth it and we have more fresh fruit and veggies than we know what to do with.

Some people complain that tending to a garden is too much effort, or too hard. But for me not only is it rewarding to be able to put a little sweat and tears into the work, but the payoffs are incredible. My life is richly blessed by having the space and being able to grow a garden. I also love to deliver the produce to friends and neighbors that don’t have the chance to grow their own garden.

My diet seems to improve when I have such easy access to the fresh produce whenever I get the craving. In order to cut down on produce expenses, I try to eat mainly the fruits or vegetables that are in season because the cost is less if it’s in season. I also try to buy from local farmers if it is something that I didn’t grow. This helps to ensure the freshness of the produce, and supports my local community.