6. Plant a Garden

We have friends who have simplified their grocery shopping by planting a garden. Their entire yearly crop is raised in planters on their front deck. They have fresh tomatoes, peppers, green beans, artichokes, cucumbers, and several types of squash, as well as an extensive herb garden. They’ve set up a drip irrigation system on an automatic timer. They never have to till the soil; when a crop is finished, they pull out the old plant, add some fresh mulch, and put in a new one. The planters are on wheels so they can be rotated easily to get the maximum sun through the season. They seldom have to spray for bugs, but when they do they use an organic mixture of one part detergent to ten parts water.

They’re professionals who both work long hours. They decided some years ago they’d rather spend time on their deck tending their plants than running to the market every time they need a tomato. They get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from being the source of much of the produce that goes on their table, not the least of which comes from the fact that it is organically grown. What little work they do to tend this simple garden gives them a lot of enjoyment, and they love the feeling of being in touch with nature. Also, they’ve made a point of involving their teenage son in their gardening routine. Not only has he been a big help to them, but he has developed an appreciation for plants and nature he might not otherwise have had. And they’ve come to treasure the opportunity to work together as a family at an activity they all enjoy.

If you have the space for a deck or patio garden, planting one might not only simplify your grocery shopping, but add a great deal of satisfaction to your life as well.