Starting a garden might seem like a small lifestyle change, but it can make a big impact on your shopping habits. Once you’ve got a few plants growing, you’ll realize how many things you can produce right at home. From fresh herbs to natural cleaners, the savings—and satisfaction—add up fast.
Here are 12 things I no longer buy thanks to my simple garden, and you might be surprised by what makes the list.
Fresh Herbs
Basil, mint, parsley, and rosemary were once weekly staples on my grocery list. Now, they grow right outside my kitchen window. Not only are they fresher, but I also avoid plastic packaging and last-minute store runs.
Lettuce and Salad Greens
I used to buy bagged salad mixes that spoiled within days. Growing leafy greens like arugula, spinach, and romaine means I can harvest just what I need. It’s fresher, cheaper, and doesn’t come with any slimy surprises.
Tomatoes
Grocery store tomatoes can’t compete with homegrown flavor. I plant a few cherry and heirloom varieties each season, and they keep me stocked for salads, sandwiches, and sauces. Bonus: I know exactly how they were grown.
Green Onions
Once I learned you can regrow green onions in water or soil, I stopped buying them completely. A simple garden bed gives me a steady supply, and they come back faster than you'd expect. It's one of the easiest wins in gardening.
Herbal Tea
Chamomile, mint, and lemon balm are now part of my backyard tea stash. Drying herbs for homemade tea has become a soothing ritual—and a delicious one too. No more pricey tea bags or added ingredients I can’t pronounce.
Pesticides and Bug Spray
I used to buy chemical sprays for the garden and outdoor pests, but now I rely on companion planting and homemade deterrents. Marigolds, garlic spray, and neem oil do the trick without harsh chemicals. It's safer for my family, pets, and pollinators.
Potpourri and Air Fresheners
Lavender, rosemary, and dried rose petals from the garden now fill my home with natural fragrance. No more artificial scents or sprays. I love creating homemade sachets and simmer pots using what I grow.
Cucumbers
These crunchy veggies are surprisingly easy to grow and produce in abundance. I used to buy them for salads and pickling, but now I harvest straight from my trellis. One or two plants can keep you stocked for weeks.
Baby Carrots and Snack Veggies
Instead of bagged baby carrots and overpriced mini peppers, I now grow my own snacking veggies. Homegrown produce feels more satisfying and encourages healthy eating. Plus, it cuts down on plastic packaging waste.
Aloe Vera Gel
An aloe plant on my windowsill gives me natural gel whenever I need it—for sunburns, bug bites, or dry skin. It’s more effective and less processed than store-bought versions. One plant goes a long way.
Store-Bought Flowers
I stopped buying bouquets and started clipping my own blooms instead. From zinnias to sunflowers, garden-grown flowers brighten my home and cost nothing but care. Growing my own feels more personal and rewarding.
Compost and Fertilizer
I used to buy bags of compost and plant food, but now I make my own. Kitchen scraps, garden clippings, and a small compost bin provide rich soil for free. My garden thrives—and I waste less.
Gardening has transformed how I shop, cook, and live. With time and effort, I’ve swapped store-bought goods for homegrown ones—and saved money too. If you're starting a garden, this list shows just the beginning of what you’ll stop buying.
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