Is your vegetable garden actually saving you money? Our harvest value tracker answers that question with real numbers.
Log what you grow, enter your costs (seeds, soil, water), and the tracker calculates your savings against average grocery store prices. Most vegetable gardens return $2-8 for every $1 invested, but it depends on what you grow and your local food prices.
Average produce prices are based on USDA data from the Economic Research Service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to grow your own vegetables?
Yes, for most common vegetables. Tomatoes, herbs, lettuce, and zucchini give the highest return. A single tomato plant can produce $20-50 worth of tomatoes from a $3 seed start. Herbs save even more per square foot.
What are the cheapest vegetables to grow at home?
Lettuce, herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley), zucchini, tomatoes, and green beans give the best return on investment. These crops produce heavily from minimal seed and soil costs.
How much can you save by growing your own food?
A well-maintained 4×8 raised bed can produce $200-600 worth of produce per season, depending on what you grow. High-value crops like cherry tomatoes, herbs, and salad greens save the most per square foot.