Not everyone has the space (or time) for an indoor greenhouse, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cut down on grocery costs in other ways. Food prices keep climbing, and for many families, it feels impossible to keep a stocked kitchen without breaking the bank. While I’d love to grow everything I eat (including the chickens that we have that I can’t seem to bring myself to eat) the reality is that sometimes a mix of smart shopping, meal prep, and even a few small container plants can make a big difference.
Shop Smart, Save Big
One of the easiest ways to save on groceries is knowing where to shop. Stores like Aldi and discount grocery stores can dramatically cut costs compared to big-name supermarkets. We’ve found that getting in with places like Sysco and buying staples like flour, rice, beans, and canned goods from these places keeps the pantry stocked for much less.
A few more money-saving shopping tips:
Stick to a list (and don’t shop hungry!) Impulse buys add up fast (I need Reese’s peanut butter cups for some reason.) Plan meals ahead and only buy what you need.
Buy in bulk when possible. Some items (like dried beans, pasta, and frozen vegetables) can last for months. Check out deals on deep freezes at places like Home Depot or Lowe’s. A deep freeze can save a ton of money and keep you stocked for longer.
Shop sales and markdowns. Many stores mark down produce, dairy, and meat nearing their sell-by dates, great for meal prep! Check out your local farms and ranchers for local meat and produce. Be cautious though, some sellers that sell at farmers markets increase their prices so check before buying. Remember, you’re paying for quality over quantity.
The Power of Cooking from Scratch
Pre-made foods and convenience meals are pricey. Cooking from scratch not only saves money but is usually healthier. Even simple things, making your own bread, broth, or pasta sauce, can stretch your dollars.
Meal prepping helps, too. Prepping a week’s worth of meals keeps you from grabbing expensive fast food when life gets busy. A Sunday afternoon spent chopping veggies, cooking proteins, and portioning out meals can save both time and money. Our daughter and I love to meal prep and sing karaoke! (Another blog for another time! ☺️)
Small Space, Big Impact: Grow What You Can
Even if you don’t have a huge yard or room for an indoor greenhouse, you can still grow fresh food. A small garden, a few potted herbs, or a window box of lettuce can make a surprising difference. Some of the easiest and most space-friendly plants to grow include:
Herbs (basil, thyme, parsley, chives – perfect for windowsills)
Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard – grows well in containers)
Cherry tomatoes (great in pots, perfect for snacking and salads)
Green onions (regrow them in water from store-bought ones) One of my favorites!
Even just a few homegrown ingredients can cut down grocery costs and add fresh, nutritious flavors to your meals.
Small Steps Add Up
You don’t need a farm or a giant freezer to start saving money on food. A mix of budget-friendly grocery shopping, cooking from scratch, meal prepping, and a little homegrown produce can go a long way. Every little bit helps, and with some planning, you’ll see your grocery bills shrink while still enjoying good, healthy meals.
What are your favorite ways to save on food? Let’s swap ideas! I’m planning on creating a recipe page and would love to feature any recipes that have helped your family!
Yard 2 Yield! 