Comments on: The GRS Garden Project: August Update http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Thu, 23 May 2013 18:36:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: natalie http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146978 natalie Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:37:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146978 Here's an interesting article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/03/AR2008090300991.html?nav=most_emailed Burpee did a grocery garden -- 4,000 sq ft -- and valued the produce at $20,000 and said that it would cost $4,000 to do such a garden. But, you would still be $16,000 ahead on your grocery bill. Here’s an interesting article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/03/AR2008090300991.html?nav=most_emailed

Burpee did a grocery garden — 4,000 sq ft — and valued the produce at $20,000 and said that it would cost $4,000 to do such a garden. But, you would still be $16,000 ahead on your grocery bill.

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]]> By: Micah http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146929 Micah Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:07:32 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146929 Glad to see you enjoying the "fruits of your labor." (Cheesy, but couldn't resist.) We even got lucky once, we moved into a house in the fall. It had a garden out back and they forgot to harvest the potatoes. We had fun digging up the long row of forgotten potatoes. And I was spoiled growing up, the family garden always supplied us with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. Here's a question for you JD. Doesn't a homegrown tomato taste soooo much better than a store bought one? Glad to see you enjoying the “fruits of your labor.” (Cheesy, but couldn’t resist.)

We even got lucky once, we moved into a house in the fall. It had a garden out back and they forgot to harvest the potatoes. We had fun digging up the long row of forgotten potatoes.

And I was spoiled growing up, the family garden always supplied us with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies.

Here’s a question for you JD. Doesn’t a homegrown tomato taste soooo much better than a store bought one?

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]]> By: slinky http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146653 slinky Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:37:46 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146653 Completely off topic, but where did you get that cat picture? It looks almost exactly like mine (who we got at a shelter.) The only visible difference is that the white mark on the face looks like it's in a different place. Completely off topic, but where did you get that cat picture? It looks almost exactly like mine (who we got at a shelter.) The only visible difference is that the white mark on the face looks like it’s in a different place.

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]]> By: Martacus http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146473 Martacus Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:10:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146473 It's good to see your garden starting to pay for itself. One thing I've always felt about gardening, and why so many people don't keep up with it, is the initial outlay can be discouraging. You put in hundreds of dollars for what seems like little or no return for months, and then, the eventual returns may not seem worth it to a lot of people. Maybe if more people kept track of their gardening investments/returns as you have here, they would keep at it a little better. It's too late in the season for us to get started, but I do look forward to starting up a garden next year. It’s good to see your garden starting to pay for itself. One thing I’ve always felt about gardening, and why so many people don’t keep up with it, is the initial outlay can be discouraging. You put in hundreds of dollars for what seems like little or no return for months, and then, the eventual returns may not seem worth it to a lot of people. Maybe if more people kept track of their gardening investments/returns as you have here, they would keep at it a little better.

It’s too late in the season for us to get started, but I do look forward to starting up a garden next year.

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]]> By: J.D. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146470 J.D. Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:31:17 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146470 <b>@Retiredat47</b> The handsome fellow in the birdbath is Max, our youngest cat. He's our fourth child. Max is a meatball. (In fact, Kris calls him "meatball" as if that's his name.) He's a good-natured playful guy, always willing to lend a paw in the garden... @Retiredat47
The handsome fellow in the birdbath is Max, our youngest cat. He’s our fourth child. Max is a meatball. (In fact, Kris calls him “meatball” as if that’s his name.) He’s a good-natured playful guy, always willing to lend a paw in the garden…

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]]> By: Kris http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146469 Kris Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:28:09 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146469 To Sara A. @#14 I wonder if this is a pollination problem. Do you see any bees around your garden? It may be too late for this year, but next year you can try hand-pollinating your tomatoes with a small paintbrush, just going from flower to flower like a bee. Another source of your woes could be too much nitrogen, which can lead to lush foliage but few fruits. Use a balanced fertilizer with all three numbers the same (or similar), like 10-10-10. This means the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are equal. Tomatoes also need plenty of calcium. Good luck! To Sara A. @#14
I wonder if this is a pollination problem. Do you see any bees around your garden? It may be too late for this year, but next year you can try hand-pollinating your tomatoes with a small paintbrush, just going from flower to flower like a bee. Another source of your woes could be too much nitrogen, which can lead to lush foliage but few fruits. Use a balanced fertilizer with all three numbers the same (or similar), like 10-10-10. This means the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are equal. Tomatoes also need plenty of calcium. Good luck!

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]]> By: Spiritwealth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146466 Spiritwealth Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:33:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146466 Can you imagine, J.D.? From a metaphysical viewpoint, what you cultivate on the outside is what grows within your spirit inside. So, what does that say about our civilization that we are so intent on wasting time, money, and effort for weeds? Can you imagine, J.D.? From a metaphysical viewpoint, what you cultivate on the outside is what grows within your spirit inside. So, what does that say about our civilization that we are so intent on wasting time, money, and effort for weeds?

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]]> By: J.D. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146461 J.D. Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:03:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146461 <b>@Spiritwealth</b> Actually, I have a story that I'll tell someday about my relationship with lawns. Short version: I used to be one of those anal-retentive lawn people. Then I realized that I was spending money on a frickin' weed. Now I don't spend money on fertilizer or water -- only on mowing. My lawn is brown, and I don't care. (My neighbors also have brown lawns. It's a brown-lawn community.) @Spiritwealth
Actually, I have a story that I’ll tell someday about my relationship with lawns. Short version: I used to be one of those anal-retentive lawn people. Then I realized that I was spending money on a frickin’ weed. Now I don’t spend money on fertilizer or water — only on mowing. My lawn is brown, and I don’t care. (My neighbors also have brown lawns. It’s a brown-lawn community.)

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]]> By: Spiritwealth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146459 Spiritwealth Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:54:21 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146459 I was thinking, if most of your costs were in pesticides and fertilizers, and you got that back with food, then why do we spend that on lawns and get nothing back? Hmmm.... I was thinking, if most of your costs were in pesticides and fertilizers, and you got that back with food, then why do we spend that on lawns and get nothing back? Hmmm….

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]]> By: Peggy http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146449 Peggy Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:06:18 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146449 You can cost compare elderberry against cough and cold syrups if you use them. Elderberry has a long, rich history in boosting the immune system just as flu season approaches, as well as in relieving symptoms if you get hit anyway. This site: http://www.wtv-zone.com/WolfDogCircle/Herbs/elder1.html has some helpful information. You can cost compare elderberry against cough and cold syrups if you use them. Elderberry has a long, rich history in boosting the immune system just as flu season approaches, as well as in relieving symptoms if you get hit anyway. This site: http://www.wtv-zone.com/WolfDogCircle/Herbs/elder1.html has some helpful information.

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]]> By: Regina http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146447 Regina Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:19:58 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146447 Your garden project has inspired me to plan my own project next year. Thanks and great job. Your garden project has inspired me to plan my own project next year. Thanks and great job.

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]]> By: Effortless Abundance http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146444 Effortless Abundance Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:48:26 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146444 Living in Hong Kong, I miss having a garden - I always love going back to the UK and eating fresh produce from my parents' garden. Living in Hong Kong, I miss having a garden – I always love going back to the UK and eating fresh produce from my parents’ garden.

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]]> By: Ryan @ Smarter Wealth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146443 Ryan @ Smarter Wealth Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:42:09 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146443 Gardening is a great way to save money. However, sometimes I feel that the effort you put in to gardening to get your own food is not nearly worth the return you get back. I feel you have to have a love for gardening and growing your own food in order for it to be worthwhile Gardening is a great way to save money. However, sometimes I feel that the effort you put in to gardening to get your own food is not nearly worth the return you get back.
I feel you have to have a love for gardening and growing your own food in order for it to be worthwhile

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]]> By: RetiredAt47 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146431 RetiredAt47 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 06:57:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146431 I'm a long-time gardener, too, with a hobby vegetable garden. I just want to add one thing that is not quantifiable - the incredible, unmatched taste of home-grown veggies straight from the garden to your plate. And do let us know who the handsome guy in the birdbath is! I’m a long-time gardener, too, with a hobby vegetable garden. I just want to add one thing that is not quantifiable – the incredible, unmatched taste of home-grown veggies straight from the garden to your plate.

And do let us know who the handsome guy in the birdbath is!

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]]> By: Dana http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146429 Dana Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:33:48 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146429 Your prices seem low to me. I am in Gresham and zuccini's, for example, are $0.75 each. Your prices seem low to me. I am in Gresham and zuccini’s, for example, are $0.75 each.

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]]> By: KED http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146421 KED Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:44:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146421 Love the post. We are on our third year with a patio garden.....tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and beans. No luck with any squash. We also planted two small beds with sunflowers. We are thinking of tackling a winter garden for the first time. Other than the obvious benefits of adding freshly grown produce to the table I am also teaching my 5 & 14 year old alot ...plus we are spending some great quality together! There is nothing like seeing the youngest run out to see what we can pick each day. Love the post. We are on our third year with a patio garden…..tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and beans. No luck with any squash. We also planted two small beds with sunflowers. We are thinking of tackling a winter garden for the first time.

Other than the obvious benefits of adding freshly grown produce to the table I am also teaching my 5 & 14 year old alot …plus we are spending some great quality together! There is nothing like seeing the youngest run out to see what we can pick each day.

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]]> By: deepali http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146419 deepali Sat, 30 Aug 2008 23:16:48 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146419 I love this series. Can't wait for the reflection posts. I do agree with the poster above who suggested you take into account "shopping time" too. I love this series. Can’t wait for the reflection posts. I do agree with the poster above who suggested you take into account “shopping time” too.

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]]> By: Sara A. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146407 Sara A. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:25:19 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146407 I am so jealous of your tomato haul. I have nurtured my poor tomato plants since March but they have put off less than 5 tomatoes the whole season. They are green and lush and have little flowers, but no tomatoes for months. I am so jealous of your tomato haul. I have nurtured my poor tomato plants since March but they have put off less than 5 tomatoes the whole season. They are green and lush and have little flowers, but no tomatoes for months.

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]]> By: Jane http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146400 Jane Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:34:51 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146400 Do you include water usage in your expenses? Do you include water usage in your expenses?

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]]> By: J.D. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146395 J.D. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:02:46 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146395 <b>@Frugal Wench</b> I'll summarize all of the expenses in the year-end post, but I do know that most of our expense has been on organic fertilizers and pest controls. In fact, a quick pass through old entries reveals we've paid at least $179 on such measures this year. @Frugal Wench
I’ll summarize all of the expenses in the year-end post, but I do know that most of our expense has been on organic fertilizers and pest controls. In fact, a quick pass through old entries reveals we’ve paid at least $179 on such measures this year.

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]]> By: Kris http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146393 Kris Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:11:56 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146393 JD, this is my favorite running series here. Keep up the good gardening work! JD, this is my favorite running series here. Keep up the good gardening work!

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]]> By: Shawn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146391 Shawn Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:49:10 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146391 I also love the blackberries at this time of year. Here in Bremerton, Washington, we actually have a Blackberry Festival going on this Labor Day Weekend. I'm definitely going. I also love the blackberries at this time of year. Here in Bremerton, Washington, we actually have a Blackberry Festival going on this Labor Day Weekend. I’m definitely going.

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]]> By: Rachel http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146389 Rachel Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:41:10 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146389 I think you need to water your cat plant. He looks a little wilted. ;) I think you need to water your cat plant. He looks a little wilted. ;)

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]]> By: Frugal Wench http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146388 Frugal Wench Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:32:01 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146388 I guess I could find this if I searched, and I'm sorry to say I haven't been keeping up, but I would like to know what you consider "expenses" in your garden. Do you pay yourself for your time, because I'm finding some of your expenses a bit high for the time involved. I love gardening, and would do it anyway, so I don't consider the time spent growing vegetables as money lost. I guess I could find this if I searched, and I’m sorry to say I haven’t been keeping up, but I would like to know what you consider “expenses” in your garden. Do you pay yourself for your time, because I’m finding some of your expenses a bit high for the time involved.

I love gardening, and would do it anyway, so I don’t consider the time spent growing vegetables as money lost.

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]]> By: Carolyn Heacock http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146387 Carolyn Heacock Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:12:21 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146387 After many years of not gardening, my husband and I decided to plant a few tomato plants this year. We were motivated by the fact that my husband quit his job last December and for fun, we wanted to see if this was an easy, enjoyable way for us to get inexpensive produce. It's been wonderful! On top of providing tomatoes every day, we also sold some at our garage sale, so we've come out way ahead. I'm already thinking about what to plant next year. Thanks for the great post! After many years of not gardening, my husband and I decided to plant a few tomato plants this year. We were motivated by the fact that my husband quit his job last December and for fun, we wanted to see if this was an easy, enjoyable way for us to get inexpensive produce. It’s been wonderful! On top of providing tomatoes every day, we also sold some at our garage sale, so we’ve come out way ahead. I’m already thinking about what to plant next year. Thanks for the great post!

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]]> By: kilroi http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146383 kilroi Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:22:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146383 That blueberry price is per pint, not per pound, right? Also, fabulous fabulous fabulous. It's just fun to pick your own food, and really realize what it means to have a tomato or potato or berry. Tangentially, my parents when I was young had these tomato plants that tried to take over the house. Hilarity ensued. That blueberry price is per pint, not per pound, right?

Also, fabulous fabulous fabulous. It’s just fun to pick your own food, and really realize what it means to have a tomato or potato or berry.

Tangentially, my parents when I was young had these tomato plants that tried to take over the house. Hilarity ensued.

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]]> By: Diatryma http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146379 Diatryma Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:29:58 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146379 My peppers! They are peppering! Later than last year, but then, June didn't happen-- rain, rain, rain. Nothing grows without sun. It makes me so happy. Next year, I may well take over the patio at my work-- nothing but sun and heat. Easy to dry things out, but there is a spigot and hose off to one side. Away from bugs, mostly. I could grow so many peppers.... My peppers! They are peppering! Later than last year, but then, June didn’t happen– rain, rain, rain. Nothing grows without sun. It makes me so happy.

Next year, I may well take over the patio at my work– nothing but sun and heat. Easy to dry things out, but there is a spigot and hose off to one side. Away from bugs, mostly. I could grow so many peppers….

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]]> By: Jon http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146377 Jon Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:24:31 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146377 I live in an apartment and I'm thinking about starting an indoor garden. The startup costs are a bit different since you have to buy the right lighting equipment. I suspect the payback time would be extended quite a bit. However, by keeping it small and by using newer technologies like LED lighting, I'm hoping it won't be too bad. Plus I'll have all this fresh stuff to eat in the winter. :) I live in an apartment and I’m thinking about starting an indoor garden. The startup costs are a bit different since you have to buy the right lighting equipment. I suspect the payback time would be extended quite a bit. However, by keeping it small and by using newer technologies like LED lighting, I’m hoping it won’t be too bad. Plus I’ll have all this fresh stuff to eat in the winter. :)

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]]> By: A. Dawn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146375 A. Dawn Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:47:27 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146375 Guys, It's good to see you are enjoying outdoor activities. Also, it is giving you an opportunity to "know thy neighbor." I live in a condo and this is something I can't do. It's good to see all these nature-grown products and you are enjoying them fresh from the garden. A Dawn Journal www.adawnjournal.com Guys,
It’s good to see you are enjoying outdoor activities. Also, it is giving you an opportunity to “know thy neighbor.” I live in a condo and this is something I can’t do. It’s good to see all these nature-grown products and you are enjoying them fresh from the garden.
A Dawn Journal
http://www.adawnjournal.com

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]]> By: seawallrunner http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/30/the-grs-garden-project-august-update/comment-page-1/#comment-146373 seawallrunner Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:37:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1991#comment-146373 I love this series of blog posts, as I miss my garden very much so I am enjoying your efforts by proxy. A question JD - is it fair to include 'picking time' in your spreadsheet? Wouldn't that time be equivalent to 'shopping time' at the supermarket? Keep up the great work you guys!! I love this series of blog posts, as I miss my garden very much so I am enjoying your efforts by proxy. A question JD – is it fair to include ‘picking time’ in your spreadsheet? Wouldn’t that time be equivalent to ‘shopping time’ at the supermarket?

Keep up the great work you guys!!

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