Save Money on Your Grocery Bill by Growing These Fruits Yourself
Groceries are only getting more and more expensive, especially the good-for-you stuff like fresh fruit. And let’s be honest, it’s frustrating to spend five bucks on a small carton of berries that go mushy in two days. This is a big reason why more and more people have started growing their own fruits and veggies.
But a lower grocery bill isn’t the only perk of growing your own food. You get better quality fruit that’s grown with less chemicals, and a fun outdoor project as a bonus. Even if you’ve never gardened before, there are a handful of fruits that are surprisingly easy to grow that can still knock a few dollars off of your grocery bill. Let’s jump right into this list and discover which homegrown fruits are worth the most bang for your buck.
Strawberries
The strawberries you buy in the store are often overpriced and underwhelming. But grow your own, and you’ll see what they’re supposed to taste like; sweet, juicy, and actually red all the way through. Strawberries are great for beginners because they don’t take up much space. A hanging basket, a container on the patio, or a sunny windowsill can be enough. But if you have the space, they’ll spread like crazy! One plant can turn into a whole patch if you let it, so you only have to buy one to get started. Strawberry plants don’t produce berries all year, but when they’re in season you’ll get more than enough to enjoy and freeze for later.
Blueberries
Blueberries take a little patience, but they’re totally worth it. Store-bought blueberries are one of the priciest fruits per pound, and half the time they’re tasteless and disappointing. Planting a few bushes at home (you’ll need at least two for good pollination) gives you control over the flavor and freshness of the berries. Blueberry bushes like acidic soil, so you might need to tweak that a bit, but once they’re happy, they’ll keep on producing for years. Think of it like an investment. Plus, the bushes are pretty and fit in with any style of landscaping.
Raspberries
Raspberries are one of those fruits that show up in a lot of fancy and delicate dishes, but the plants themselves are tough and a little wild. They grow like weeds if you plant them in the right spot and one little cane can turn into a thicket if you let it. That means free fruit year after year. Plan them in that odd sunny corner of your yard that you don’t know what to do with, and you’re good to go. Fresh raspberries are so expensive in stores that I used to avoid buying them altogether. Now I pick them by the handful and freeze the extras to use in smoothies and desserts all year round.
Figs
When thinking of fruits you can grow, not everyone thinks of figs first. But they’re surprisingly easy to grow and one of my favorite fruits to eat. If you’ve only ever had dried figs, you’re missing out. The fresh ones are honey-sweet and soft, but they never last long enough to make it far from the tree. Which is why growing your own is so nice! Fig trees do well in pots, so they’re also great options for people with limited space. They’re also pretty forgiving as long as they get enough sun. You might not get a huge harvest the first year, but fig trees mature fast, and the payoff is worth it.
Apples
An apple tree feels like a big commitment, but there are dwarf varieties that stay small and easy to care for. You won’t feed the whole neighborhood, but you might be able to stop buying apples altogether during harvest season. And honestly, fresh apples that you grew yourself just hit different. They’re crisp, not waxy, and you’ll know exactly what’s gone into them. Apple trees take a while to start producing fruit, but a single tree can produce apples for decades. If you’ve got the space and the patience, it’s one of the most satisfying fruits to grow.
Lemons
Despite what you may think, you don’t need a lemon grove to grow lemons. Even if you live somewhere cold, you can grow a dwarf lemon tree in a pot indoors. Just make sure it gets enough good light. Lemons are one of those fruits we all end up buying over and over because it can be used in so many different ways: a splash of juice for tea, a squeeze for salad dressing, or some zest for baking. Growing your own means you’ll always have one on hand, and nothing beats the smell of citrus blossoms in your home. It’s like waking up to a tiny bit of sunshine.
Grapes
Grapes might sound like a vineyard-only situation, but they’re actually very doable in a backyard setting. They need a trellis or fence to climb, and some pruning every year, but once they’re set up, they’re low effort and high reward. One vine can give you buckets of fruit, and if you’ve never tasted a warm grape right off the vine, you’re in for a treat. It’s a different experience entirely from the massive genetically-modified ones you buy at the store. Grape vines are also a great conversation starter if you plant them on a deck or near a patio.
Mulberries
Mulberries are seriously underrated, but don’t count them out! The trees grow fast, produce lots of berries, and don’t need much attention. Mulberries taste like a cross between a blackberry and a grape, and while you won’t find them easily in stores, they’re excellent for fresh eating, baking, or even homemade jam! One tree can feed a family, and several birds, so maybe cover it with a net if you don’t feel like sharing. Just don’t plant the berry bush too close to anything you care about because the fruit can stain. But otherwise, they’re a great low-cost, high-yield option that’s easy to grow.
Growing Fruit is More Than Just Saving Money
Yes, growing fruit can save you money, but it does more than that. It connects you to what you’re eating, from the tree to your treats. Plus, it forces you to eat more seasonally and gives you something to share. Whether you start with one pot of strawberries or plant a whole mini-orchard, it’s all a step toward a diet that’s simpler, more rewarding, and yes, cheaper. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Just pick one fruit and give it a try. Your future self, with sticky fingers and a bowl of homegrown berries, will be glad you did.