Quote:
Originally Posted by DoubleF
I didn't mean it was a huge savings, but I do literally believe if I plan my approach correctly, it could help to reduce the costs of certain consumables. I am on the same page as you. I don't actually view the whole thing as a pure cost savings measure. Anyone blindly setting up a greenhouse to reduce food costs or replace grocery trips is probably going to fail miserably and starve.
If the issue is with the fact I said it could make a dent, then that's poor wording. My bad. I meant it in the sense that personally, I find I'm spending around $100-150 a year on some infrequent items and I think I could actually grow that stuff instead of purchasing, using a little and then the rest rots and is wasted because I can't use it all.
I haven't done a set up yet, but I've been looking into the scenario. I have a storage room in my house where maybe I'm leaning towards just doing a $50 grow light and have some random #### in trays on a #### wire shelf I already have. Not some full blown green house thing. Even at $10-20 a month in extra costs and a little bit of time, I think I could break even and start spending less on certain purchases that are relatively regular, but annoyingly infrequent for my situation.
I do believe I would spend less money on the set up and upkeep costs for things I'd be growing vs purchasing. But absolutely it is not a major supplement or attempt at being self sustaining. It'd address stuff that I don't use up that just rots and then I have to buy again. Cloning those plants that would be rotting scrap waste anyways is another facet I'm contemplating.
What I've contemplated growing:
Occasional purchase, excess just rots and it's kinda pricey to repeat purchase: Black garlic, elephant garlic, green onion, chives, shallots, dill (didn't grow well this summer for some reason, doesn't do well in window sill).
Other: Maybe an heirloom tomato plant or two or a pepper plant for fun.
Mushrooms: But honestly speaking, I really don't think it'd work due to how easily it can supposedly get contaminated and rot/die.
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Peppers, tomatoes, herbs all grow super well here. I think you’ll have success with that. I think you might want to rotate a bit through herbs, depending how often you use them. I don’t think I have had to purchase oregano, dill, parsley, or green onions in several years just from large yields and dehydrating them.
What you’re describing to some degree is making use of the raw ingredients better. You don’t need to buy black garlic or various value-added items from the store. It’s really satisfying to create something from basic ingredients.