Well it’s harvest time here in New England and, as usual, my friends and I are starting to figure out what we are sharing. Sharing food can help cut down on groceries, which is great for staying on track with your budget. My tomatoes didn’t fair well, but my basil did great! One of my friends will give me a case of her tomatoes to make my gravy (pasta sauce). She’ll get a few jars in return. I will also make my jams this year, and maybe some mint tea since there is so much. I know I will be receiving honey from another friend’s bee hive, so I’ll be able to make my baklava for the holidays.
By sharing what we grow in our gardens, it not only lowers our grocery bills but also sets us up for the winter. The gravy I make will be enough to share, as well as stock my freezer. The jellies and jams will be holiday gifts from the heart, as well as the baklava. One of my friends always makes enough zucchini bread to go around for all of us to freeze… and the list goes on.
By going back and reviewing John’s post on planting to save money from this spring, I’m hoping that our gardening readers had a good planting season, and that they think about not only sharing their bounty but also what they can make out of their harvest to last for winter (canning and jarring etc.) Also, what they can give as gifts from it for the holidays. Nothing shows love to your friends as a home-cooked or home-made gift (smile) and it costs a whole lot less then buying something impersonal.
Just food for thought!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.