Start the year with a simple kitchen garden (Photo: iStock)

It's a journey of planting seeds, nurturing growth and reaping the rewards, both for your wallet and your wellbeing.

Getting started

The first step in your kitchen gardening journey is planning. Assess your available space; is it a sunny windowsill or a small balcony if you live in an apartment or a backyard? Understand your local climate, as this will determine which plants will thrive in your area. Start small and expand as you gain confidence and experience.

Choosing the right plants

Choosing the right plants for your kitchen garden is crucial. Start with vegetables and herbs that are expensive in the supermarket but thrive in a home garden. Tomatoes, basil, lettuce and green beans are great choices. Not only are these plants inexpensive to grow, but they will add fresh, organic flavours to your daily meals.

Reducing waste

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One of the benefits of a vegetable garden is that you can harvest exactly what you need. No more wilted lettuce or rotten tomatoes hidden in the back of the fridge. Picking your vegetables and herbs when you need them ensures freshness and reduces food waste.

Savings

While a kitchen garden may not replace all your grocery needs, it can make a significant dent in your bills. Imagine the joy of reaching for homegrown herbs instead of purchasing expensive ones you had to grab on your way home from the supermarket. Or the satisfaction of preparing a salad with lettuce from your garden. It’s not just a way to save money, it’s a means to connect with the food you eat.

Sustainable living

In an age where sustainability is key, a kitchen garden aligns perfectly with eco-friendly practices. You reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting produce from the village, minimise the need for harmful pesticides and contribute to a greener, healthier planet.