Economy sparking first-time gardeners

Stocks are down, gas and food prices are up. Taxes are taking a bigger bite for some and others are hit by job loss.

But many this summer have found a creative, and delicious, way to combat a sagging economy ­- through gardening.

Folks in DuPage, Lake, Kane and Cook counties, as well as throughout the entire state, have decided to try the popular pastime for the first time this year to offset the country's financial downturn.

As with most newlyweds, Jaclyn and Dave Olson took a vow to love, honor and budget when they got married last October. The country's hard economic times have taken them to task.

"The way things are going with the economy worries me," said Jaclyn. "The cost of food keeps going up, but our garden has helped us save $50 a month."

The Olsons, of West Dundee, put in a garden that runs along the fence of their yard. Therefore, there was very little cost in getting started.

"A packet of seeds costs about $1," Jaclyn said. "What we get from that is an incredible help for our budget."

The young couple planted a variety of vegetables including leeks, peas, spinach and broccoli.

"When I ran out of space, I did some herbs and strawberries in pots on the patio," said Jaclyn.

With Jaclyn hoping for a harvest of 50 or more tomatoes per plant, it's easy to see how savings could accumulate. However, that's not the only reason she spills the beans.

"The food tastes a lot fresher because you can go out to your garden right before dinner, pull carrots, and eat them that night," she said.

Lynn Bement of LaGrange not only deals with the higher cost of food, but also with the controversial increase in Cook County taxes. She, too, has realized some cost-saving relief through gardening. Interestingly, with health and space challenges, she came up with several solutions, including installing waist-high beds.

"I didn't want to bend because I am compromised with back and neck issues," said Bement.

To save space - a good option for folks whose homes have downsized along with their jobs - Bement put in 12 pot containers. In them, she grows squash, zucchini, beets, cucumbers and eggplants.

"Large containers don't require as much watering, so they are less wear and tear on the grower," she said.

Bement could not pinpoint the exact amount she saves, but she did say it was significant, and one she'll continue to reap through freezing food.

"I'm putting up soups. I'll freeze things in bags because they lay flat and stack better," Bement said.

Soups are a good example of how vegetable gardens aren't all about salads. Other ways vegetables can be turned into meals include stir-frys, on the grill or making zucchini stuffed with rice and ground beef.

It was not only food cost, but every cost that hit Karen and Clint Mason of Hanover Park hard when both were laid off from their jobs recently. It took Clint five months to find another position. Karen is working with a temp agency.

Paying their own insurance during this time put a $1,000 dent in their monthly budget.

"We decided to cut corners and make it through by putting in our own garden," Karen said.

The Masons decided to go with square-foot gardening to hold their radishes, cauliflower, onions and other vegetables. Square-foot gardening uses raised beds of squares to hold plants that grow in a grid, rather than a single row. The method allows more harvest in a smaller amount of space.

"The cost savings are clear," said Karen. "Two pepper plants yielded six to 10 bell peppers. Thirty radish seeds gave us 30 radishes. The leaf lettuce is the best thing we did. We haven't had to buy it once."

The Masons enjoy the fun of a garden. They sometimes eat from the vine while they are picking. An added benefit is having something the two can do together. One more bonus is being able to share their produce with neighbors or church members in need

Tips for new gardeners

Cheryl Pytlarz, of the University of Illinois, Extension, Lake County, suggests the following for a successful garden:

• Place plants where they will get six hours of sun and near a kitchen for easy access.

• Work soil with organic matter and fertilizer.

• Turn the soil down at least 8-10 inches and follow spacing guidelines on package

• Water appropriately. "The garden needs one inch of water, once a week," said Pytlarz. "I recommend having two gauges, one to measure rainfall and the other to register your watering."