Garden Budget Calculator

How It Works

A garden is an investment that pays off in fresh food, exercise, and satisfaction. Most raised bed gardens break even in the first or second year, and costs drop significantly after that since beds and tools last for many seasons.

Example

Two 4x8 raised beds (64 sq ft) producing 2 lbs per sq ft at $3/lb grocery value = $384 of produce. With $350 in startup costs, you break even in Year 1.

Tips

• Seeds are a much better value than seedlings for most crops — a $3 packet of tomato seeds can grow 20+ plants.
• Build raised beds from untreated cedar or pine — they last 5-10 years. Avoid treated lumber near food crops.
• Buy tools once and buy quality — a good spade, trowel, and pruners will last decades if you keep them clean and dry.
• Recurring costs drop after Year 1 since you already have beds, tools, and leftover soil amendments.
• Save seeds from open-pollinated varieties at the end of the season to reduce seed costs to nearly zero in future years.
• Check your local library and cooperative extension — many offer free seed libraries and gardening workshops.