Landscaping in Sacramento does not always make you think of lowering your grocery bill, but it can definitely make a difference. Many great fruits and veggies grow really well in the Sacramento area.
You do not have to dedicate a lot of your yard to growing your garden.
With a small raised planter or a few pots, you will be amazed at the great produce you have raised by the end of the season!!! Taking 10-15 minutes before or after work to “tend your garden” is a great way to take away the stress of a crazy day.
Picking tomatoes, cilantro and bell peppers (maybe even a chili pepper or Jalapeno) for some fresh salsa to go with those tacos is a great way to get kids involved in the outdoors, nature and health!! Growing your own food is also environmentally friendly. Less freight and packaging, etc. saves us all in the long run!!
There are so many great options for planting herbs in pots on your patios or deck. You can also grow them in a garden bed along with the rest of your flowers.
Rosemary, oregano, basil, dill, parsley, cilantro, thyme, lavender, mint (be careful with mint, it will spread so it is best grown in a container) and chives all grow GREAT in the Sacramento area and will add so much flavor to your dinner plate (and expand your wallet).
Another great way to make your Sacramento landscape work for you is……FRUIT TREES!!!! Not only will you know exactly how they were grown (i.e. pesticides and sprays) but fruit trees offer great shade in the hot summer months and loose their leaves during those cold winter days to give you lots of sun.
The right fruit tree will also give you some great color in the fall months for an added layer of interest in your yard.
Think of what your family likes to eat and build your garden around that. Who wants bushels of apricots or cucumbers if your family will not touch their plate if those things are on it. With a little planning you will be providing your family with delicious and nutritious food you AND have a beautiful back yard.
