Simple payback period
3.7 yrs
+$210 net over 5 yrs ($4.23/lb all-in vs $5.00/lb store)Example calculationPays back in 3.7 years (+$210 net over 5 yrs)
Harvesting 54.4 usable lbs/yr worth $272/yr against $110/yr in seeds, compost, and water nets $162/yr, recovering your $600 setup in 3.7 years.
5-year net gain
+$210
$1,360 harvest vs $1,150 costAnnual harvest value
$272/yr
54.4 usable lbs/yr - $110/yr suppliesAll-in cost per pound
$4.23/lb
vs $5.00/lb store ($2.02/lb cash-only)Upfront setup cost
$600
$380 beds/fence + $220 soil/tools5-year cost breakdown: Home garden vs grocery store produce
| Cost component | Home Garden | Store Produce | Garden advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront beds, fencing, soil & irrigation | $600 | $0 | -$600 |
| Cumulative annual seeds, compost & water vs store bill | $550 | $1,360 | +$810 |
| Total 5-year all-in cost | $1,150 | $1,360 | +$210 |
| Effective cost per usable pound | $4.23/lb | $5.00/lb | $0.77/lb |
Year-by-year cumulative garden cashflow
How to avoid the $64 tomato problem
First-year raised-bed gardens almost always lose money in Year 1 because cedar lumber or metal beds, bulk topsoil and compost delivery, deer fencing, and drip timers easily run $400 to $900 before a single seed sprouts. Two decisions determine whether those beds pay back in three to four seasons: planting crops that cost $4 to $10 per pound at the store (cherry and heirloom tomatoes, cut-and-come-again salad greens, basil, snap peas, and bell peppers) instead of $1.50-per-pound potatoes or onions, and starting from seed or winter-sown trays rather than buying $6 nursery transplants for every square foot.
A planning estimate based on your inputs and the assumptions shown. Yields and water requirements vary by climate zone, sun exposure, and crop selection.
Benchmark sources and dates
Starting assumptions are example benchmarks, not binding quotes. Change any input to match your own bills or offers.
| Assumption / Input | Starting value | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home garden area, upfront setup, annual seed/compost spend, and yield per sq ft | `64 sq ft` (two 4x8 beds), `$600` setup, `$75/yr` seeds/compost, `1.0 lb/sq ft` yield | National Gardening Association Garden-to-Table Report | 2026-10-14 |
| Retail per-pound produce prices across high-value and staple crops | `$5.00/lb` mixed high-value crops (`$1.75/lb` staple root crops) | USDA Economic Research Service Fruit and Vegetable Prices | 2026-10-14 |
| Raised bed soil volume, compost replenishment, and water usage | `$140` bulk soil fill, `$35/yr` water & fertilizer | University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Raised Bed Gardening Guide | 2026-10-14 |