With so many families looking for ways to cut costs and save money thanks to the recession, seed companies have seen an explosion in business. Starting a home kitchen garden can be a great way to save money on grocery bills. A recent study by the National Gardening Association found that the average family with a vegetable garden spends only about $70 per year on the garden and grows $600 worth of vegetables. Individual types of vegetables may offer even better return on the investment. For example, $1 worth …

A well planned landscape is not only beautiful, it can also save you money on your heating and cooling bills! In fact, studies have found that energy efficient landscaping can reduce your summer utility bills by as much is 50% in some regions of the United States. These tips will help you save money on summer utility bills:

Plant deciduous trees on the south, east, and west sides of your house. Deciduous trees shade your home in the summer while allowing cooling breezes to pass through, significantly reducing cooling costs. In …

Thoughtful landscaping not only beautifies your home and adds to its resale value, it can also reduce heating costs!

Here are a few tips for saving money on heating bills with an energy efficient landscape:

Plant evergreen trees as a windbreak on the northwest side of your house. Studies have found that windbreaks can reduce heating costs by up to 20%. Windbreaks are effective for a distance of up to eight times their own height. For maximum effectiveness, use a mix of tall trees, shorter trees, and shrubs in your windbreak.
Use evergreens …