Reap What You Sow: Australians Are Growing Their Way to Grocery Savings

If you've hesitated at the shops when throwing your fresh produce into the trolley, you wouldn't be alone. Whether you've been bit by the 'I can grow this myself' bug or you're looking to follow in Meghan Markle's footsteps, Aussies are finding practical ways to cut household expenses as grocery prices continue to bite. ABS data shows fruit and vegetable prices have increased by 4.8% in the year to July 2025 which has led to many Aussies choosing to grow their own food.   

And while home-grown produce has traditionally been associated with sprawling vegetable patches and large suburban backyards, our new research suggests that's no longer the reality. 

From balconies and courtyards to windowsills and outdoor pots, Australians are finding creative ways to grow fresh produce at home. For many, it’s delivering meaningful grocery savings, even in surprisingly small spaces. 

A national survey of more than 1,000 Australians found almost three in five (58%) already grow fruit, vegetables or herbs at home, while a further 7% are planning to start in the coming months. Together, nearly two-thirds of Australians are either already growing their own produce or preparing to get started. 

Small spaces, meaningful savings 

Many Australians believe growing food at home requires a large backyard. In fact, 61% say a lack of space is one of the biggest barriers preventing people from growing their own produce. Yet the experiences of current amateur gardeners suggest otherwise. 

More than two in five growers (41%) use outdoor pots or small containers, while 15% grow produce on a deck, balcony or patio, and 10% grow indoors. 

These compact growing setups can still deliver meaningful savings. On average, Australians who grow their own fruit, vegetables or herbs estimate they save $9.31 a week, equivalent to around $484 a year. Those growing indoors report even greater savings, averaging $12.63 per week or approximately $657 annually. Australians growing produce on balconies, patios and decks estimate savings of $11.88 a week, or around $618 a year. 

The findings suggest successful home growing is not limited to households with large outdoor spaces. Even a handful of pots in a sunny position can help reduce grocery spending while providing fresh produce at home. 

Younger Australians may already be embracing this approach. Despite being more likely to live in apartments or rental properties, Gen Z (46%) are the least likely generation to see a lack of space as a barrier to growing food, compared with 72% of Baby Boomers. 

They also appear to be seeing greater financial benefits. Gen Z and Millennials estimate annual savings of more than $700 from growing produce at home, compared with approximately $231 reported by Baby Boomers. 

For Tasmanians, the savings are even more substantial. Home growers in Tasmania estimate they save around $836 a year, the highest figure nationally.

The more veg you grow, the more savings you sow 

The biggest savings, however, appear to come from growing a wider variety of produce.  

Australians cultivating just one or two types report average savings of $6.68 a week, but that climbs to $9.96 among those growing three or four varieties and jumps again to $14.24 for Australians growing five or more.  

Over a year, that's roughly $740 in grocery savings. 

So, while a few pots of herbs can certainly help stretch the grocery budget, branching out into a wider range of fruits or vegetables may be where the biggest rewards start to grow. 

What are Aussies growing in their gardens? 

When it comes to home-grown produce, Australians tend to stick with a few tried-and-true favourites. 

Tomatoes are Australia's most popular home-grown crop, cultivated by 51% of growers. Herbs follow closely behind at 50%, with citrus fruits sitting third on 39%. 

Leafy greens and chillies or peppers are also popular picks, finding a place in roughly one in three home gardens (32%). 

Many of these foods share something important in common: they're suitable for smaller growing spaces and are the kinds of ingredients many of us reach for regularly. Whether its fresh herbs sprinkled over dinner, tomatoes for a salad, or chillies to add a little extra kick to a meal, they’re fan favourites. 

And if your tomato plant is producing faster than you can eat them, or you've got more herbs and chillies than your weekly meals require, sharing home-grown produce might just be one of the easiest ways to earn a few brownie points with the neighbours! For more insights into becoming the best neighbour on the block, check out our guide to Australia's Unofficial Neighbourhood Rules. 

While some crops appear to be associated with higher savings than others, the difference is likely driven less by the produce itself and more by the habits of the people growing it. Households cultivating a broader range of fruit, vegetables and herbs consistently report greater savings, suggesting variety may be just as important as what is actually planted. 

Fresh off the vine 

Although saving money is a welcome benefit, it’s not the primary reason Australians are turning to home-grown produce. 

Instead, freshness is the strongest motivator. Almost half (48%) of current and aspiring gardeners cite access to fresher produce as a key reason for growing food at home, making it the most common motivation. Better taste and quality follow at 31%. 

Reducing grocery costs ranks third, nominated by 27% of respondents, alongside growing produce as a hobby (27%). 

Together, the findings suggest Australians are seeking more than financial savings. Growing food at home offers the satisfaction of harvesting something yourself, confidence in knowing where it came from, and the simple pleasure of enjoying ingredients at their freshest. 

That said, cost remains an important consideration for many households. Among Australian households earning less than $75,000 per year, 35% say reducing grocery costs is one of their main motivations for growing produce. By comparison, only 18% of households earning more than $150,000 identify savings as a key driver. 

Whether it's hearty root vegetables for Sunday roast, fresh fruit for those warm summer days, or vibrant herbs for weeknight dinners, home-grown produce is proving that even the smallest spaces can deliver worthwhile rewards.  

Sometimes, all it takes is planting the first seed. Here are some tips to help get started: 

1. Start small
You don't need to transform your entire backyard overnight. A single pot of chillis, a strawberry plant or a few potatoes that can grow easily in tubs can be a great way to build confidence and learn what works best in your space.  

2. Grow what you love for the biggest savings
Start with ingredients you regularly buy. If it's already part of your weekly shop, it's likely to earn a place in your garden. Zucchini, herbs, eggplant, chillis, spring onions and leafy greens such as lettuce and cabbage are all versatile options that can be used in everyday meals – and are easy to grow. Another tip: grow what’s in season for the best yield in your harvest! If you're not sure where to start, the table below highlights some of the easiest seasonal produce. You can also visit your local garden centre for more information on growing fruit and vegetables in your area.

3. Make the most of your space
No backyard? No problem. Balconies, patios, courtyards and even sunny windowsills can support productive gardens. The key is choosing a location that provides sufficient sunlight for your selected plants. Before planting, it's also worth ensuring your outdoor space is well maintained, particularly in bushfire-prone areas. Check out our guide to outdoor jobs to tackle before bushfire season begins. 

4. Enjoy the process
Whether you're motivated by savings, freshness or simply looking for a new hobby, there is no right or wrong way to get started. Experimenting with different plants, growing methods and seasonal produce is all part of the experience. Even when a crop doesn't thrive, you'll gain valuable knowledge for the next growing season.

Explore what the data says about Aussie growing habits

Disclaimer 
Data for the Sow & Save study was sourced from a survey conducted by Ideally between 30 July 2026 to 31 July 2026, involving 1063 respondents aged 18 years old and above, from all states and territories within Australia. Some percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Survey results have not been independently verified by Youi and may not be representative of the general population. Youi makes no representation or warranty of any kind of the accuracy, adequacy, reliability, or completeness of the data and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind suffered as a result of the use of or reliance on the data. Individual experiences may vary.