For added proof gardening isn't economical: $200 in dirt, $66 in wood, 5 packets of $2 seeds, a handful of screws plus whatever in watering costs and I have another raised bed. 30 square (and cubic) feet. Yes I won't incur the $280 next year, but if I have 3 pepper bushes, and 2 herbs, thats still $280 spent for probably $50 in peppers and herbs this year. No intention of selling them but I'll dehydrate and pickle what I can and 'save' that expenditure throughout the year. It'll probably take 6 years to break even and by then I may need to replace some wood due to rot or rodents.