Planting season is here at Grumbles Homestead, and there is a lot going on. We are breaking ground on a brand new garden plot, talking about rising grocery costs and what that means for families thinking about growing their own food, and trying to make a plan for the busy weeks ahead. If you have ever thought about starting a garden, or you are already growing your own food and just trying to figure out what to do next — this one is for you. We are starting a new garden, checking on the horses, cleaning the chicken coop, and talking about why growing your own food matters right now.

What Is Going On at Grumbles Homestead This Week

Chapter timestamps

• 00:00 — What’s Going On at Grumbles Homestead?
• 00:35 — Spring Garden Prep in Ontario: New Plot, Soil Prep & Planting Season Tips
• 01:50 — Rising Grocery Costs: Why More Families Are Growing Their Own Food
• 03:10 — How to Start Seeds Indoors in Zone 5b (Ontario Frost Date Guide)

Spring is here and the to-do list is as long as ever. We are breaking ground on a brand new garden plot at Grumbles Homestead — and this is not a few pots on the porch. We are talking full soil prep, layout planning, and a whole lot of hauling. Grocery prices have been climbing and that is exactly what is pushing us to grow more of our own food this year. Nothing is fully done yet, but everything is moving forward — and that is the Grumbles Homestead way.

In this video I walk through where we are at with spring garden planning here in Ontario and why the conversation around growing food while working full time feels more urgent than ever. Grocery prices are not going down. A head of lettuce costs what it costs, and people are noticing. We are in zone 5b here — that means we have to watch the frost dates carefully. Frost is when the temperature drops low enough overnight to kill young plants. We start seeds inside the house under grow lights and wait for the right moment to move them outside. That window is tiny — maybe four days in Ontario where it is not too cold and not too late. That four-day window is the whole ballgame — miss it and you’re buying transplants at twice the price, or starting over. If you are thinking about starting a garden, this video might be the push you need. And then there’s that!

We also dig into the numbers — can a backyard garden actually make a dent in your grocery bill? The honest answer is yes, if you grow the right things. Herbs, lettuce, tomatoes, and zucchini give you the most value per square foot. A single basil plant from a cheap seed packet will keep you in fresh herbs all summer. And once you start starting seeds indoors instead of buying transplants, your costs drop even further. It is not a silver bullet, but every bit helps — and right now, every bit really counts. Our inventor simple projects focus on easy-to-build ideas that save time, money, and frustration for everyday homesteaders — and the garden is no different.”

@grumbleshomestead

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start spring garden prep in Ontario?

Earlier than you think. In zone 5b, the last frost is around mid-May. Cool plants like lettuce and peas can go out by late April. Tomatoes and peppers need to start inside 6–8 weeks before that. Most beginners wait until it looks warm outside — but by then, you have already missed the best window. Start early. You will be glad you did.

Can growing your own food actually make a dent in rising grocery costs?

Yes — but start small. A garden will not replace your whole grocery bill, but it helps a lot. Herbs are the best deal — one basil plant from a $1 seed packet gives you more than you can use all summer. Tomatoes, lettuce, beans, and zucchini are easy to grow and cost a lot at the store. Just don’t spend $200 on fancy raised beds to grow $40 of food.

What vegetables give you the most value when growing your own food?

Herbs are the best bang for your buck — one basil plant from a dollar seed packet gives you more than you can use all summer. After that, focus on tomatoes, lettuce, zucchini, and beans. They are easy to grow, produce a lot, and cost the most at the store. Avoid things that take up lots of space for a small return, like corn or melons, until you have more room. Start with what your family actually eats and what costs the most at checkout.

How do you plan a new garden plot from scratch?

Start with your space and your sun. You need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for most vegetables. Once you have your spot, test or improve the soil — good soil is the single biggest thing that affects how well your garden grows. Sketch a rough layout before you dig. Think about what you want to grow, how much space each plant needs, and what goes well together. Then start small. A 4×8 foot bed is plenty for a first garden. You can always expand once you see what works.

How do you stay motivated when everything on the homestead needs doing at once?

Honestly — you don’t always feel motivated, and that’s okay. Spring is a lot. What helps is picking just three things to do each day. Not fifteen. Three. Finish those and call it a win. Remember why you are doing this — the food, the animals, the life you chose. Start somewhere, and the rest follows.

Tell us what you are working on this spring — garden, animals, repairs, whatever. Drop it in the comments. We read every single one. Follow along on Facebook, X, TikTok, and Spotify too.