Money Savings Spreadsheet

[fruitylou]

oops ok thanks I will be posting there at the end of the year then, I don't really look at that bit cos I don't have an allotment just beds in the garden so haven't noticed before

[Kristen]

That thread was from 2008 (I was impressed enough that someone had gone to the trouble of keeping such records that I saved it in my favourites!) ... so you might have to start a new Super Geeky thread for this year

[bazzaboy]

lol, lovely thread but I think I'm with fruitylou... I always assume it's a hobby and costs me money, possibly the advantage is I eat crops I'd never buy, or they're fresher, more organic etc.... I might save a bit on say lettuces in the summer (but even that is probably touch and go...) but overall a complete disaster in terms of "saving"...

Not to be a party pooper but I'm not convinced the spread sheets are comparing like with like unless you cost in your own (and OHs etc) labour at a realistic (minimum wage?) rate, existing and new capital/equipment investment, hire and depreciation/loss charges - e.g. equipment you already have, new investments, proportion of council tax on garden or annual hire of allotment, transport costs, water costs if metered, mistakes and disasters (loads of those already this year, lost all winter broad beans to the fierce weather and water butt has cracked beyond redemption...), garden mag subs, freezer/drier/preservation costs if that's what you do with any produce, damaged produce, surplus losses, waste.... Mrs D's model is surely closer but that model assumes all produce realises full selling price which is surely not the case (even Tesco would wish that were so in which case their prices would be lower....).

I suspect unless you're very price-target driven ounce for ounce (gram for gram) Tesco probably do it way cheaper if all you want to do is eat it... But picking stuff off a Tesco shelf isn't as fun, isn't much of a challenge, doesn't have a known pedigree, doesn't teach you much about life and isn't very magical. Planting a seed is!

[binley100]

I shall be using pen and paper to keep a record of this year. Spread sheet looks great but I learnt accounts the old fashioned way , many moons ago , and just find it easier ........

[Suky]

That thread was from 2008 (I was impressed enough that someone had gone to the trouble of keeping such records that I saved it in my favourites!) ... so you might have to start a new Super Geeky thread for this year

The sticky at the top of the allotment thread is a continuing one, just post and follow on

lol, lovely thread but I think I'm with fruitylou... I always assume it's a hobby and costs me money, possibly the advantage is I eat crops I'd never buy, or they're fresher, more organic etc.... I might save a bit on say lettuces in the summer (but even that is probably touch and go...) but overall a complete disaster in terms of "saving"...
Not to be a party pooper but I'm not convinced the spread sheets are comparing like with like unless you cost in your own (and OHs etc) labour at a realistic (minimum wage?) rate, existing and new capital/equipment investment, hire and depreciation/loss charges - e.g. equipment you already have, new investments, proportion of council tax on garden or annual hire of allotment, transport costs, water costs if metered, mistakes and disasters (loads of those already this year, lost all winter broad beans to the fierce weather and water butt has cracked beyond redemption...), garden mag subs, freezer/drier/preservation costs if that's what you do with any produce, damaged produce, surplus losses, waste.... Mrs D's model is surely closer but that model assumes all produce realises full selling price which is surely not the case (even Tesco would wish that were so in which case their prices would be lower....).

I suspect unless you're very price-target driven ounce for ounce (gram for gram) Tesco probably do it way cheaper if all you want to do is eat it... But picking stuff off a Tesco shelf isn't as fun, isn't much of a challenge, doesn't have a known pedigree, doesn't teach you much about life and isn't very magical. Planting a seed is!

Then you have to factor in the exercise you get, not paying gym fees, the packaging you don't have to dispose of and other such positives. I wouldn't take into account council tax as you would be paying that wether you grew veg or not but I will take the allotment rent into my calculation. Having run my own home based business and done the accounts I would not treat my veg growing the same way.
It is my hobby and, with luck, one that pays its way and the spreadsheet is just a way to judge how well I am doing. I see it as no different to a runner who keeps time sheets and records every run and exercise session or my SIL who races gocarts and keeps so many records for that.
It also takes account of my slightly obsessional personnality

[Kristen]

It also takes account of my slightly obsessional personnality

I resemble that remark

[Jono]

I definitely grow my own because I love it, more than anything. The money saving is a bonus.

And of course, the initial outlay on fruit bushes, seeds, equipment etc will take some time to get back.

Working out my saving is a bit of fun for me, but it does focus the mind on how expensive food is. I had no idea, for example, how expensive leeks are in the shops.

If only my fishing was as cost effective...

[dave_norm_smith]

I have used and intend to use this as well as my paper records to help keep track of harvest results from year to year. I will have records of harvest quantities per variety to compare yield, and over time even see which bed is most productive. I know there are variables to all this but last year it was nice to know that the £70 I laid out at the start of the year was more than recouped from the £200+ of produce I was able to grow.

In addition I have started to log how much jam and pickle etc my wife makes from the produce. Again comparing yields and the notes whether to make it again, the lovely Nigellas chilli jam- yes, Hugh's Hedgrow chutney from the GYO handbook- definately no!
I also enjoyed the fact that a forage of Blackberries last year resulted in £70 of fruit based on Sainbury's prices, as well as blinking good jam and jelly.

I am now thinking of hot buttered toast and jam!

Dave

[Davyburns]

I am now thinking of hot buttered toast and jam!

Dave

Teacakes are better

[dave_norm_smith]

ooooh now you've done it! I'm hungry now and its only 9.43am