Organic eating can get pricey, but the more you know about organic farming and cooking, the more money you’ll save – not to mention the healthier you’ll be. These tips will help you create an organic lifestyle without sacrificing your budget.

Prioritize organic purchases.

Most of us can’t afford to buy everything organic – and that’s okay, because certain items are more important to buy organic than others. Meat, milk and coffee are always worth the extra money, as well as porous fruits and vegetables that you eat whole, like peaches, apples, strawberries, cherries, grapes and lettuce. Fruits and veggies with a thick skin that you don’t eat, like avocado, corn, pineapple, mango, kiwi and watermelon, should fall lower on your priority list. (It’s hard for pesticides to get through that thick skin – plus, those items are less likely to need pesticides in the first place.)

Garden.

If you have the time and space, plant a garden. Start small with a few herbs and veggies – just having basil and tomato plants will make a big difference in your kitchen. If you live in an apartment and don’t have your own land, then join a community garden. Work at a gardening co-op for just a few hours a week, and you’ll get discounted or free fruits and veggies. Gardening can be surprisingly therapeutic, and you’ll meet like-minded people.

Sign up for a CSA.

Community supported agriculture allows you to buy seasonal food directly from a local farmer by simply signing up to purchase a share in the farm. If you’re cooking for two, consider splitting the cost of a share with another family, since one share usually means an extra-large box of vegetables.

Buy certain items in bulk.

Save money by purchasing expensive items in bulk. Beans and grains are ideal candidates for bulk purchasing, but don’t forget to store them in an airtight container.

Embrace the freezer.

If you’re buying seasonal items in bulk, you’ll end up having to freeze much of your food. If you don’t have enough space in the fridge/freezer combo, then invest in an extra freezer so you have plenty of space to store your goodies for future use.

Shop at a farmer’s market.

Resist the temptation to shop at Whole Foods and specialty stores – it’s too expensive. And organic sections in supermarkets usually have a limited and pricey selection. Instead, find a farmer’s market near you, where the prices are low and the food’s always fresh. The farmer’s market is a one-stop shop for produce, dairy, meat and grains.

Stay seasonal.

In-season produce is less expensive than out-of-season, and it just tastes better. Don’t plan to make an apple pie in the middle of winter – you’ll end up spending more money than usual and sacrifice the integrity of the dish.

Support local and organic restaurants.

Of course you’ll save more money by cooking at home, but when you do eat out, choose an independent restaurant that serves local food. You don’t know where chain-restaurant food comes from, but most organic restaurants have relationships with specific farms and suppliers.

Utilize organic resources.

Local Harvest has information on organic eating and allows you to search for a CSA farm near you. Organic Kitchen is an excellent resource for organic eaters. It includes information on restaurants, vineyards, markets, farms and more. Other foodie websites like Epicurious feature lots of organic tips and recipes.

Create community with other organic eaters.

Connect with other people in your neighborhood to go in on farm shares, split bulk purchases, cook dinner for each other and share tips about organic eating on a budget. By finding an organic-eating community, you’ll save money, stay healthy and build relationships.

How do you eat organic on the cheap? Share your tips below.