[TNdandelion]

One thing to consider is the fact that many of those items are one time purchases. Canning jars can last for years and the only part you have to replace are the lids.

As for your pickles, my pickle making is very limited. My sisterinlaw makes pickles but they are the sweet kind and you don't have to have special equipment. I made pickle relish 2 years ago and just prepped it like tomato sauce, I believe. I think I used a hotwater bath as I think it had enough acid in it to not require a pressure canner. Don't quote me on that, though. lol

[little jeremiah]

I’ve gotten many jars at auctions, garage sales, or from old people who don’t can any more. I have maybe 500 or more jars, and I’ve only bought a few cases of them.

I got two canning kettles at thrift stores.

I made pickles for the first time last summer; I made brine pickles without vinegar. To my surprise, they worked. Still eating them.