We've seen a lot of instability in the world. Gas and food prices have risen sharply. People have lost jobs, income, and savings. Politicians wage wars over multimedia arenas over health and financial issues. The incidences of obesity, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease continue to rise. Genetically modified foods, preservatives, and strange chemicals have inundated what we buy at the grocery stores.
How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Starting a garden might seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think. You don’t need a lot of space or experience; just a small patch of yard, a patio, or even a balcony can become your vegan garden.
The key is to start small and learn as you go. Begin by choosing easy-to-grow plants, like herbs or vegetables, and make sure to use good soil and proper containers if needed. Water regularly, give them some sunlight, and you’ll soon find yourself enjoying fresh, home-grown food!
The Food Crisis and Our Neglect
As Americans we’ve neglected to pay attention to where food has come from for years. This has led to us eating junk that can barely be recognized as food. Even when we try to eat more fruits and vegetables we find them contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, cancer causing preservatives and sweeteners, and genetic modifications. Many people are finally fed up and are taking some control over their food, their finances, and their health back from big business and government by starting gardens.
The Growing Popularity of Home Gardening
Growing your own food is a trend that seems to be gaining some traction as of late. It makes sense. A garden offers clean, organic, safe, chemical free food for very little money. It’s also much easier than many of us know.
You don’t need several acres of open land to make a difference in consuming healthier, cleaner, greener foods that are packed with nutrition. You can start a garden in your small back yards, in your patios, or even on your tiny balcony. No matter the size, gardens are a great investment, improve the environment, save money, and promote healthy eating.
Read more: Garden Fresh Basil Pesto
The Health Benefits of Gardening
These aren’t the only benefits of gardening. Gardening burns on average 300 calories an hour and combines strength, flexibility, and endurance exercises. Participating in regular physical activities, like gardening, lowers your risk of cancer and improves heart and lung function. Gardening has also been shown to reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and lower blood pressure. The living vegetables your garden produces then builds on these effects.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are filled with phytonutrients that combat disease, aid in healing, and fight the aging process. Those who garden eat more fruits and vegetables and a wider variety of them too. They also aren’t exposed to as many of the toxic chemicals that go into commercial produce, many of which are carcinogenic.
Gardening and Environmental Impact
Gardening is also good for the environment. Less fossil fuel is used since it isn’t being shipped around the world or picked up at a grocery store. Gardens clean and refresh the air, pumping out oxygen. Those who garden also eat less processed foods and animal products, both of which have huge carbon footprints.
Gardening as a Life-Enriching Activity
The benefits don’t stop there. Gardening unlocks creativity, builds responsibility, and teaches patience to you and anyone who helps, including children. Children who garden are more likely to eat healthier their entire lives, try new fruits and vegetables, care more about the environment, have a better sense of ownership and responsibility, and even do better in school. Start a garden and bring these benefits into your home and your life.
Read more: 5 Reasons to Garden with Your Kids
Best Vegetables to Grow in Your Backyard
Some of the easiest to grow include tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and peppers. These plants require minimal effort but offer high yields. Leafy greens, like spinach and kale, also thrive in smaller spaces and are packed with nutrients. If you’re looking for something low-maintenance, root vegetables like carrots and radishes are also great choices.
Read How to Grow an Indoor Garden for more information.
How Much Money Can You Save by Gardening?
Gardening doesn’t just offer health benefits; it’s also a smart way to save money. A small investment in seeds and gardening tools can result in a bounty of fresh produce that costs far less than store-bought versions. Plus, you can avoid the hidden costs of transportation, packaging, and even pesticides; over time, the savings add up!
The Best Time to Start Your Garden
For most plants, the best time to start is in the spring, after the risk of frost is gone and the soil begins to warm. However, some vegetables, like leafy greens can be planted in early spring or even late summer for a fall harvest.
How to Garden with Limited Time
If you're short on time but still want the benefits of home gardening, don’t worry; you can still make it work. Choose low-maintenance plants that don’t require constant attention, like herbs, tomatoes, or root vegetables. Think about implementing a drip irrigation system to simplify and optimize watering.
Read more: 6 Natural Solutions to Keep Your Home and Garden Safe
