The recent news about the Cyclospora parasite causing intestinal illness linked to contaminated produce is troubling. Growing produce in the backyard has never seemed more relevant. Here are some other great reasons to grow your own.
Price: Tomatoes this year are going for as much as $5 a pound for heirlooms at the supermarket. Peppers, herbs, and greens are also rising in price. A $5 transplant will yield dozens of fruits; seeds may be even more economical. An added bonus is that seeds saved from your produce can be planted next year.
Freshness and taste: There is nothing like fresh vegetables plucked from the vine and placed on the evening dinner table. We carry eighty varieties of tomatoes alone. Can the grocery store offer the same?
Health benefits: Fresh vegetables add Vitamin C, Lycopene, and an array of vitamins and minerals. Gardening gets us outside to receive Vitamin E from the sun. It also provides moderate exercise through digging, weeding, potting, watering, and harvesting. Working with plants has been proven to boost our mental well-being and relieve stress.
Control: Knowing whether pesticides are used on the plants or if fertilizers are organic is important information for families.
Food security: Home gardens can be shared and swapped with neighbors, providing vegetables during supply disruptions or disease outbreaks. Consider donating to a local food bank. Preserving the harvest through canning, freezing, and drying extends the benefits through winter.
Environment: No need for packaging, transportation, and refrigeration compared to store produce. Composting vegetable scraps returns nutrients to the soil instead of sending them to the landfill.
Habitat: Gardens create food and habitat for pollinators.
Education: The garden teaches us about the lifecycles of plants and insects. Weather matters. Water conservation and problem-solving come into play. Even math plays a part; figuring out the square footage to plan for planting and fertilization.
Satisfaction: Watching plants grow from seed to harvest while nurturing them. Developing new skills and confidence are an added benefit.
Cooking: Learning new ways to prepare the harvest is gratifying. Grillers love adding fresh herbs to meats and vegetables.
Family: The family's input and feedback create conversation and a shared commitment to ensure the garden's success.
Growing your own is remarkably satisfying. Honestly, there is a lot of work involved. It's worth it!
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