Home and community gardens have provided people with a continuous and fresh supply of food for many years, and continue to act as the main food source for many around the world. As we enhance technologically and the trend of a fast-paced lifestyle continues to grow, convenience wins over sustenance; however, when life strikes back and we are faced with difficulties, we are reminded of how going back-to-the-basics can present livelihood and security.
The following are the main gifts home gardens help provide:
Have an Abundance and Variety of Fresh Produce
When you create your own garden at home, you’re in control of what you grow! Tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant and so much more, home gardens provide a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables that can help feed you and your family or friends year-round.
By growing your own food, you may feel more connected to your family traditions and may gain access to items that are otherwise unavailable near you.
For herbs, it’s as simple as planting them in pots and growing them by a sunny window in your kitchen to use in everyday cooking. For most other fruits and vegetables - depending on the amount of space available to you - growing foods such as strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and so much more is easily achievable by using raised garden beds outdoors or vertical planters and/or patio planters. Go ahead and start today!
Save Money
It’s a no-brainer! Of course growing your own food at home will save you money each time you visit the grocery store!
A survey conducted by the UC Cooperative Extension in San Jose showed that home gardeners saved on average $92/month!
Money saved at the grocery store can help support you in other areas of life while your garden can help significantly supplement your diet.
Improve Your Health
Three words: healthier food supply. Meals rich in fresh fruits and vegetables are lower in calories and higher in fiber and part of a healthy diet.
A study published in the California Agriculture journal showed that participants reported doubling their vegetable intake to a level that met the number of daily servings recommended by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines by growing their own vegetables.
Growing your own food is one of the easiest ways to ensure a healthier diet that contains adequate macro- and micronutrients for you and your loved ones. Gone will be the days where fast food drive-throughs will be used for convenience when you can walk outside and pick fresh food from your garden!
The height of the global pandemic, in early 2020, forced us to think differently and be mindful of a lot more going on around us and our everyday lives. Standing in empty aisles and staring at empty produce stands is something we all experienced, and the realization of just how much we are dependent on grocery stores and somebody else providing us our food was a big wake up call for many. Being more in control of your food supply and of your life is within reach. What are you waiting for? Give it a try today!