It's spring, and it's the perfect time to start thinking about growing your own food. Just imagine having fresh, homegrown tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini…whatever you love to eat or want to try. No, it's not an easy task, but think about the benefits:
- You'll know exactly where you food comes from.
- You can choose to grow what you love.
- You can grow it all organically.
- You'll save money and still have plenty of fresh vegetables.
- You'll reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the number of miles your food will travel.
- You'll be more relaxed (working in the garden can relieve stress).
If you're like me and don't have enough room for a garden, consider joining a community garden where you can grow food in plots alongside your neighbors. Being short on space doesn't mean you have to turn to someone else's plot or get all your vegetables from a farm or the grocer, though. Many vegetables and herbs grow well in containers, which means you can grow at least a few things at home with just some pots, dirt and a patio or balcony that gets good light. Building a container garden is an easy way to have fresh herbs, lettuces, a variety of vegetables and even some berries just outside your door.
Consider growing at least some of your own food this year, but if it's just not feasible, think about supporting local farmers through farmer's markets or a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. The next best thing to growing your own food is knowing exactly where it's coming from and who is growing it.
(Image by thebittenword)
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Our lot is 95% shade in the summer, so I grow lettuce in the tiny patch of sunlight we do get. I use pots that I can move around as the sun moves. Lettuce is pretty easy, and something we eat everyday. I tried tomatoes last year, but they didn't do well. Maybe I will try strawberries this year. Growing things is good for kids. My daughter loves to help water.
Georgine – Thanks for commenting. I've had trouble with tomatoes in pots, too. I don't think I was watering them enough…I'd love to try strawberries, and I read recently that blueberries do well in pots, so I'm going to check that out as well. I agree that teaching kids about gardening and where their food comes from is really important. Best of luck with your gardening ventures!