How (And Why) You Should Grow Your Own Food This Spring
Growing your own food can be a highly rewarding and satisfying project. With the rising concerns of the quality of food that we consume — and ongoing supply chain issues and inflation costs that are driving up the costs of produce these day — more people are now deciding to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home. Not only does it promote a healthier lifestyle, but it also has numerous benefits that can positively impact the environment, your immune system, and your overall well-being.
Why You Should Grow Your Own Food This Spring
1. Fresh, Nutritious and Chemical-free Produce
“Measurements of fruits and vegetables show that their minerals, vitamin and protein content has measurably dropped over the past 50 to 70 years,” report nutritionists and data scientists. For example, one major study found that important immunity-supporting nutrients like vitamin C have plummeted in farm produce over the years.
Much of this has to do with modern agricultural practices. Another factor is the practice of harvesting vegetables out-of-season or early, and then shipping them around the world to your local grocery store.
In contrast, when you grown your own food this spring, it allows you to have complete control over what you consume. The produce you grow at home is fresher, free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, and is naturally packed with nutrients. Plus, no shipping is involved, making homegrown produce better for you and the environment.
2. It’s Cost-effective to Grow Your Own Food
Growing your own food can save you money in the long run. While there is an initial investment in tools and seeds, the long-term savings can help you offset some of the grocery costs. Besides, you can grow various fruits and vegetables in the same space as well as save seeds each year, and it reduces the transportation costs that contribute to the final price at the store.
3. It’s Sustainable and Environment-Friendly to Grow Your Own Food
Growing food at home is an excellent way to promote sustainability. It reduces food waste by only harvesting what you eat each day. By growing your food, you also eliminate plastic packaging and reduce the need to transport goods that cause air pollution, emission, and waste. Also, it’s a crucial step towards educating ourselves on the importance of environmental sustainability.
4. It Promotes Your Physical and Mental Health
Getting outdoors and working your home garden, even if it’s a container garden on your apartment patio, promotes exercise and gives you fresh air and sunshine, which are essential for optimal physical and mental health. Also, being in nature and spending time with plants has a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing stress levels, and promoting well-being.
How to Get Started and Grow Your Own Food at Home
Growing your own vegetables is such a rewarding hobby that allows you to eat healthier, save money, and reduce waste. However, not all of us have the luxury of having a huge backyard garden or a spacious plot of land to cultivate. Luckily, growing your own vegetables in containers is a great alternative for those lacking space, time, or gardening experience.
1. Select the Right Containers
You’ll want to go for pots that are large enough to accommodate your vegetables but not so big that they’re difficult to move around.
Depending on the size of your plants, a container that’s at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide should be sufficient.
You can use a variety of containers such as plastic, ceramic, clay, or even recycled items like old buckets. Just make sure that the container has adequate drainage holes at the bottom.
2. Choose the Right Soil
You can use potting soil or garden soil, but avoid using “regular” soil from your yard. This can contain pests, weed seeds, or other undesirable elements that can harm your plants. You can also mix in compost or other organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for your plants.
3. Select Container-Friendly Garden Vegetables and Herbs
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, beans, and cucumbers are great choices for containers.
Avoid growing vegetables like corn or pumpkins that require a lot of space to develop.
You can also choose to grow herbs such as basil, thyme, or parsley that require less space but can still add flavor to your meals.
4. Water and Fertilize Regularly
Container gardens tend to dry out faster than traditional gardens, so it’s important to water regularly, especially during hot or dry periods. You can check the soil’s moisture level by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, then it’s time to water. You can fertilize your plants with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every few weeks to give them the necessary nutrients or use your own compost you make at home.
5. Provide Proper Sunlight and Space
Vegetables grown in containers require at least six hours of sunlight per day to grow properly, so be sure to place your containers in a sunny spot or use grow lights if you don’t have access to outdoor sunlight. Additionally, make sure to provide adequate space between the plants to avoid overcrowding and stunted growth.
In summary, growing your own food is an excellent way to provide your family with wholesome, nutritious, and delicious produce rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s also cost-effective, promotes sustainability, and reduces harmful environmental impacts. Grow your own food this spring and see the difference it makes for your health and your culinary adventures.
References:
- https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/
- https://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2017/09/13/food-nutrients-carbon-dioxide-000511/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15637215/