Sunday, February 26, 2023
5 Benefits of Starting Your Own Vegetable Garden This Year
There are so many benefits to starting a vegetable garden this year. Today we are going to look at the top 5 reasons that beginner gardeners would want to plant a garden this spring.
I sit at my desk today thinking about one of my favorite hobbies....GARDENING!! Yes some times of the year gardening takes up quite a bit of my mental energy. But what is so intriguing about starting a garden? What would be the benefits of starting your own vegetable garden?? Hmm, actually I thing the question may be better stated "What reasons are there not to start a garden." LOL I narrowed down the list to the top five reasons to garden this year. So without further delay.....here are the top 5 benefits to starting a vegetable garden this year.
Homegrown Vegetables Taste Better Than Store Bought Produce
Once you have bitten into a fresh picked tomato from your garden you will never want the store bought version again. THE TASTE IS AMAZING!! Honest ... I cringe if I need to purchase a tomato from the store because I know that it will not have ANY flavor. Fresh produce from your garden will be bursting with flavor and nutrients. There is something to be said about produce that has ripened on the vine or bush rather than being picked green and shipped 100s of miles across country.
Gardening Saves You Money at the Grocery Store
Yes, you heard that right. Gardening will save you lots of money at the grocery store. Some people may argue that you have to get this tool or that special piece of equipment. They may say it costs a lot to start a garden but the truth is you don't need to any fancy, expensive equipment to get started. Just a good pair of gloves, some soil, and some seeds will get you started. If nature chimes in with some sun and rain than you have a winning combination for SUCCESS!
Let's just do a quick calculation. So, you purchase a pack of bean seeds from the store for about $2.50. The pack contains about 40 seeds. If we say only 80% of the seeds germinate and survive to produce then you can expect to have 32 bean plants that produce. Every plant, if well cared for with water and healthy soil, can produce about 3-5 pounds of beans. So 32 plants x 4 pounds = 128 pounds of green beans. Wow, that's 128 pounds of food for $2.50!! That sounds like a win to me. It doesn't matter what part of the country you live in you won't be finding that good of deal in your local grocery store.
The Produce Is Sooo Much Healthier For You and Your Family
Conventionally grown produce is sprayed with all sorts of chemical pesticides. The purpose of this is so that the farmer gets more produce due to less pests and diseases. While this may sound all well and good, we as a nation are quickly realizing that we didn't take into consideration what all these toxic sprays are doing to our health and the soil of our farming land. Autoimmune disorders and diseases are skyrocketing. When we thought obesity was at an all time high is has continued to rise. And while we can't completely blame the chemicals, they have definitely taken a toll on our health. Any improvements in eating habits takes you a step in the right direction!
Besides the chemical issues, eating our own produce is also healthier because it has been ripened on the vine rather than picked green and shipped from all across the country. Freshly picked produce that has been vine ripened will be packed with more nutrients than their store bought version. If you can't grow your own then do your best to support any local farmers to get as much local produce as you can.
Growing A Vegetable Garden Contributes to Your Food Security
In this uncertain world that we live in, it is a good feeling when you know that you have the knowledge and ability to grow some of your own food. Self sufficient seems to be almost a buzz word since all the uncertain times that came about in 2020. But when we go to the grocery store and shelves are half bare, or you can't find a head of lettuce if your life depended on it, then it is even more important that we know the skills to grow our own food. And honestly, it is not that hard!! Yeah, there is a little bit of a learning curve but everything is figure-out-able with a little research or reading. In fact, if you research it, there are even weeds that you can eat if you wanted. Free Food! LOL
Gardening Makes You Feel Good
There is no better feeling than to soak up a little sunshine while working in the garden. The feel of the dirt on your feet and the wind in your hair. Not only are the vegetables healthy for you to eat but the fresh air is healthy for your mind, body, and soul. Gardening can be a great wat to relieve stress and get away from the pressures of the world. Reconnect with nature and soak up a little Vitamin D while you are at it. Sounds like a win-win situation!!
To Wrap It Up
So, what are your reasons for wanting to being gardening?? Is it to experience the unforgettable taste of that freshly ripened tomato picked straight from the vine? Or watching your child pull a tender carrot from the ground and watch that satisfied crunch of that first bite? Maybe you are more interested in the savings it can provide you on your grocery bill, or for the security of growing your own food if a crisis were to hit to close to home. Whatever your reason you don't have to choose just one because when you begin your gardening journey all these benefits and so many more will follow you on the journey. So what are you waiting for? Let's get planting!!
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