Have you always dreamt of growing your own food? While growing your own vegetables, herbs and fruit can be a rich and fulfilling hobby, it also offers numerous benefits backed by science and research. Here are the top six reasons why you should consider growing your own food:
Improved nutrition and food quality. Homegrown produce is fresher and more nutrient-dense than store-bought alternatives. Did you know fruits and vegetables grown in nutrient-rich soil have profoundly higher levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants compared to those harvested commercially? This is because home gardeners can control the quality of the soil and avoid the preservatives and chemicals used in industrial farming.
A healthier diet and reduced pesticide exposure. Growing your own food also allows you to avoid commercial agriculture’s pesticides and herbicides which often remain even after washing. By opting for organic gardening methods or simply growing food in your own yard, you greatly lower the risk of chemical exposure and enjoy cleaner, safer produce.
Environmental sustainability. Home gardening is an environmentally-friendly practice that contributes to sustainability for humans and wildlife. Growing your own food also helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with food production and transportation. By cultivating local seasonal produce, you lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for long-distance food transportation. Additionally, personal organic micro-farming uses no synthetic fertilizers and thus reduces the strain on water resources, an important factor in our desert community.
Economic savings. Growing your own food can also lead to huge savings on groceries, especially if you already buy organic produce and herbs. The investment of initial costs (raised beds, fencing, seeds, soil and tools) pay off quickly and creates economic stability through reduced dependency on commercial food markets in unstable times.
Mental health benefits. Did you know gardening helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression? Being surrounded by or tending to plants can provide numerous therapeutic benefits, promote mindfulness and boost mood significantly improving mental well-being. Just 30 minutes of gardening can reduce cortisol levels and improve feelings of relaxation and happiness.1 It allows busy individuals time to reconnect with nature, providing a sense of peace, purpose and accomplishment, and reducing the mental strain of our modern life.
Educational and community benefits. Gardening is also an excellent way to foster learning for both individuals and families. Family and community gardening projects have been linked to improved social connections and stronger bonds. These activities encourage cooperation, promote local food security, and raise awareness about sustainable practices, benefiting families, neighborhoods and society as a whole.2 Growing your own food offers numerous benefits. Many have seen firsthand the significantly positive impact that home vegetable gardening can have on their personal well-being, their family’s well-being and the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Start growing today!
Natalie Meyerhoff is a University of California master gardener and founder of Thyme & Space Gardens. She can be reached at [email protected] and (760) 896.1446. Visit www.thymeandspacegardens.com.
References: 1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016920462030325X?via%3Dihub; 2) https://gardening.cals.cornell.edu/lessons/program-tools/benefits-and-research/key-findings/
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