What’s in Your Garden?

Where does the produce you eat come from? Have you ever really stopped to look, feel and smell the ‘fresh’ corn at your grocery store?  In order to sell so many varieties of fresh vegetables and fruit year round, grocery stores must purchase most of this produce from far away.  By the time we finally eat this food, some nutrients have been lost and the taste and texture is also affected.

Visiting local farms throughout the city is one way to purchase fresh produce, or you could consider growing your own vegetables.  Vegetable gardens provide delicious, nutritious and safe foods, give you a reason to go outside and be physically active, and can save you money on your grocery bill.  A 2009 study released by the National Gardening Association highlighted the potential cost-savings of growing your own garden and incentives individuals have.  The cost of starting up a garden is important to note.  Gardening tools, soil, land, and compost have costs associated with them; however, research has shown that in the long-run the cost-savings of growing your own vegetables outweigh these initial start-up fees.  A pack of seedlings cost a mere $1.00, while a young plant costs between $1.30 and $3.00, depending on what you buy.  One tomato plant could keep your fridge stocked weekly, and allow you to preserve some at the end of the season.  Add a bell pepper plant, cucumbers, zucchini and lettuce and you will be preparing the best summer salads and dishes at a fraction of the cost to what you would pay at a grocery store.

A garden does not have to be big or time consuming—just something that you can call your own, watch grow, and enjoy!  For new gardeners, a fresh herb box is a great place to start.  Parsley, basil, rosemary, oregano, dill, and sage –the possible herb combinations are endless and really depend on your flavour preferences.  Vegetables require a bit more room, though some varieties can be planted in containers on a patio.

Local food, whether you grow your own garden or support the farmers in the area, helps to sustain the land YOU live in, putting your money back into the local economy and supporting a sustainable environment.  You are guaranteed fresh products with more essential nutrients that would ultimately get lost in foods that travel long distances.  You also get to spend a little extra time enjoying the fresh air and sun, not only doing something good for the land, but yourself too!

garden.org

http://www.gardenresearch.com/files/2009-Impact-of-Gardening-in-America-White-Paper.pdf