The idea of growing your own food to many people can be overwhelming. Especially with the ease of going to a local supermarket and poring over the extensive choices of produce they have available. But the benefits of creating edible gardens can make it worth the extra work required. These benefits are available to every family member and need to be explored and considered. Here are some of the major benefits of growing your own fruits and vegetables.
You get Healthier Food
When you plant and grow your own fruits and vegetables you create the opportunity to control what goes into your family’s bodies. Today, big commercially owned forms grow nearly all of the food we eat and we have no idea of the farming methods they use for their food. What we do know is that they are interested in growing as much as they can, as fast, and as cheaply as they can and this means we too often get inferior food at our supermarkets and grocers. When you grow your own food the vitamin content will be higher because you will provide a healthier growing environment than the big farms. There will be less if any pesticides, and you can pick the fruits and vegetables at their ideal time for maximum vitamins and minerals.
Your Family will eat more Fruits and Vegetables
Eating a daily diet filled with five or more servings of fruits and vegetables is one of the healthiest things anyone can do. When you grow your own vegetables it gives your whole family (particularly the kids), a chance to actually see where there food comes from which usually leads to them having a better relationship with the food. Studies show that kids from families that grow their vegetables have eat more vegetables. So involving them in the process will help them to become lifetime fruit and vegetable eaters.
Cheaper than the Supermarket
Growing fruits and vegetables saves you money on your weekly food bills. Many people are surprised at how economical it is to grow their own fruits and vegetables. You can grow those that will grow in your particular climate well and also grow some that may grow well other places by altering your growing methods. This will allow you to grow many fruits and vegetables that are considered exotic (another word for pricey), in your area, for the same cost as local vegetables. Also, you can learn to dry, can, and preserve your summer or fall harvest, and you’ll be able to feed yourself even when the growing season is over. And if you have enough, you can go to your local farmer’s market and sell them to others. This may fund your entire home farming.
Food is Always Fresh
Are the fruits and vegetables you serve your family fresh? The truth is we have no idea how long after food is taken from the ground does it end up in our homes. Fruits and vegetables today can be kept “fresh” for surprising periods of time, but what is important to note is that after a day or two out of the ground, they start losing their vitamin and mineral content. When you grow your own, you can go straight from the garden to the table serving nutrient-packed food to your family every day. And the taste will definitely reflect it. There is no better tasting food than the food taken straight from your garden.
There are also benefits relating to the environment and the lessening of waste as well. So when you combine all of these great reasons, it may be time to get your hands in the dirt.