Whether you own a plot of land or have an apartment deck, gardening is in! Health and wallet-conscious people are growing everything from herbs to fully-fledged salad additions for quick access and delicious food. There are several ways to start a garden, so here are a few ideas to get you growing foods you like to eat!
If you own or rent a house with a front and back yard, replace a portion of your landscaping with an edible oasis. Make sure it is in a space that gets plenty of sun. The neat and orderly rows are aesthetic, and you can grow a variety of foods in good soil. Squash, tomatoes, cucumber, and peas are all easy to acquire from a local nursery, and according to Harvard Health, “vegetables that ripen in the garden have more nutrients than some store-bought vegetables that must be picked early.” If you don’t have much space to work with or your local soil doesn’t have what you need, don’t worry! Raised garden beds are an excellent way to grow these veggies, and it keeps the bunnies out.
For those of you who have a more urban-esque dwelling, there are tons of options on the market to help you maximize the use of what space you have available. From hydroponic towers to schematics for deck garden layouts, initiatives worldwide are ready to help you get gardening in your city. Growing your herbs is an excellent way to add flavor to the meals you make and takes just a small line of pots along a deck railing. You can also collaborate with your neighbors, and each grow one food and then trade your bounties.
Many communities have gardens that local green thumbs can help plant and take care of. You can sequester your own allotment or collaborate with others to grow a variety of foods. The CDC has amassed a set of case studies showing that community gardens are not just good for your tummy; they’re great for your neighborhood, too! Research suggests that community gardens reduce “violence in some neighborhoods, and improve social well-being through strengthening social connections.”
Indoor gardens are also an option! With the right set of lights and a little ingenuity, you can grow nearly anything. Many people actually start their gardens inside before repotting and replanting them elsewhere, but it’s possible to grow your own mini fields of food if you have the available space inside. Herbs do well inside, too. You can build your own container with a few pieces of wood and mount a light underneath a cabinet to keep them fresh and green while growing.
Whatever method you choose, growing your own food ensures access to fresh produce and reduces trips to the grocery store. It’s a win-win all around!
