Whether you have an acre of land in your backyard or a few pots on the deck, growing vegetables and flowers offers a lot of benefits that can be enjoyed by all members of your family. Gardening teaches kids about healthy eating and how plants grow, while also strengthening parent-child bonds and providing the opportunity to learn about the environment and sustainable living.
From a practical standpoint, having a home garden can save you money on produce purchases at the grocery store or farmers market. A home garden can also increase property value and provide a sense of pride and accomplishment for the gardener.
If you’re new to gardening, start small. It’s better to get a feel for the time commitment needed and the joy of growing your own food before you invest in a large garden. It’s also a good idea to consult with an expert before you begin, such as a knowledgeable neighbor, a local nursery, or your county extension service. They can help you determine what will thrive in your climate and soil.
A home garden also provides the opportunity to try new foods that may not be readily available in your local supermarket. In addition to fresh-tasting fruits and vegetables, a garden can include herbs that add flavor and aroma to meals, as well as decorative flowers such as roses.
Research has shown that people who grow their own food tend to eat more fruits and vegetables than those who don’t. The University of Vermont explains that children who are involved in the growing process tend to be more interested in the food they eat and are more likely to experiment with new dishes and flavors, which can lead to healthier diets.
Gardening can provide a sense of fulfillment and achievement, especially for low-income families that struggle to afford healthy foods. In fact, studies have shown that gardeners at lower economic levels experience more positive benefits than those from higher-income families.
As a hobby, gardening can teach kids and adults a range of important skills, such as patience, perseverance, and the importance of preparing and caring for an outdoor space. It can also be a fun and stimulating way to spend time with family and friends.
The physical activity involved in gardening can lead to increased cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure. It can also stimulate the release of serotonin, which contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. It can also increase the amount of vitamin D absorbed from the sun, which helps maintain strong bones and a healthy immune system.
Lastly, the act of gardening is a full-spectrum sensory experience, with vibrant colors to see, buzzing insects to hear, the smell of the plants and soil to sniff, water droplets to touch and, of course, the delicious taste of fresh-grown fruit, vegetables and flowers. For the environmentally conscious, a garden can be a wonderful way to promote a more sustainable lifestyle at home by decreasing the use of non-reusable plastic and metal containers for transporting and storing food.