It can be daunting sometimes to think of starting a garden, especially if you’ve never gardened before. I know sometimes I feel intimidated thinking of the work it takes to keep or maintain a garden. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Here are the top 10 reasons to start a garden — the one you’ve been dreaming of — and encouragement to keep it going!
1. Growing a garden builds community.
Once those veggies are harvested, there is usually too much of something. Sharing the excess over the fence, down the road, at church, or even in a larger setting, strengthens community and builds friendships.
2. Gardens are beautiful.
Whether it is a few herbs in a planter, Square Foot Gardening
3. Children love gardens.
From planting the tiny seeds in the spring and watching the seedlings emerge from the soil to the inevitable harvest, children love the process and love watching the results. Getting children involved encourages them to explore the world around them and nurtures their love for the natural world. Giving them a special plant for cultivate can be the icing on the cake for them.
4. Gardening has something to teach us–all of us!
Even the most seasoned gardeners have something to learn from the garden every year. It is humbling and rewarding to learn from the seasons, the plants and the process.
5. Gardens are FUN!
Between the planting and the harvesting, something magical happens that transforms the “work” into spirited fun! It might be the intoxication of the soil or watching the bees surround the blossoms as they mature and turn to fruit, or perhaps it is the euphoria of witnessing the solar conversion of seed to food. Whatever it is, follow your passion in the garden!
Worried you might not get that first garden right? Lori has you covered with beginning gardener tips.
6. You get free food!
Okay….so maybe not entirely free after you’ve invested your sweat and time on it, (and maybe sprung for a few garden tools), but it sure helps cut down on your food budget.
7. Gardening promotes social justice.
As Ron Finley says, “Gardening is the most therapeutic and defiant act you can do. Plus you get strawberries.” Gardening is an equalizer; anyone can learn it and put it into practice. Even in small spaces.
8. Gardening is an act of peace.
Producing your own food can do more to promote peace than many other simple acts.
9. Fresh food tastes better.
We all know it. There is nothing quite like putting a super fresh veggie dish on the table and tasting the difference. Or using fresh herbs to flavor other foods. Nothing beets it!
10. Gardening builds soils.
Whether it’s a few pots or a full yard garden, growing food inevitably builds soils. By cultivating the soil, we are each adding nutrients, generating additional topsoil and paying attention to what our soils need to grow what we want. This cyclical nature benefits the whole world one small planter or plot at a time. No garden is too small!
Liz Reitzig
Wherever you are in your personal journey toward clean living and local food, thank you for joining me in mine. I look forward to sharing it with you.
Latest posts by Liz Reitzig (see all)
- Leah Chase: “Leave Things Be Special” - December 14, 2018
- How Buying Clubs Can Transform Our Food System - December 5, 2018
- Urban Agriculture–10 reasons it is great for YOUR community - November 28, 2018
Leave a Reply
[…] Friday Favorites list. This is my true passion, people. To start, I read this excellent post on the Top 10 Reasons to Grow a Garden. I also read this post on the Top 10 Gardening Items. It can be overwhelming to figure out what you […]
[…] garden where food security grows and flourishes. A garden where communities are built and prosperity develops. A garden where the inherent relationship between a human being and the […]
[…] I invite you to take a step, make a move, eat a bite that supports the food system we deserve. A food system that not only gives us […]
[…] 2. Grow a garden anywhere. Your yard, neighbor’s yard, friends house. Anywhere someone will let you grow. Start small if you’re new. […]
[…] should not have to question whether our safety and security is threatened by our own government. Go grow your garden! Talk to your neighbors and help them grow theirs. Do whatever you see needs doing that will […]
[…] should not have to question whether our safety and security is threatened by our own government. Go grow your garden! Talk to your neighbors and help them grow theirs. Do whatever you see needs doing that will […]
[…] out this post Top 10 Reasons to Garden by Nourishing […]