This is my patch! I'm super proud of it. There isn't a huge variety this year but its quality not quantity!
My veggie garden turned 3 a few months ago. 3 years on and I love it as much as the day it was born. There are so many reasons why you should have your own little patch in the back yard, and no reasons that spring to mind as to why you shouldn't.
Early on in the relationship, I did have one gripe. Olivia used to try and eat the dirt. It used to drive me crazy. Now, I'm all for relaxed parenting, and whilst I admit that the thought of dirt in my mouth is foul, playing in dirt (good, proper dirt) is in fact very good for you. Dirt contains bacteria. Many bacteria are in actual fact GOOD for you. Naturally occurring bacteria in the soil, as you can see , trip the neurons that produce serotonin, similar to the effect of an antidepressant. Our gut also benefit greatly from the bacteria in soil, which we minimally ingest via fruits and veggies. Many of us are missing out on getting these bacteria and microbes, because the best way to get your dose of these is touching and gardening in the soil.
Unless you have yourself set up with a greenhouse, veggie gardens require you to spend some time in the great outdoors. Again - so good for you. We established some time ago, and understanding of how essential the suns ray's are for good health, both mentally and physically. The average size veggie garden shouldn't require more than 15 minutes of attention every other day (the suggested time required to make adequate vitamin D) This would be time well spent both in the garden and in the sun.
Oh and then there are the nutrients! There is nothing better than home grown veggies, free of chemicals and pesticides which come straight from the soil to you. That's the reward for the time well spent on maintenance. Many store brought veggies have so little nutrient content remaining, they are virtually useless. Organic produce hasn't necessarily been proven to have more nutrients however when products are left in storage
for long periods of time, their nutritional value declines. Organic produce is free from toxic chemicals and is bursting with flavor. This means organic wins hands down on the nutritional front when you take this into consideration. Home grown or organic veggies are the perfect ingredient for a more fertile you.
The moral of today's story, get into the garden! Make your own veggie patch, be it in pots or the ground, either way, big or small. If you're looking for some direction or assistance, take a peek of My Little Veggie Patch. It's a one stop shop with tips, advice and products. They will even design a veggie patch for you!
There are no good reasons why you shouldn't garden - other than you might become addicted to it!
I have wanted to do this for a really long time now. I always had a patch growing up as a kid with my mum. We grew everything, cucumber, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, and lettuce. It was awesome to go and pick your dinner. I must do this on my balcony. thanks nat! x
ReplyDeleteVeggie patches are bliss - we have a pretty large area which we are able to play in and basically only shop at the supermarket for cupboard items, but you can have fresh herbs or potted veggies anywhere - try zucchini, tomatoes or broccoli in a pot - one plant, looked after and loved, will feed you well!
ReplyDeleteThere is simply nothing more satisfying than coming home at the end of the day, slipping on the old clothes and messing about in the garden...picking dinner and preparing the veg immediately into a healthy, nutritious and flavour packed meal to share with those you love!