7 Healthy Reasons To Grow A Garden

Gardening has so many healthy benefits, including improved sleep & flexibility, lower blood pressure, and enjoying healthy fruits & vegetables.

7 Healthy Reasons To Grow A Garden

Fruits and vegetables are some of the healthiest foods on the planet and are loaded with vital vitamins and minerals. They provide much of what's needed to help you live a vibrant, disease-free life.

Gardening is a great way to grow amazing produce that is superior to anything sold in stores, and it's available in the right season when you want it. Here are 7 reasons that might convince you to start a garden even if it's in small containers.

1. You can grow produce at home for a fraction of the cost of what you can buy.

Whether you’re starting from seeds or plants, it costs pennies compared to buying fresh produce in the store. Also, you can choose from a wide variety of seeds that grow in your area.

You can also grow different varieties and experiment with growing things you’ve never tried without breaking your food budget. It will broaden your culinary environment and keep money in your pockets.

2. Homegrown vegetables are fresher.

You can pick the produce when it’s perfectly ripe. Most fruits and vegetables travel hundreds of miles cross-country to get from the farm, to the warehouse, to your local grocery store, and finally to your table.

Imagine walking to the backyard, picking fresh green beans or juicy tomatoes in the morning, and having them for dinner that night. Now, that’s the kind of farm-to-table I’m talking about.

They lasts longer in the fridge and stays crisp and fresh. You'll always have produce at your fingertips when you need it.

3. You control the types of fertilizer you use - organic or conventional.

One of the biggest complaints shoppers have is that buying organic is so expensive. Here’s your opportunity to have your cake and eat it too.

There are so many high-quality natural fertilizers and products to boost the growth of your plants without harming them or you. Organic produce doesn't use synthetic chemicals, tastes better, is better for you, and is full of nutrients to help you stay healthy.

4. You’ll eat more produce when you grow it.

There’s something about watching a seed or tiny seedling grow into an amazing plant that makes you want to eat it. Children especially develop a taste for vegetables when they’ve had a hand in caring for them. Your backyard becomes a science class, and you’ll raise them to care about and protect nature.

Even for beginners, it’s fun to see the progress and anticipate eating what you picked for dinner. If you’re a newbie, start small, keep it simple, and grow just a few of your favorites.

5. Working around the plants in the dirt is actually healthy for you.

You’re getting good bacteria from the soil that strengthens your immune system. It connects you with the forces in the earth and promotes a healthy mind and body.

Many people practice grounding by exposing their bare hands and feet to the dirt, sand, or grass. This practice can reduce inflammation, chronic pain, and relieve stress. Gardening is great therapy, and plants don’t talk back!!!

6. You can share with friends and neighbors.

It’s an easy way to support the health of others, and they will appreciate it. People love getting fresh produce, especially when they haven’t put in the labor to harvest it. It’s like getting a nice surprise that you didn’t expect.

When you have a bumper crop, take extra fruits and vegetables to your neighbors, church, community center, or a homeless shelter. Your hard work is guaranteed to be a blessing to someone.

7. Gardening saves time and is so satisfying.

It’s like having a produce stand in your backyard. You can pick as little or as much as you need when you need it, so there’s no waste. When you shop every other week, you may either buy too much and not use it or not buy enough, which could mean an extra trip to the store.

Long after the growing season, you can just go to your pantry or freezer to get things like tomatoes, potatoes, greens beans, or corn which were canned or frozen for the winter months. The fruit you picked or bought can be made into delicious cobblers, pies, and jellies, and put away in the freezer for later.

Whether you live on a farm and have acres of land, a small house in the city, or an apartment with a tiny patio, you can reap the benefits of having a garden. It’s hard work, but so rewarding and good for your mind and body. Are you ready to get started?

Explore berry-picking farms in your area and local farmers markets are also a great place to find fresh produce, meat, and flowers. Many small farmers don't use harsh chemicals, so they're safer than conventionally grown produce.

Sometimes you can find local community gardens in your area. Some may want you to volunteer periodically in order to get your produce free, but it's well worth it and is a great family project.

If you are renting or don’t have space for a large garden, consider growing plants in large pots and even small trash cans. So, you see, you have no excuse. My dad is 103 and still gardening. That's one of the keys to his longevity.

So, have I convinced you that gardening should be part of your spring and summer activities? Even if it's one tomato or strawberry plant. Just get started!!! The rewards are delicious.

Hi, I'm Coach Maggie, a Certified Health & Lifestyle Coach, and I help Christian women in midlife (or getting close) establish consistent healthy habits, so they can go after their dreams and enjoy a life filled with purpose that honors God and family.

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."

3 John 2