Growing your own food- why should you?

For the average American, gardening is a hobby some people choose.  Many of us have not given much thought to gardening.  Why should we?  We can go to the grocery store and buy whatever we need there.  Let’s face it, gardening takes planning.  Seems like a lot of effort- doesn’t it? 

Let’s think about some of the reasons people might think consider to take up gardening.  One reason would be the safety of your food source.  Chemicals are often used to kill off pests and weeds in your food supply.  Of course fertilizers are used on most mass produced crops- it seems that most people are aware of that.  There are also waxes and other chemicals added to foods to help preserve them as they are shipped, and to make them look more appealing to the consumer in the grocery store. 

Of course you could elect to purchase produce that is labeled “organic”.  But what does that mean anymore?  There is a great deal of skepticism when it comes to businesses following all the rules to be labeled organic.  Besides that- buying organic produce is costly.  For the lesser financially blessed people in the world, eating organic foods is cost-prohibitive. 

The solution- grow as much of your own food as you are able.  Obviously in North America, where I live, most people are not able to garden year around.  Perhaps those fortunate enough to live in the southern portion can garden ¾ of the year, but those in the Midwest and north have to settle for seasonal produce.  But you do what you can do!

By growing your own food- you will know exactly what you are consuming.  You know what type of soil you planted in, what fertilizer you used, and how it arrived on your supper table!  And one benefit that I enjoy- there is something amazingly fun about planting, nurturing, and harvesting your own food.  If you haven’t tried it, maybe it is about time!

Another added benefit of growing your own food is cost savings.  Seeds are inexpensive, and as long as the good Lord blesses you with sunshine and rain, you will reap a plentiful bounty.  Our family enjoys gardening together as well.  This is a great family task- and children really seem to enjoy getting their hands dirty, planting a tiny seed, caring for it, and watching it produce, and then consuming it!  Picking produce like potatoes and beans is a fun “chore” for kids- great for teaching responsibility and work ethic as well. 

I hope I have convinced you to try gardening, or if you need it to feel more manly, call it farming.  It is all the same, just on a smaller scale.  Stay tuned for some more information on how to get started!