By: Amanda Schroeder
We all know that eating more fruits and vegetables is good for our bodies; they provide essential minerals, vitamins and fiber. A diet rich in plant foods can reduce your risk of diseases like stroke, heart disease and certain types of cancer. The fiber found in them also normalizes your bowel movements and prevents constipation. The USDA recommends that you fill half of your plate with fruits and veggies at each meal and, for some of us, that can be a challenge. Growing your own edible plants is not only a fun way to get more excited about eating well, but it is also great for you mental health and even your social life!
The grocery store is, of course, a convenient and fantastic source of the food we need to survive. But what if you find the produce section boring? Maybe you don’t think that tomato looks particularly exciting or perhaps the herb section is intimidating to you. Or maybe your kids are less than enthusiastic about eating their veggies. Being a part of the growing process allows you (and your kids) to view your food in a completely different way. Watching a tiny seed grow into a fruit bearing plant due to your care is exciting! And then you literally get to consume the fruits of your labor. (And for a much lower cost than you’d find at any store!) Edible plants that you grow yourself also have higher nutrient content and tend to taste better than those you can buy since they are allowed to fully ripen on the plant.
So what does gardening have to do your mental health or social life? Research has shown that physical activity in nature has the ability to reduce anxiety, improve your mood and even enhance your self-esteem. Gardening is a way to feel a deeper connection to the earth while providing you physical activity and sunshine. Community gardens offer a way to grow larger volumes and varieties of plant foods. They can also be a fun way to socialize. What a better way to get to know your neighbors than creating and sharing food together? No space for a big garden? No problem! Start a small garden on a patio or in your backyard. Many plant foods, like kale, lettuce, and carrots, only require a small amount of space. You can even create a small group of gardeners in your community. Coordinate a plan with your neighbors and friends to grow different plants and share them all. This a fun way to spend more time with your family and friends. It also fosters a stronger sense of community and allows you to create and nurture relationships. And (bonus!) you’ll be eating more healthfully!
Don’t know where to begin? Here are some tips!
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