Are you looking for ways to cut back on your waistline and benefit the world at the same time? Why not start up a high-quality vegetable garden? Doing so can cut back on your food container use—a huge benefit, as an average container travels at least 75% of the way to the moon and back during its travel across the ocean, and eating home-grown vegetables decreases the number of containers used.
Health Benefits of A Vegetable Garden
As you grow older, high-quality food is more important than ever. For instance, at least 80% of American seniors have one chronic disease. Cut back on these problems by growing vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
For example, broccoli and spinach can provide you with protein to regrow muscles and avoid injury. Carrots and other similar foods help with skin health and vision strength. Try to stream your vegetables when eating them and cook only when fully ripe to get the best results for your health.
Let There Be Light
The vegetables that you plant will need a pretty steady supply of UV light to stay strong. This is because plants use UV rays and other elements of the sun to produce food to grow. Without a strong sun position for your growth, you may end up with vegetables that aren’t as strong as you may want.
Don’t forget to balance your sunlight needs with a garden that has a manageable area for you to walk. Or try square foot gardening. Typically, you’ll want a garden positioned far from trees or buildings that could cast shadows. But they should also be close to flowers to ensure bees pollinate them.
Rich Soil is Key
Your soil must be kept in excellent condition if you want to grow vegetables rich in vitamins and taste. Without healthy soil, your plants will grow poorly and slowly and have minimal nutrients. Make sure to fertilize before you plant to give your soil this boost of health.
Just as importantly, you need to make sure you rotate where you plant to avoid draining the soil of nutrients. It would help if you could choose different places throughout your yard every year or so, trying to focus your nutrient drain so that your yard remains solid and consistent.
Water and Weed
Read up on how much water your vegetables need every day and make sure to give them an amount that makes sense. Avoid over-watering because you can waterlog the roots and kill the plants. Most of the time, they’ll need just enough so that the surface of the dirt is damp but not pooling.
When weeding, make sure to be on the lookout for poison ivy and other similar plants. These weeds can be found in every state except Hawaii and Alaska. And they typically trigger allergic reactions (rashes) in about 85% of the population, meaning you’re very likely to be affected.
Plant the Right Crops
Many homeowners make the mistake of planting items they think look cute or appealing without thinking about practical use. For example, it’s no use in planting and picking onions if your family won’t eat them.
So try to focus on vegetables that you know your family will like, such as high-quality tomatoes, beans, cauliflower, and more. Ensure that you fully understand the different ways you can prepare and cook these vegetables, such as integrating them as a side or as a main course.
Get Your Garden Looking Great
When you take these simple steps, you create the kind of vegetables that your family will love. And you’ll save money and help the environment at the same time. What more could you ask for with such a simple hobby? So go out there and plant some vegetables, and get picking.
Image credit: via StoryBlocks
