Homegrown food has many advantages over store bought. If you’re considering growing your own food, read on for ten reasons you should discover your own green thumb.
1. Gardening Is Good for Your Mind & Body
Gardening involves a lot of movement– bending over to pull weeds or harvest crops, raking, watering, and planting all add up to some serious calories burned. And exercise brings with it some huge benefits, from stress reduction to a healthier heart and body. It can aid in weight loss, help you live longer, and boost your immune system.
2. Fresh Food Tastes Better
It’s true– fresher food just tastes better. Picking fruits or vegetables at the moment of peak ripeness and enjoying immediately is by far the tastiest way to consume them.
3. Fresh Food Is Healthier
Freshly grown food not only tastes better– it’s healthier, too. Fruits and veggies lose their nutrients after they are picked, and the more time that passes, the more nutrients that are lost. Fruits and vegetables that are imported in from far away have often sat for long periods of time. Pick homegrown veggies and fruits right before you eat them, allowing them to retain as much of their nutritional value as possible.
4. Gardening Is Therapeutic
Gardening is therapeutic, too. Pulling weeds can be oddly satisfying, and many people report nurturing feelings towards plants that they have grown.
5. It Helps Fight SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is brought on by the changing seasons. As fall turns to winter, serious depression kicks in for many people. This is from a lack of sunlight. Gardening, particularly if you grow any cold weather crops, can help keep you outside longer in the year, which is proven to help fight SAD.
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6. You Have More Control Over Your Food
Growing your own food allows you to control exactly how it grows. You control what pesticides you use, whether they are all natural or full of chemicals. You’ll control when you harvest your food. You control exactly what to grow, and how much. Growing your own food offers you much more control rather than buying it in the store.
7. It Makes Your Homestead More Sustainable
If you’re at all interested in off-grid living, sustainability is probably something you’re big on. When you grow your own food it reduces your reliance on the grid. So, consequently helping make your homestead more self-sustaining. This may be particularly useful in the event of an emergency that lasts long enough where stores and food supplies are scarce.
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8. You’ll Save Money
It costs money to go to the store. First, there is the money spent on gas to get there. Then, there is the cost of food, which is something that can vary depending on the season and even the store. Growing the food yourself eliminates both of these costs, allowing you to save money.
9. Growing Your Own Food Provides A Sense Of Satisfaction
There’s just something about knowing you grew the carrot you’re eating, you know? You can’t beat the satisfaction gained from growing your own food.
10. There Is Less Wasted Food
When you grow your own food, you can help reduce the amount of waste your home produces. If you only harvest what you need for each meal, you won’t have bags of produce in your fridge or on your counter going to waste.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, there are so many reasons to grow your own food– this list is just ten of them. Start gardening today to experience some of the many benefits.
