Back to the future: The benefits of growing your own food

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As more and more of us have moved farther away from farms over the last century and gotten used to conveniently buying the fruits and vegetables we need at the grocery store, we may have lost a lot of our connection to nature.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama became famous for growing tomatoes, tarragon, figs, rhubarb, broccoli – and even honey – in her White House Garden and even wrote a book about kitchen and community gardens:

“Some kids have never seen what a real tomato looks like off the vine,” she says. “They don’t know where a cucumber comes from. And that really affects the way they view food. So, a garden helps them really get their hands dirty, literally, and understand the whole process of where their food comes from.”

Growing your own food can be beneficial to your health in many ways:

  • Growing fruits and vegetables makes you and your family more likely to eat them – and we can all eat more of those.
  • Fruits and vegetables you buy in a grocery store are usually picked early, meaning they have fewer nutrients than those that are left to ripen longer in your garden.
  • Growing at home means you get to choose the fertilizers and pesticides you’re comfortable using.
  • Gardening is great exercise – and we can all use more of that!

So where do you start? Here are some tips:

If your space is limited – for instance, you live in an apartment or don’t have a back yard, try container gardening. Find a sunny spot (6 hours of sunshine are ideal) on your balcony or a secure ledge and plant some pots or containers or buy a growing kit, which usually has all you need to grow a variety of herbs and vegetables. You might also consider finding a nearby plot of land with some of your neighbors and creating a gardening group.

Careful planning – growing your own isn’t something you should just jump into. You’ll need to do a little research on watering, drainage, soil types, as well as figuring out what produce you’ll want to eat and what will grow in your neck of the woods. Seek out information online, chat with other backyard gardeners or visit a local gardening center for advice.

Protection – wildlife isn’t just in the wild, of course, and your local squirrels, raccoons and insects may see your new garden as a perfect place to nibble. Consider fencing or screening as well as products you can sprinkle or spray to keep unwanted visitors away.

Bumper crops – Some vegetables like tomatoes and peppers can be surprisingly easy to grow. So what happens if you grow too much? Do some meal planning to make maximum use of what you’ve grown, share with your friends or neighbors, or donate your bounty to a local shelter.

Do you have your own kitchen garden or grow with neighbors? Please share your tips and suggestions with your fellow Shop Talk blog community forum members!

Did you know? A great return on your investment

The National Gardening Association calculates that, on average, a $70 investment in a home garden experiences a return of $530 in fruits and vegetables. That’s a lot of savings! (Source)

39 thoughts on “Back to the future: The benefits of growing your own food”

  2. I live in a row house in Philadelphia. Growing vegetables probably wouldn’t work because I’d never see the produce…it would be taken by passersby. I grew some peach trees from pits and they did well. When the neighbor kids climbed the trees and began throwing the unripe peaches like snow balls (about 50 were scattered on the ground), I took the suggestion of our pastor’s wife and brought bags of peaches to each house on the block. I told them to ring the bell, but not climb the trees. This worked well. Neighbors even protected the trees from strangers who came with bags to get the fruit before it was ripe enough to pick. I still can the peaches and make jam…”you can take the girl out of the farm but you can’t take the farm out of the girl.”

  4. As I was a kid growing up we had a garden. We had okra, tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, watermelon, corn on the cob, radishes and also green beans and also cucumbers. Working a garden is very tedious work sometimes. You have to watch out for the squirrels and raccoons. But you know something it was a lot of fun working and having a garden because you got to eat fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. And I loved everything that came out of that garden. Those were the best times that we had. My parents have both passed away and we do not live there anymore but it always helps to have the memories.

  7. First time garrdeners, Compact Cherry tomatoes are super easy to grow in containers!

  8. For me planting a garden is providing for my husband and me. We live on a budget so growing veggies is a way to save money. So making sure your soil is tested and has the nutrients to grow anything is important. Almost all vegetables and most flowers need about six hours of full sun each day. Basic tips that I live by is Find a sunny spot.Consider climate, size, and cooking use. Plant young seedlings deeply in nutrient-rich soil. Water only as needed. Provide support as the plant grows and enjoy your harvest. We now have a thriving garden that will provide for months to come. Happy Planting everyone!

  9. The Farmers Alamac is a good place to research the best time to plant which vegetable or herbs you choose. Alot of people tend to put yogether a ‘Taco’ container, or an ‘Italian’ container. They have plants that produce everything you need for a sauce or salsa. Amazingly, alot of different plants can be potted together.This year I am trying my hand growing garlic, yellow onions, and potatoes in seperate containers. One day I’d love to grow berries and fruit trees.

  10. I always grow a garden, (in 5 raised4′ X 10′ beds), and we get enough vegetables to feed my family throughout the winter. And the initial cost is so low, after the first year. My great grand-daughter is now learning about where the food grows, and she loves going out to get fresh food when she visits. Extras can go to family, friends, and the local food bank.

    1. My husband and I grow a lot of our own veges in buckets in our driveway. When the veges are ready we pick them and they are better than what you get in the store.

    2. I agree my husband has made a garden in our backyard about 3years in a roll. My children like the experience.

    3. Yes, I like gardening and summer is here, so me amd my wife need to start thinking about what want to plant. Flowers for sure and some summer vegetable. Thank You

  17. I need to get back to what I.was doind before I started this journey. SORRY!

  19. very important!! my family as well as my parents & gransparents have always loved our gardens & fresh fruits & veggies!! my kids also love the fun time outside helping!! love this post!

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