Calgary has not seen the bottom of my snowshoes at all this year, which reminds me, I really should get those winter tires off my van! It also reminds me that the minimal snowfall may result in the water table being awfully low this summer.
A low water table, job loss and high food prices provide legitimate concern for the growing season ahead. I am sure you are constantly on the hunt for good, decent priced produce that resembles real whole food. Thankfully tis’ the season to grow our own food!
There are many great health benefits to growing our own food and it doesn’t have to be a daunting process. We all have to start somewhere and gardening is actually pretty forgiving. Neighbor's with a green thumb often love to chat about their growing success and what it is like to grow food in your neighborhood. There is a great sense of pride that goes into growing healthy food and I am sure they would like to give you some ideas and inspiration.
Why not start easy by filling some pots with good soil and planting fresh herbs like oregano or parsley. These pots can sit on your deck making them easy to water and see their progress. Adding your own freshly grown herbs to your latest pasta dish will do your soul good.
Adding raised garden boxes to your yard will allow you to plant a nice crop of your family’s frequently used veggies in a controlled nutrient enriched environment. Garden boxes also require far less water and can be custom made at a height and size that works for you. How great would it be to garden without all the bending, excess water and weeds!
Fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables from your own garden are higher in nutrients than the ones that have traveled several thousands miles to get to your grocery store
.Having your children assist you in the garden can increase the chance that they will eat more of the fruits and vegetables they have helped to grow.
Growing your own fruits and vegetables can offer you the opportunity to reduce the amount of pesticides that you use in your garden, making them healthier.
Growing your own fruits and vegetables will save your money at the grocery store.
Gardening increases physical activity. It is a great way to engage the whole family in physical activity and lets them help to take responsibility for the garden.
The fruits and vegetables grown in your garden will promote health because they are rich in nutrients, especially in phytochemicals, anti-oxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A and folate.
Combine growing herbs and veggies with using a rain barrel and you may even call yourself a budding environmentalist.
Here are some good basic tips to get started:
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Think about the basics for your meals, what do you eat a lot of
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Start small, some herbs and a few kitchen classics like lettuce and carrots
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Use garden boxes and pots placed in an area with at least 6 hrs of sunlight
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Collect rain water
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Use good soil in your boxes
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Use gravel for drainage
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Talk with someone at your local garden centre about what grows best here
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Talk with your neighbors, people love to talk about what they create with their hands
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Don’t be nervous, gardening is very forgiving and learning is part of it
Where can you buy your very own custom made garden box today to grow produce this summer? You can order homemade garden boxes made with solid douglas fir and treated with non toxic rosewood oil. If you buy 2 garden boxes you receive a discounted price; just simply fill them with soil, gravel and seeds. Custom sizes available and free delivery. Call Curt 250-270-0744 or email curtallen@gmail.com.
Happy gardening and enjoy the pride of growing and the taste of nutrient healthy food.
