Ever since the invention of the produce section of the grocery store, most people have stopped growing their own fruits and vegetables. This has caused a heavy reliance on large commercial farms, and many smaller farms have suffered as a result.
Larger commercial farms began to use pesticides in the 1970’s, around the time of the agricultural Green Revolution. Pesticides were created to make sure that pests don’t destroy our crops, which helps with food production. But pesticides are now known to have unsafe chemicals in them, which can cause problems like cancer in the long run.
Eventually, agricultural scientists created genetically modified organisms (or GMOs). These were created so that farmers can grow fruits and vegetables, even outside of the season in which they naturally grow. This was to boost the production of crops, in order to have a certain produce available all year long. But GMOs are also known to have a negative effect on the gut microbiome, since crucial nutrients are removed during the process of the genetic modification of crops.
It is not easy to find quality organic produce at the grocery store, and the price you have to pay for organic food is very high. Shopping for these healthier fruits and vegetables is not very affordable or convenient.
Therefore, it makes sense to begin growing your own food so that it’s organic, non-GMO, and cost-effective. Now, you may be thinking that you will need a lot of space in order to do so, but that is not true! You can purchase a rolling garden, which is very space-efficient. You can move it around as you please, so it isn’t too much of a permanent commitment to the area you put it in.
Once you get your rolling garden, you can either purchase seeds from a website or a trusted store, or you can purchase young plants that have already grown from farmers’ markets and garden shops. Then, you will want to purchase soil to put in your planter. Lastly, you can plant the seeds or plants inside the soil, and you should do some research on the care that each plant requires.
Just having one or two food items you can grow at home is a great start. It will surely make you feel good, since you have put the time and effort into something and then benefit from its nutrients.
Gardening in itself is a relaxing activity, and it can be therapeutic. But when you grow fruits and vegetables, you are receiving a reward for taking care of them. This makes cultivating your own food different from just planting flowers.
The happiness and nutrition you gain from picking your first fruits and vegetables is unimaginable. Not only will you be nutritionally fulfilled, but you will also be mentally satisfied. You can then share this happiness with your family and be proud to say, “I grew this myself.” This gift is more precious than anything store-bought, because you put direct effort into growing it.
