There is nothing quite like savoring a salad made with fresh vegetables that you grew by hand, in your own garden. What’s that you say? You don’t have a garden? Good news–you don’t have to have a “green thumb” to grow your own produce, you just need to know a few tricks!
The good news is that plants don’t really require much—plenty of sunlight and water as well as decent soil. You can use pots, a raised bed or a plot of land—just make the location convenient so that you can easily water your plants during dry spells or grab a handful of fresh basil or lettuce when you need it for supper. Before planting, mix in some compost or peat moss with your soil and check the planting instructions on your seed packets for planting season, recommended planting depth, etc. If you are getting a late start, you can always pick up starter plants at your local plant store rather than using seeds. If you’re a gardening newbie, start small and pick plants like carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil, which tend to do well on their own without much interference from you. Remember carrots will need some depth, tomatoes need height, and cucumbers and squashes need space to sprawl.
Aside from the obvious advantage of having fresh vegetables on hand, gardens encourage you to be outside and active—two things most people can benefit from doing a little more of. Studies have shown that people who spend time outside in nature are happier. Now stop reading and go outside and plant something!
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