Benefits of Having a Garden

Many people enjoy planting a garden. They do it because they love having fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits. But what benefits do you get from growing your own garden besides the obvious answer of fresh produce? In today's green minded society that answer can range from helping the environment to providing extra food for a low income budget. Let's take a look at some of these additional benefits.

Many people have taken to growing their own food and herbs in an effort to offset the rising cost of food. The current economic crisis and credit crunch affected people all over the world, lessening their salaries and forcing them out of jobs. By using their small backyard or even a container garden in their house, they have been able to supplement their groceries with fresh produce at a fraction of the cost.

You can easily grow some tomatoes, corn, potatoes, green beans, cucumbers and some squash to give you a little variety. Also, for some herbs you may try some parsley, mint, oregano, basil and rosemary.

There is something about the taste of freshly grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs that come right from the vine than that of items purchased from the green grocer. Could it be because you were the one that planted it and nurtured it? Possibly. There is a sense of satisfaction to growing your own food and it really does manifest in the taste.

Additionally, when you grow your own produce, you control whether or not they are treated with pesticides that could alter the taste the fruit, vegetable or herb. If you have the patience to weed your garden and hand rid it of annoying pests, then you know that your food will not be tainted by a chemical. It will taste the way it's supposed to fresh off the vine. It also helps sustain the environment by not adding any additional chemicals to the already fragile atmosphere.

Planting a garden, either indoor or outdoor, is actually healthy. It gets you out of the house and into the fresh air, even if you plan on having a container garden. You will probably fill your containers with soil somewhere outside. It also helps you relax and let the stress of the day fade away. Your mind becomes focused on the task at hand, the growing and nurturing of fruit, vegetable and herbs, allowing it let other things be pushed to the background and forgotten. Plus, when you breathe in the rich aroma of the soil, the sweetness of the fruit and the pungent smell of different herbs, your mind responds and revitalizes your soul.

It can also be educational, especially when you work in the garden with your children. There are numerous types of vegetables, herbs and fruit to work, each with its own properties, tastes and uses. As you work together planting these items, you can discuss what each can be used in when cooking or in the case of herbs, how it can be used in a medicinal fashion in a home remedy.

There are still many regions around the world that use slave labor or pay wages so low for the growing of crops that it is truly a shame, especially when the only advantage of this treatment of people is to line the owner's pockets. By not purchasing produce that has been grown in these deplorable conditions, you are taking a stand towards equality.

Finally, it is fun to grow your own garden. You can take the time to lay it out exactly the way you want it and you can plant what you want, even if you decide to dedicate an entire corner of the garden to growing catnip for your furry family members. It is a lot of work, but it is satisfying work that the entire family can enjoy.