Grow Some Green Of Your Own!

 

Have you always wanted to plant a vegetable garden but didn’t quite know how to do it?  Maybe you don’t think your thumb is green enough to pull it off? Well, now may be the time to truly think about giving it a try, especially in these tough economic times. During WWI and WWII, the American government promoted “victory gardens” to ease the pressure of public food supply. Consequently, citizens who grew their own vegetables, fruits and herbs became more self-sufficient and less vulnerable to economic hardships.

According to Jack Olive, Master Gardener and founder of MasterGardening.com:

“Unlike the original victory gardens, modern-day victory gardens focus on environmental and financial victories. Produce bought at grocery stores can travel hundreds of miles from grower to grocer, wasting gas and energy. This is not true of food harvested from your home garden. You can further benefit the environment and your wallet by limiting your water usage, avoiding harmful chemicals and using natural compos, and if your garden produces large harvests, you could sell or donate the leftovers.”

According to Mr. Olive, starting a vegetable, fruit and herb garden requires a modest financial investment, mainly in the beginning, but the long-term benefits are amazing. You’ll save money on groceries while providing easy access to healthy – even organic – produce.  Besides, gardening is a fun, rewarding activity that everyone can get involved in.

Here are some great tips to get you started:

• Consider which type of garden would best suit your lifestyle. Container gardening on a sunny patio or balcony is great for individuals who don’t have much yard space.

• For an outdoor garden, choose a sunny, level, easily accessible location.

• If you’ll be planting an outdoor garden, invest in a few gardening tools, such as a shovel, wheelbarrow, spreader, a hose with a spray nozzle and a hoe.

• Choose which vegetables, fruits and herbs you’ll be growing. Herbs, tomatoes, sprouts, lettuce, peppers and strawberries work well for indoor and container gardens. Outdoor gardeners will need to consider planting seasons and climate zones. Learn your USDA climate zone by looking at the MasterGardening.com zone map.

• A little research goes a long way. Research information for proper planting times.

• Read seed packets for specific instructions on planting depth and spacing.

The modern-day victory garden is an enjoyable solution for people who want to eat healthy and live green for years to come without spending a ton of money.  What will you plant in your garden this Spring?