Dig in to National Garden Month

It is time to bring out your gardening tools – April is National Garden Month!

April is typically the time to start planting your summer fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Gardening is a great outdoor activity that can be done with friends and family of any age. If you are new to gardening, try starting out with a small garden which will be easy to manage.

Are you wondering why it is worth it to put the time into starting your own food garden?

Growing your own produce means you get the freshest product at peak ripeness. Imagine going out to your own yard to pick produce versus sifting through the vegetable bins at the supermarket. Think of the cost you will save by picking your own vegetables instead of going to the store where produce have traveled miles before becoming available to you. This also means you get to enjoy your fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness which provides more nutrients!

If the thought of planting a garden seems a little too daunting, start out even smaller. Herbs can be grown indoors in small planters or jars making them easy to tend to and keep nearby when cooking. Fresh herbs can add a variety of flavor to all of your favorite recipes.

Easy to grow herbs and produce can enhance your cooking and eating experiences. Keep small planters of chives, mint, thyme, and basil in your kitchen to transform any dish and provide a few health benefits. This is a good time of year to plant vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, peas, radishes, spinach, or lettuce.

Do a bit of research to find out about your local gardening community. There is likely a community of fellow gardeners near-by to share tips and trade produce with. If you do not feel ready to start your own garden, look into finding local farmer’s markets. Supporting local agriculture will promote local business and your community. Some local farmers or gardening communities may even provide fresh produce to neighbors in need.

Regardless of whether you decide to start your own garden or to visit a local farm, you will be supporting local agriculture and your local community. Try to involve your family and friends of all ages. Not only will it be a fun way to bond but everyone will have the opportunity to learn something new!

Your turn to take action: Get in touch with nature this month and experience the benefits of gardening. Share you story about your gardening experience below!

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