Why I Love to Garden and Grow My Own Food
I would probably grow my own food organically due to my concerns about commercial food quality, safety and lack of nutrition but what really motivates me is how much fun it is. Gardening is one of the best things I do for myself. Here are some of the reasons I love to garden...
- It makes me happy. My partner tells me to go out and play in the garden if I get depressed.
- I love the smell of rich soil and enjoy getting my hands into the earth.
- I like the feel of the sun on my back as I tend my plants. And yes I do talk to them.
- I try to send energy and love to the plants every day
- I take care of my plants and they take care of me.
- The garden teaches me to be patient, observant and to trust the process of growth.
- I’m fascinated with the concept of growing plants which produce food which nourishes us.
- I look forward to choosing a daily of beautiful produce for lunch (a large raw vegetable or fruit salad) and vegetables to cook for dinner.
- I am convinced that these fresh vegetables have much higher nutritional value than any produce bought at the supermarket, which was often picked weeks before due to time in transport, packaging, storage and display before I buy it.
- I believe strongly that these fresh vegetables are my primary source of strength, vitality and health.
- I like knowing what is in my soil and that it is free of pesticides found in most commercial farm soil.
- I enjoy improving my garden soil and leaving it better than I found it and know that better soil is the key to stronger plants which yields better quality produce and tastes better.
- It makes me feel good that I am not driving to the store as much and therefore am decreasing my gas or petrol expenses and dependence on fossil fuels.
- I like the feeling of self sufficiency which comes with growing my own food.
- All those bees and butterflies pollinating plants is a miracle to behold and they are fun to watch.
- Using precious water for food instead of growing grass makes lots of sense to me.
- The sound of rain water filling my 8 rain barrels during a dry spell is like putting money in the bank.
- I enjoy adding food scraps to my worm bin and I am fascinated how they can eat my garbage and convert it into vermicompost, the richest possible supplement for my soil.
- Getting away from the computer and telephone and getting outside in the garden and slowing down to the speed of nature is a healing experience for me.
- I am amazed how hot a compost pile can get and that composting magically turns yard waste into humus which becomes good soil.
- I like to share excess produce and plants with friends and neighbors. I am amazed at the goodwill it creates. They often give me their excess produce in return or they go out of their way to help me with something else. It definitely builds good relationships and fosters a sense of community.
