Why Garden?

            It wasn’t that long ago that most people outside of urban areas had small vegetable gardens in their back yards. Potatoes, corn, carrots and lettuce were all vital parts of a comprehensive home garden. Patches of ground, small or large and everything in between were utilized and nurtured in order to supplement dinner tables all across the country. Nearly everyone outside the city was a mini-farmer. 

            In the last 10 years, the number of home gardens has increased substantially. According to the National Gardening Association from 2007 to 2008 the number of home gardens increased by 10%. From 2008 to 2009, it increased another 19%! Most likely fueled by the sluggish economy, people are looking for new ways to stretch their dollars. The average home garden offsets household food costs by $500. 

            The rural and suburban areas are not the only areas with gardens any more. Urban areas are filled with raised beds, container gardens and community gardens. If you have a patio or porch, you can grow some tomato plants and carrots. Vertical gardening and square foot gardening have made it even easier to have a bountiful harvest.

            Gardening is a great way to ensure inexpensive, healthy food makes it to your kitchen. It is also a vitally useful skill to have and to pass on to the future.