Hannah's Gardening

It's that time of year to get connected with the outdoors. Mother Nature is relying on you so what are you waiting for?

Making your own garden is not only rewarding to the planet, but to you as well! It offers a special opportunity to really hone in on your health intuitions by making fresh ingredients right at home. Not only will you have healthy foods right at your fingertips, but it makes your grocery shopping trips cheaper as well.

is grown naturally without chemicals that create pollution. I think that gardening helps to reduce pollution whether in the air or nature.” All it takes is a little bit of time and passion!

Most importantly less forms of packaging are being used which makes for a happier earth. The University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign reports, “Locally grown vegetables reduce carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels. No plastic packaging is required when you harvest vegetables straight from the garden, which also reduces fossil fuel inputs. Pesticide and other chemical inputs can be much less in a small, well-tended garden than even a small farm." What an easy way to support the planet right?!

University of St. Francis, Junior, Theo Lhomme also seems to think so, “Gardening could help the environment as the produce

The first step is to decide what type of garden you want to create. There are many options to choose from when looking to become more eco-friendly. Wanting more fresh herbs? Or maybe fruits are more appealing. You must purchase the seeds and/or find the seeds within produce already at home. Then decide on a location. It is recommended that you find a place that receives adequate sun exposure. Better Homes & Gardens shares “Almost all vegetables and many types of flowering plants need 6-8 hours of full sun each day” You can also check your plants tag to help clarify how much sun that specific plant needs. Make sure the location is flat and clear as well. You should then add a few inches of compost as a layer on top. To finish off, dig a spot up and input the seeds/plant and add water. Once you patch this all up with more soil you are done!

Alyssa Vilcek, a junior at the University of St. Francis shares, “I've helped my mom plant hers before during the summertime. I appreciated the result and getting to make bruschetta with it and it made me feel more accomplished growing our own instead of spending lots of money on all the ingredients at the store, especially since we were able to keep the plant growing all summer.” It sure is rewarding getting to create memories with family all while being eco-friendly.