Growing a Sustainable Garden-Benefits of Gardening

There are many benefits of growing your own food including how it can support your physical health, mental health, environment, and financial savings. 

You can eat healthier

When you grow your own food, you’re in control and know exactly where it comes from and what has been used to grow it. You can control the…

Quality of the soil 

Use of pesticides 

Types of fertilizers  

You can even make sure to plant an organic garden so you can get more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in your diet. You can harvest your produce at the peak of freshness. 

Growing your own food can be cheaper

One of the most common questions people have about growing your own food is whether it’s cheaper than buying it from the grocery store. While there are some upfront costs associated with starting a garden (such as seeds, soil, and tools), growing your own food can be cheaper in the long run. 

According to a study by the National Gardening Association, the average cost to start a vegetable garden is $70, while the average savings on groceries for a family of four is $600 per year. That means that in just one year, you could recoup your initial investment and start saving money. 

To keep costs low, it’s important to choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil type. You can also save money by using recycled materials for containers and garden beds, and by starting small. 

You also save money on transportation costs, since your food doesn’t have to travel from the farm to the store to your home. 

The benefits of getting outside in nature daily are endless… 

 Can reduce stress and anxiety

May boost mood

Supports mindfulness

Supports self-esteem

Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety 

Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Gardening can be a form of therapy and a way to escape from the pressures of daily life. 

May Boost Mood 

Gardening can also help to boost your mood by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that play a role in regulating mood. Being outside in the sun and fresh air can also help to increase vitamin D levels, which has been linked to improved mood. 

Supports Mindfulness 

Gardening can be a meditative activity that encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment. Focusing on caring for plants and observing their growth can help to quiet the mind and reduce negative thoughts. 

Supports Self-Esteem

Gardening can also improve self-esteem by providing a sense of accomplishment and pride in growing your own food or beautiful plants. This can also help to increase feelings of confidence and independence. 

When you grow your own food,you eliminate the need for transportation and distribution, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Additionally, the carbon footprint associated with producing and transporting food is also reduced. 

Reducing Waste

When you grow your own food, you can harvest only what you need, reducing food waste. Additionally, you can compost food scraps and yard waste to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden, reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills. 

Conserving Water

Commercial agriculture is a major consumer of water resources. When you grow your own food, you can use water more efficiently by using techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. You can also choose drought-tolerant plants that require less water. 

Promoting Biodiversity

 When you grow your own food, you can choose to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. This promotes biodiversity and reduces the need for monoculture farming, which can deplete soil nutrients and increase the risk of crop diseases and pests. By growing your own food, you can make a positive impact on the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.  

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

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