Why I decided to grow vegetables for myself

[Harry12]

Hey all,

Despite the fact that I am relatively new on the forum, I wanted to share something. While I am rather lazy at heart, I have decided to start growing my own vegetables. Not because I am utterly in love with the concept of doing more work (please, I keep busy enough at the office) but because it helped me in a number of different reasons. I wanted to share this with you and get your own thoughts about what made you start.

It helped my health

One of the primary reasons I started growing my own vegetables was because I would actually eat the vegetables that I am growing. Most of us understand that you need to eat more veggies throughout the day, but if I do not have any vegetables in my home I have to admit that (shamefully) I am not going to go out looking for them at the supermarket every day. I have found that ever since I increased my intake of vegetables dramatically, I feel much better and I have more energy.

It reduces my environmental impact

Do not get me wrong, I still have a car and I cannot say that I have ever looked at what my carbon footprint really is. Nevertheless, growing food in my (modest) garden without pesticides and herbicides does make me feel like I am taking small steps. I am not adding to the unnecessary air or water pollution. Even though I realize I am only one person, it still makes me feel good.

The food tastes better

This is the part that really struck me the first time I noticed it – the food actually tastes better when I grow it. Maybe it is partly a placebo effect, but I have noticed that I am enjoying vegetables that I would previously only eat because ‘they were healthy’.

Those were my reasons for actually growing my own vegetables. Do you have any reasons that you could share that inspired you to get started?

[Chloe_88]

Because shop bought strawberries have just given me an awful rash ?

My face feels like I have attacked it with the cheese grater..

I never have this problem when growing my own strawberries.. but 89cents for 500 grams of strawberries at the supermarket sounded wonderful.. untill I ate them..

[along-for-the-ride]

Hello Harry! Enjoy your visits with us.

This may help you get started:

Planning Your First Vegetable Garden

Here's a welcome mat for you.............

Attached files

[Patsy Warnick]

I grew up with a large garden in our backyard.

We use to take a salt shaker to the garden & pick tomatoes - cukes etc.

There's nothing better than fresh grown veggies.

So, this year I have planted several veggies - some doing ok..:wah:

Didn't say I was good at this - it was my Dad's garden...:yh_rotfl

My friend just brought me over a bag of her fresh tomatoes - I'm still waiting?

Oh, it's therapy - right now it's a frustrating hobby.

Good luck with your veggies.

Patsy

[Betty Boop]

Chloe_88;1451569 wrote: Because shop bought strawberries have just given me an awful rash ?

My face feels like I have attacked it with the cheese grater..

I never have this problem when growing my own strawberries.. but 89cents for 500 grams of strawberries at the supermarket sounded wonderful.. untill I ate them..


Love that description, that's exactly how my face has felt for the last few days too after I've obviously somehow ingested some wheat or gluten.

Sorry Chloe, not a nice thing to like but a great description for the next time someone asks me how my allergy affects me, or poo poos the fact that people can actually be allergic to wheat or gluten :rolleyes:

[Chloe_88]

Betty Boop;1451580 wrote: Love that description, that's exactly how my face has felt for the last few days too after I've obviously somehow ingested some wheat or gluten.

Sorry Chloe, not a nice thing to like but a great description for the next time someone asks me how my allergy affects me, or poo poos the fact that people can actually be allergic to wheat or gluten :rolleyes:


I'm sorry to hear you have also fell victim to the cheese grater war!

I did get a bit angry with somebody who gave me a dirty look today at work.. I felt like saying it was something contagious..

Anyway.. to prevent the "cheese grater war" is the reason to grow my own fruit and veggies.

[Lady J]

Harry12;1451567 wrote: Hey all,

Those were my reasons for actually growing my own vegetables. Do you have any reasons that you could share that inspired you to get started?


First off welcome Harry!

I too plant a vegetable garden.

My reasons for it ~

I love to plant seeds and even young tiny plants and watch them grow and then produce eatable fruits. It is very rewarding...just amazes me....and sharing it is the best part.

As you said...they taste better. I went to the market to pick up some green beans and they, like so many other store bought veggies and fruit are waxed to preserve them. Ugh! Nothing like going out on a summer's night and picking your own dinner!

Try green beans in your garden. They are easy to grow and produce a good size crop. I'd stay away from Brussels spouts and broccoli thou....they seemed to invite unwanted insects and became more work. Corn is fun, but you have to make sure it pollinates...easy to do. I plant mine in within the oriental grass I have in my flower bed.

Happy planting and a healthy harvest to you!

[Hope6]

That's the one thing I have always noticed about my garden. Everything tastes so much better, the tomatoes are out of this world!