It's that time of year! We're starting to see the bounty of our gardening efforts.
What's in my garden?
Spaghetti squash (this won't stop growing!). We'll be using this in class for spaghetti squash fritters and healthsmart turkey meatballs
Tomatoes!!! I'm harvesting and slow roasting for some delicious recipes.
Baked bruschetta using the roasted tomatoes (Yum!)
Fettuccine with home grown slow roasted tomatoes arugula sorrel and zucchini (and parmesan of course!)
And my new grandson :) We didn't really find him in the garden but he is homegrown and bringing us lots of love and joy !
Take advantage of the benefits of growing your own garden:
Freshness and Flavor: When you grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, you can harvest them at their peak ripeness, which often results in better flavor and nutritional content compared to store-bought produce that may have been picked before fully ripening.
Variety: You have control over the types of crops you grow, allowing you to choose a diverse range of fruits and vegetables that can provide a wide array of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Higher Nutrient Content: Homegrown produce can sometimes have higher nutrient content compared to commercially grown produce that may be subjected to long transportation and storage times.
No Chemicals or Pesticides (if organic): By using organic gardening practices, you can avoid or minimize the use of synthetic chemicals and pesticides, resulting in produce with fewer chemical residues.
Control Over Soil Quality: You can improve soil health by using organic compost and other amendments, leading to healthier plants and potentially higher nutrient levels in your produce.
Garden-to-Table Timing: You can harvest and consume your produce immediately after picking, preserving more of the nutrients that can degrade over time.
Physical Activity: Gardening itself is a form of physical activity, which contributes to a healthy lifestyle.
Educational Opportunity: Growing your own garden can be a learning experience, helping you understand more about where your food comes from and how it's grown.
Cost Savings: While there may be initial investment costs for setting up a garden, growing your own produce can lead to cost savings over time.
Sustainability: Home gardening can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing food miles and your carbon footprint.
To maximize the nutritional value of your garden, consider the following tips:
Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure a diverse range of nutrients.
Practice proper soil management by composting and adding organic matter.
Use natural pest control methods to avoid the need for chemical pesticides.
Harvest produce at its peak ripeness for optimal flavor and nutrition.
Consider growing nutrient-dense crops like leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, berries, and herbs.
Remember that while growing your own garden can offer numerous nutritional benefits, it's important to maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from different sources to ensure you're getting all the essential nutrients your body needs.
Comments