The grass is always greener? Perhaps, but I think it’s time to do away with your grassy lawn and replace it with food! Although a trend is never a enough reason alone to do something, the urban farming bandwagon is definitely one to hop on…right now. That’s right, having your own vegetable garden has always been smart, but now, it’s also trendy. Let’s hear it for eco-progress!
So, besides peer pressure and popularity, here are 9 reasons that you should get planning your urban farm, or simple herb garden…today:
1. How could you possibly get fresher and more local, than food grown in your own front or backyard, your windowsills, fire escapes, patios, in pots, or even eavestroughs?Â
2. Save money on food - and during the height of the harvest skip a few shopping trips – who doesn’t want to do all of that?
3. Get healthier! Not only will you be eating the freshest and most local produce packed full of amazing nutrients, but I bet you eat a lot more of them all if they are within arms reach. Plus, gardening reduces stress, makes you excited to be outside and can burn as many calories in 45 minutes as you can in 30 minutes of aerobics.
4. Growing your own vegetables and fruit means that you know exactly where your food comes from. You know what they say, know thy farmer, know they food!
5. Choose from so many more varieties of each veggie or fruit - and you can grow the things you like the best, and the things that cost a lot at the market. (very important: make sure when you are choosing seeds that they are NOT ones from this list)
6. Teach your children well. When you teach your kids where their food comes from (NOT the supermarket, but from the earth) and how much time it takes (tons of fun to watch), they will appreciate all they eat much more.
7. Have fun together! It’s a great activity to bring friends and family together, and connect with neighbours too. Who wouldn’t love juicy tomatoes right off the vine as a gift?
8. Preserve. It may sound like even more work, but freezing and/or canning your harvest means you’ll be enjoying the seeds you sow through the entire year. I’m still enjoying my garlic from last summer – I planted it October 2010, harvested it in Summer 2011 and I’m still enjoying it in 2012!
9. Nothing is more satisfying than growing your own food. It might even make you smile like this http://pinterest.com/pin/184366178465445610/
Happy spring and sprouting!
Recommended Resources – hire them, follow them on twitter, read their website!
www.youngurbanfarmers.com
http://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/
Lisa Borden , owner of marketing firm, Borden Communications , offers a holistic approach to consciously marketing responsible brands and services. She encourages everyone to be their own expert by offering new perspectives, and helping them find the clarity to uncover simple solutions to daily challenges. She claims that she is not a coach, a consultant, or a concierge, but rather a strategic blend of all of these roles - working to increase efficiencies, revenue, health and happiness. As a consultant to small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, school groups and individuals as well as a dynamic campaign and brand ambassador and motivational speaker, her message is always clear. Every action and every dollar matters and has an impact - so we’d better take each step wisely. Together. Follow Lisa on twitter @LisaBorden.
(c) Lisa Borden 2012
Nathalie Prezeau has just released a superb new book entitled Toronto Urban Strolls … for girlfriends that should be at the top of everyone’s gift list for new parents and girlfriends in the GTA.