To me summer means one thing…gardening season! While I often share my excitement for gardening with others, the feeling is not always mutual. I used to be the same way. Gardening used to mean helping my mom outside when I’d rather be doing something else. But now, gardening is a passion of mine. My freshman year I took a food sustainability class as my requirement to fulfill a Natural World credit for my university, and I’ve never looked at food the same way.
Our food system has become completely industrialized as we have looked to science to solve the question of how we are supposed to feed the growing population. Jennifer Cockrall-King, author of Food and the City, states, “70 percent of processed foods contain some genetically-modified ingredients and the United States currently has 126 million acres of genetically-modified crops planted.” These numbers will only increase with more severe technology, as “superweeds” and “superbugs” develop that have become resistant to the chemicals that are used today. Also, as the population is growing, more land is being developed, leading to a decrease in farmland. When looked at holistically, it becomes apparent that our food system today will not be sustainable in the future.
I believe this is where urban agriculture comes in. I believe others agree as I look around and see more vegetables being grown on people’s patios, the growth of community gardens, and even people keeping chickens in their backyard. Whether the growing prevalence of farmers markets and eating local is just a trend or not, it is a trend that needs to stick. Growing your own food right where you live is an easy and practical solution that anyone (yes, ANYONE) can practice.
Not yet convinced you should start gardening? How about these extra bonuses!
- It’s good for your mental health. A study performed in the Netherlands found that people who performed 30 minutes of gardening had lower stress levels than people who spent 30 minutes reading.
- It’s exercise. Weeding, digging and watering all burn calories. We’re talking around 200 calories per hour.
- It saves you money. A packet of lettuce seeds that will provide you with salad all summer long will cost you a whole lost less than buying organic salad packs all summer long.
- It’s all been done before. If you ever have any questions or problems that come up along the way you can look it up online. I Google about when to harvest certain crops or about any bugs I see in my garden.
So go ahead and get started. I would first suggest looking up if there are any community gardens around with plots you can sign up for because that ground will already be tilled and ready to go. If not, go ahead and rent a tiller from your local Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, etc. and till a little area in your yard and put up a small fence. That’s what I did at my sister’s house this summer. Don’t have a yard? Make little garden beds to keep on a patio or deck. I promise, there is a way for anyone to garden. So go whip out those gardening gloves and shovels and I promise with a little dedication, love and care you’ll have baby sprouts in no time!
Below are some easy recipes to enjoy with your fresh vegetables!
Craisin, Walnut, and Feta Salad
Mix together lettuce, Craisins, toasted walnuts, feta cheese and (I prefer) Marzetti's Simply Dressed Lemon dressing, but any light dressing will do, to make the perfect summer salad!
Sautéed Zucchini
Slice up your zucchini and heat it in a pan with olive oil and garlic salt until the slices become a little transparent, then top with some grated parmesan to make the perfect vegetable side.
Caprese Salad
