More and more people, especially with the economy these days, as well as the new awareness that is spreading about the benefits of locally grown produce, are actually making their first foray into the gardening market. I’ve tried my hand at gardening, with some degree of success, and some degree of miserable failure as well, but I’ve learned along the way, and I’ve also learned how fulfilling it is to see something grow into a vegetable from a plant, and how much better it tastes. It’s almost a world of difference between a home grown tomato and a store bought tomato, for instance. Rarely will a home grown, fresh and un radiated tomato taste grainy or flavorless.
There is something to be gained from that. The less flavor and texture a piece of fruit of a veggie has, the less nutrients it most likely has, so you know you are getting a double bang for your buck when you grow your own fruits and veggies, because not only are you getting excellent flavor, but the fruit or veggie is also retaining a lot of it’s texture and flavor and makes for much better cooking and eating. Cucumbers are another one that I love fresh and home grown. They are so tender, so flavorful, compared to the bland, tough ones you buy at the grocery store, and you can just put a touch of olive oil and seasoning on them and eat them right up.
Remembering back to when my grandma and grandpa first introduced me to gardening, I didn’t appreciate the difference between store bought fruits and veggies and what they had grown in their own back yard, but I always knew that the foods that my grandma cooked, especially in the summer, seemed to be brimming with life and flavor. As an adult, I fully appreciate the money savings that gardening offers, as well as the health benefits.
Just for the nutrient benefits alone, gardening is immensely healthful. Not only that, I think that there is something inherently healthy and fulfilling about having your own garden. I know that pulling up after I get off work and seeing that some more of my tomatoes have ripened and are ready to be sliced up for a salad is immensely rewarding. Or picking some cilantro for a fresh salsa. There is something very instinctually rewarding and “right” about gardening and I’d encourage everyone to at least try your hand at it.
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