7 Reasons to Start Growing Your Own Food

No matter your experience, growing your own food is a rewarding and beneficial practice. Let's dig into seven reasons to start your own garden and enjoy a delicious, homegrown harvest.

1. Healthier Eating

Homegrown produce is fresher, often more nutritious, and you can ensure it's grown without harmful chemicals. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs contain the most vitamins and minerals right when you pick them, making for a healthier diet. 

2. Save Money

The cost of groceries is on the rise. For example, the retail price range for a Georgia cucumber is between $1.88 and $3.59 per pound!

Growing your own food can save money on grocery bills, especially if you grow and preserve large quantities. Homegrown produce is also fresher and packed with flavor, giving you more bang for your buck.

3. Exercise

Want to replace your gym workouts? Gardening is a form of physical activity that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. It helps you use all major muscle groups, including legs, arms, and shoulders. 

You also burn calories. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a 154-pound person burns an average of 330 calories per hour through gardening.

4. Mental Health

It's therapeutic and stress-relieving to spend time outdoors, nurturing your plants. According to a 2019 study, spending at least 120 minutes in nature per week can significantly boost health and well-being.

5. Learning Experience

Gardening is educational. You'll learn about the science of plants, the weather, and the environment. It's also a wonderful family activity (growing plants and harvesting together!).

6. Environmental Impact

By growing your own food, you reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food from farms to stores. A home garden also attracts and support local pollinators. 

7. Taste and Variety

Home gardens allow you to choose from a wide variety of plants that may not be available or as tasty at the grocery store.

Start Your Garden

Whether you have a large backyard or just a small balcony, you can start with something as simple as a container garden. Happy gardening and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor! 

Need extra help? Shop ServeScape's Food Producing Planting Plan and work with expert designers to create a fresh, food-producing paradise.