Hello! We are Char and Marv, two passionate gardeners from Toronto on a mission to inspire everyone to grow their own food, no matter the experience or available space. Our gardening journey has transformed our lives, and we want to share the joy of growing a garden with you!
Growing a garden is not just about producing fresh food, it’s about building a deeper connection to the land and understanding where our food comes from. This journey has enriched our lives, allowing us to share the fruits of our labor with family, friends, and our community.
We shared a previous post on our top reasons why you should start your own garden and how you can do it, but we wanted to expand on our reasons, hoping it will encourage you to start growing a garden too.
1. The joy of fresh, homegrown food
There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly picked vegetables and fruits. When you grow your own food, you have the opportunity to enjoy produce at its peak ripeness. This means better flavour, higher nutritional value, and the satisfaction that comes from eating something you nurtured from seed to harvest.
Imagine stepping into your garden and plucking a ripe tomato or a crisp cucumber to enjoy in your meal. This experience not only elevates your culinary creations but also fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment. Plus, you’ll know exactly what went into your food, no pesticides or harmful chemicals.
2. A deeper connection to nature
Gardening encourages a deeper connection to the earth. As we tend to our plants, we become more aware of the natural cycles around us. This connection gives a sense of responsibility and stewardship toward the planet.
By growing your own food, you can observe the growth stages of plants, from seed germination to full maturity. This process allows you to appreciate the effort and energy that goes into food production. It’s a beautiful reminder of nature’s intricate systems and our role within them.
3. Mental and physical well being
Gardening is not only a rewarding hobby but also a great way to improve your mental and physical health. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The act of gardening itself is a form of exercise, promoting physical activity as you dig, plant, weed, and harvest.
Also, being surrounded by nature has a calming effect on the mind. The satisfaction of nurturing plants and watching them grow can enhance your mood and increase overall happiness. Gardening also improves mindfulness, encouraging you to be present and engaged in the moment.
4. Sustainability and environmental impact
In today’s world, sustainability is more important than ever. By growing your own food, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Commercial agriculture often involves transportation over long distances, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
When you grow your own food, you can use sustainable practices such as composting, crop rotation, and organic pest control. These methods not only benefit your garden but also promote a healthier ecosystem. By choosing to grow food locally, you support biodiversity and contribute to the health of your community.
5. Cost savings
Let’s face it: grocery bills can add up quickly, especially when purchasing organic produce. By growing your own food, you can save money in the long run. Even a small garden can yield a significant amount of food, reducing your reliance on store bought items.
Consider starting with herbs or salad greens, which can be grown in small containers on a windowsill or balcony. These crops are often expensive in stores, making your homegrown version a smart investment. As you gain experience, you can expand your garden to include a variety of vegetables and fruits.
6. Empowering yourself and your community
Growing your own food is a powerful act of self sufficiency. It gives you control over what you eat and encourages you to make healthier choices. As you learn to grow your own food, you become more knowledgeable about nutrition, cooking, and sustainable practices.
Moreover, gardening can foster community connections. By sharing your surplus with neighbours, local food banks or participating in community gardens, you can build relationships and support local food networks. Gardening can be a communal activity, bringing people together and strengthening the fabric of your community.
7. It’s fun!
Gardening is not just a chore, it’s a fun and engaging activity! Whether you’re planting seeds, designing a garden layout, or trying out new recipes with your harvest, there’s always something exciting to do in the garden.
Experimenting with different plants, techniques, and gardening styles keeps the experience fresh and enjoyable. You can try container gardening, vertical gardening, or even hydroponics if you’re feeling adventurous. Gardening is a journey of exploration, and you can learn something new every day.
We always say that gardening motivates us to try new things. There are so many avenues that can be related to gardening like preserving, canning, medicinal remedies, sewing, baking and many more! The possibilities are endless.
8. Year round gardening possibilities
One of the most common misconceptions is that gardening is limited to the warmer months. However, we’ve discovered that year round gardening is entirely possible, even in Canada! With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can continue to grow food indoors during the colder months.
Using tools like grow tents, hydroponic systems, and grow lights, you can create an indoor oasis where plants thrive regardless of the weather outside. We’ve transformed our garage and basement into productive grow spaces, allowing us to enjoy fresh produce year round. This flexibility means you can have your garden, no matter the season!
9. Encouraging healthy eating habits
When you grow your own food, you’re more likely to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Gardening encourages you to experiment with new crops and incorporate them into your meals. This exposure can lead to healthier eating habits for you and your family.
Gardening plays a significant role in improving our eating habits, although it’s not always easy for us. We didn’t grow up with a focus on healthy eating, our meals growing up often consisted of Cheetos, Pop-Tarts, pizza pockets, TV dinners, Spam, or canned corned beef. However, we are committed to making healthier choices and striving to stay on the right path. Gardening serves as a valuable tool in our journey, helping us stay on track and encouraging us to embrace better nutrition.
Involving you kids in gardening can also have a lasting impact on their relationship with food. When children participate in growing and harvesting, they are more likely to try new vegetables and develop an appreciation for healthy eating. Gardening can be a fun family activity that promotes wellness and nutrition.
10. A legacy of gardening
Lastly, growing your own food is a wonderful way to create a legacy. You can pass down gardening knowledge and skills to future generations, instilling a love for nature and sustainability in your children and grandchildren.
Shared gardening experiences can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Whether it’s planting a tree together or harvesting a family recipe, gardening can be a beautiful tradition that connects generations.
We hope this has inspired you to consider growing your own food. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a small windowsill, there’s always an opportunity to grow your own garden. Remember, gardening is about more than just food; it’s about connection, joy, and sustainability.
Join us on this incredible journey of growth and discovery. Let’s all embrace the simple, wholehearted living that comes from growing and eating more homegrown vegetables. Thank you for taking the time to read our thoughts, and we can’t wait to see you in the garden! ♡
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