Building the Perfect Spring Garden

While going to the local grocery store or farmer’s market for weekly ingredients is a pretty typical routine, why not save yourself the money- and gas- and build your own garden right at home? You’ll be able to combine a hobby and a healthy lifestyle into one activity. There are so many positives to growing your food yourself and, as an added bonus, you can even tie in some sustainability practices to really get in the ‘green’ spirit! Read on for more information about gardening that is sure to bring out your inner gardener:

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Veggie-fits: Benefits of Growing Your Own Veggies

There have been a number of studies that prove how growing your vegetables in your backyard actually improve your health. The list of benefits is endless, but some key points to mention are that they assist in getting your fruit and vegetable intake up, along with letting “You decide what kinds of fertilizers and pesticides come in contact with your food,” a major key issue with many of today’s produce items (Godman, 2012). Not only are you also saving money by growing your own food, but you’re also helping the environment! Gardening without pesticides and chemicals avoids contributing to further water and air pollution, an incredible bonus to the delicious and clean veggies you’re harvesting. 

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Taking care of your health should be among the top priorities in life, so nourish your body with ingredients that are guaranteed to be free of harsh chemicals. Consuming “vegetables keep[s] your body running efficiently[,] protecting you from chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer” (Gaias, 2021). The knowledge that you’re fueling your body with pure ingredients should be motivation enough to begin your garden!

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Having your own garden is where you can get creative and integrate different forms of sustainability to boost its positive environmental effect and truly earn your green thumb. A way to begin this process is to make your own compost, which is actually much simpler than you’d think. Have some leftover food? Use it to fertilize your garden! This process of composting is extremely beneficial, as it also allows you and your family to be more aware of your food waste and give it a new purpose in your garden- a two-fold environmentally conscious combo! 

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The vegetables you chose to garden are completely up to you! Just remember to keep the seasons and your location’s environment in mind so you can harvest the most beautiful fruits and veggies! As a reward for your hard work, here are some delicious recipes you can make using your fresh produce!

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1. Chicken Fajitas - If you choose to grow some bell peppers and onions, add them to your next Taco Tuesday menu! They make the best add-on to a chicken fajita.
2. Cucumber and Cheese Sandwiches - Throwing a tea party? Use your cucumbers for the perfect dainty tea time sandwiches!
3. Pizza Sauce - Feel like you're in Italy eating a gourmet pizza by making your very own sauce from homegrown tomatoes.
4. Ratatouille - Anyone can cook (especially with their own veggies)! Use your squash, zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes to make this delicious and vegetarian-friendly dish.
5. Zucchini Bread (or brownies) - Yep, you read that correctly. You can use zucchinis to make bread or, for a sweeter treat, brownies!

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If you prefer a simpler method to incorporate your garden veggies into your diet, you can never go wrong with a roasted vegetable side. So, what are you waiting for? Combine health and hobbies into one and grow yourself a garden! 

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If you are looking for the perfect home to start your garden, visit the Bridge Homes Listings page today!

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Sources: 

Organic Edible Gardens with Gaia’s Organic Gardens

Backyard Gardening: Grow Your Own Food, Improve Your Health

31 Garden Vegetable Recipes with Pictures!

Sustainable Gardening For An Eco-Friendly Backyard

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Photo by Kampus Production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-a-basket-at-a-garden-7658822/