GROW SOMETHING!

Plant a garden this spring, it won't take much, just your will, dirt and some seeds.

Get back to nature, back to understanding how our foods grow, how the earth consistently provides for us. Plant a vegetable or herb garden this spring and remind yourself of nature's gift of freshness.

 Gardening is a great way to bond with nature, reduce stress, and eat fresh.  

Vegetables like eggplant, sweet peppers, snap beans, okra, carrots, summer squash and tomatoes are great starters.

 Season your meals with herbs from your garden.  Rosemary, basil, oregano, thyme, sage, garlic, and onions will make your salads pop and lessen the need for salted seasonings.

Beginners can Google gardening tool needs online or visit your local Home Depot or Lowes gardening center for instructions and advice.  For those existing in urban areas with restricted space consider renting a plot, or joining a garden association. You can also begin the process by using flowering pots.

Some helpful tips:

1. Select an area to plant your garden and begin prepping soil. Avoid using weed killers and pull weeds with hands

2. Use natural compost on your soil before planting; this will reduce the need for fertilizers later on

3. Don’t crowd your seeds, allow sufficient space between them, this will allow seeds to grow better

4. Water before you plant and know how much water your seeds will need once planted. This information along with other gardening explanations can be found online

 Planting and harvesting time can be determined by accessing your state's harvesting calendar online.