Whether you’re considering your physical wellness or your mental wellness, the foods you eat play a big role in how you feel. You’ve probably noticed that you feel better when you eat fresh, whole foods over fatty, processed foods. With that in mind, many people are turning to their gardens to support their overall wellness. Not much of a green thumb? You can become a master gardener in no time using these handy tips.
1. Don’t Ignore Technology
A major perk to home gardening is that it is good for the environment. When you eat foods you grow instead of buying them at the store, you lower your carbon footprint. Climate change and protecting the environment is changing the way many businesses operate. Even if you want an eco-friendly solution to healthy eating, you shouldn’t ignore the strides that are being made in many industries, including with digital oil and gas solutions. For example, technological advances are being used to clean up the water supply and use excess compost as fuel.
2. Choose the Right Soil
The soil you choose to put your seeds in plays a big part in successful growing. Look for soil that contains vitamins and minerals. Not only will this help your food grow, but it will infuse it with nutrients that support your health when you eat them. The right soil also contains good bacteria that populates your intestines and aids in proper digestion, as well as warding off digestive disturbances.
3. Use Large Containers
You can be successful with container gardening, but keep in mind that bigger is usually better. Your plants need room to spread their roots and grow so the pot you use should look big when you first place your plants in the soil. Container gardening requires airy soil so don’t pack it in too hard.
4. Consider Moving Indoors
Your food doesn’t have to grow outside to be healthy. You can easily grow herbs, leafy greens and small vegetables inside. Use liquid organic fertilizer or compost made from to promote growth and control the odor. Keep your plants in a place that gets a lot of sunlight and be sure to water them regularly.
5. Grow a Variety
The best way to get an adequate intake of important vitamins and minerals is to eat a variety of foods. Growing plenty of options in your garden allows you to do this. Try tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, carrots and herbs for a nice mix of nutrients. If you have space, you might also try your hand at growing raspberries, strawberries and edible flowers.
6. Take Care of Your Garden
Sure, you can reap plenty of benefits from eating your home-grown food. But don’t outsource the gardening tasks. Spending time in your garden increases flexibility, increases your vitamin D exposure, lowers blood pressure and burns calories.
7. Use Compost
Compost isn’t only for indoor gardening. You should be using compost on your outdoor plants as well. Not only does this promote growth of your food, but it also primes the soil so it can deliver vitamins and minerals to the vegetables, fruits and herbs that you grow. You can make your own compost from food scraps at home, but you can also buy it if you prefer. Ask your local nursery or home improvement store about where to find it.
There are so many great ways to support your health by growing your own food. It’s fresher and contains a wealth of nutrients. It’s also a great way to care for the environment and save money on your food bill. Once you start feeling the effects of healthier eating, you’ll be hooked. So get your garden ready and get started today!
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay