Hey Team,

As recreational gardeners, my wife and I have had our fair share of ups and downs when growing our own food. We used to have a large garden with various fruits and vegetables, but the pressure to harvest everything and use it all became overwhelming. So, we switched to raised bed gardening, which makes it easier to control weeds and water conservatively and reduce our square footage. Despite these challenges, we love the sense of accomplishment and pride in growing our food.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential for maintaining good health. However, not all fruits and vegetables are created equal. Garden-grown foods are among the most nutritious foods you can eat. When you grow your food, you can be sure it is fresh, free of harmful chemicals, and packed with nutrients. In this blog, we will explore some of the benefits of garden-grown foods and provide some tips on how to grow and enjoy these nutritious foods.

Nutritional Benefits of Garden-Grown Foods

Garden-grown fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for good health. These foods are also lower in calories and higher in fiber than many processed foods, making them an excellent choice for weight management. Here are some of the specific nutritional benefits of garden-grown foods:

• Higher vitamin and mineral content: Fruits and vegetables lose some vitamins and minerals as they sit on store shelves or during transportation. However, when you grow your food, you can pick it at the peak of ripeness and consume it immediately, ensuring that you get the maximum amount of nutrients.

• More antioxidants: Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Garden-grown fruits and vegetables tend to have higher levels of antioxidants than their store-bought counterparts, which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

• Increased fiber: Many garden-grown fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help to reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Tips for Growing and Enjoying Nutritious Foods from the Garden

If you are interested in growing your nutritious food, here are some tips to get you started:

• Start small: If you are new to gardening, start with a small plot or a few containers. This will help you to get the hang of gardening without feeling overwhelmed.

• Choose the right plants: When choosing what to plant, consider what grows well in your climate and what you and your family like to eat. Some easy-to-grow plants packed with nutrients include tomatoes, spinach, kale, and strawberries.

• Practice good soil management: Soil is the foundation of any garden. Use nutrient-rich soil and compost to help your plants thrive.

• Harvest regularly: Harvest them regularly to ensure that your plants continue to produce. This will also help keep your plants healthy and prevent them from overgrowing.

• Get creative in the kitchen: Once you have harvested your garden-grown foods, get creative in the kitchen! Many delicious recipes feature fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also preserve your harvest by canning, freezing, or dehydrating.

Overall, garden-grown foods are among the most nutritious foods you can eat. By growing your food, you can be sure it is fresh, free of harmful chemicals, and packed with nutrients. With some planning and effort, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious foods from your backyard.

As a recreational gardener, I have experienced firsthand the many benefits of growing your food. It provides a sense of accomplishment and pride, and garden-grown foods are among the most nutritious foods you can eat. By following these tips and incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, you can improve your health and enjoy the delicious taste of home-grown produce.

•               The author, Rob Sumner, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Athletic Trainer, owner of Specialized Strength Fitness, Specialized Massage and Specialized Physical Therapy in Colville. He's happy to answer any questions about this article, wellness, fitness, or your health overall by phone at (509) 684-5621 or by email at Rob@SumnerPT.com