Growing your own food can be fun, rewarding, and healthful. In addition to delicious food, gardening has many health benefits. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Research shows that eating fruits and vegetables as part of an overall healthy diet can reduce the risk of longterm diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
Gardening has also been shown to improve mental health and lower stress. Some studies have shown that being physically active in nature, or even simple exposure to nature, can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance self esteem. Children can also benefit from growing and caring for edible plants. Some studies have found that kids involved with gardening tend to make healthier food choices, eat more fruits and vegetables, and have improved social skills. Gardening is also a way for families to spend quality time together, manage and share garden tasks, and reap the benefits of the harvest.
If you do not think you have room for a backyard garden, think again. Some vegetables like carrots, lettuce, kale, and peppers do not require much space. They can be planted in containers, pots, or small spaces.
Safety tips for gardeners
• Wear gloves to avoid skin rashes, cuts, and contaminants.
• Keep harmful chemicals, tools, and equipment out of kids’ reach. Read all instructions and labels so you use these items properly.
• Cut your risk for sunburn and skin cancer by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher.
• Protect against diseases carried by mosquitoes and ticks. Use insect repellent. Wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck pants into your socks.
• If you are outside in hot weather, drink plenty of water.
• Pay attention to signs of heat-related illness, including high body temperature, headache, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or unconsciousness. Seek emergency medical care if needed.
Contact your local Extension office for more information on growing your own food.
Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. University of Kentucky, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Kentucky Counties cooperating.
Jane Proctor is Trimble County’s Cooperative Extension agent for family and consumer services.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.