Let Your Green Thumb Grow
June 13, 2022
The benefits of gardening and a delicious recipe
There are many benefits to growing a garden in your own yard including sustainably feeding yourself and your family. Gardening is a great way to connect your mind, body, and soul with nature. If you don’t have space in your yard, you can try container gardening or window boxes. If none of these options work for you, consider shopping at a local farmer's market for fresh produce.
1. More Nutritious and Delicious
Produce tastes better fresh from the garden rather than sitting on a truck and in the store for a couple weeks. Growing your own fruit and vegetables can also decrease the risk of foodborne illness or contamination.
2. Cost-Effective
Shopping in your backyard is much cheaper than at the grocery store. Studies show that for every $1 spent on seeds and fertilizer, home gardeners can grow an average of $25 worth of fresh produce! You can also freeze and can your homegrown goodies so they last you throughout the year.
3. Benefits Physical and Mental Health
There are a ton of health benefits when it comes to gardening while getting fresh air and Vitamin D. Gardening activities can provide both cardio and aerobic exercise. Gardening is also an excellent way to relieve stress and anxiety.
4. Fun for The Whole Family
Growing your own produce in your garden can be a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Kids and adults alike will enjoy planting the seeds, watching them grow, and eating the fruits and vegetables that they worked so hard for!
5. Better for The Environment
Your garden can help improve air quality, fight both soil erosion and pollution while saving energy. Local wildlife and pollinators are all going to appreciate your garden too!
Enticing Italian Quinoa Salad
Time: 10 Minutes — Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- ½ cup small white cannelloni beans
- ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup artichokes, halved
- 1 fresh bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium Roma tomato, chopped
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Black pepper, salt, garlic, oregano, and red chili flakes to your liking
Directions:
1. Prepare quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a medium-sized bowl combine all ingredients and toss to combine. Taste and adjust spices to taste. Enjoy!
**Recipe courtesy: Chelsey Amer Nutrition
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