What growing your own food can do for you

As global economic woes persist, many families are reviving the tradition of the family vegetable garden. What a great upside to a tough time! Not only is the back-to-garden movement saving folks money on their grocery bills, but it's putting healthier food on the table. 

Need a few more reasons? 

1. Fresh vegetables are more nutritious, and it doesn't get any fresher than straight from the garden to the table. Vegetables start to lose valuable nutrients (and flavor) the moment they're picked. When they're harvested just moments before you serve them, you're getting the absolute maximum nutritional benefit.

2. You can grow organic a lot cheaper than you can buy it. If you're struggling to make ends meet, organic produce may feel like a luxury you can't afford. But you can grow your own organic produce using your own composted kitchen scraps as natural fertilizer. As organic gardening coach Jean Ann van Krevelen says, "Compost is waste turned into plant food." You can also use inexpensive pest controls like companion planting and soap spray instead of harmful chemical pesticides.

3. Eating local saves energy and fossil fuels--and it doesn't get any more local than your own back yard. This translates into lower food costs for you and a lower carbon footprint for your household, as well.

4. Gardening provides free exercise and stress relief. No money for gym memberships or spa weekends? An hour in the garden will get your heart pumping and your muscles toned. It also clears the mind and erases the day's stress. 

5. Kids will eat what they grow. (This may be the best benefit of all!). Want to turn your finicky eaters into vegetable lovers? Let them grow their own. Kids love to garden and are much more willing to eat vegetables that they had a hand in bringing to the table.