As a child, my family had a garden that had an assortment of vegetables. I detested vegetables as a child and had a limited palette. Corn, potatoes, celery, and carrots were the only acceptable vegetables in my mind. That has expanded greatly, in no small part, from my wife who is always encouraging me to try new foods.
About ten years ago, I read Fast Food Nation, and I immediately began to change my eating habits. Since I really don't know what is in or on the foods that I purchase from the grocery store, I began to grow my own foods. My garden is modest, only about eleven by eleven feet. I've had substantial luck growing tomatoes, zucchini, chives, beans, broccoli, alpine strawberries, and lettuce over the years.
The garden, though it is small, reduces our carbon footprint since the produce from the garden travels just a few yards to the kitchen. I also use organic practices so there is no pollution or harm from synthetic herbicides and pesticides.
Most importantly, the food tastes amazing. My vegetables and herbs are picked when I am ready to eat them, not days or weeks ago.
If you have never gardened before, check out a book on it from the library or read guides online. I would start a small garden so that you don't burn yourself out. It is a hobby that can be as time intensive and rewarding as you want it to be.
Good luck and if you wish to start soon, there is time for a fall crop of cool weather plants such as radishes or sugar snap peas.
What foods have you had the most success growing?
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