Growing your own food is a great way to save money, eat healthier, and connect with nature. But is home grown food actually better for you than store-bought food?

Is Home-Grown Food More Nutritious?

There is some evidence to suggest that home grown food may be more nutritious than store-bought food. For example, a study published in the journal “Nature” found that home grown tomatoes had higher levels of antioxidants than store-bought tomatoes. Another study published in the journal “Food Science & Nutrition” found that home grown strawberries had higher levels of vitamin C than store-bought strawberries.

Is Home-Grown Food Safer?

In addition to being more nutritious, home grown food may also be safer than store-bought food. This is because home grown food is not exposed to pesticides and other chemicals that are often used in commercial farming. A study by the Environmental Working Group found that 90% of conventionally grown produce contains at least one pesticide residue. The study also found that children who eat the most conventionally grown produce have higher levels of pesticide residues in their bodies than children who eat the least conventionally grown produce.

Is It Worth the Effort?

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to growing your own food. For example, it can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. It can also be difficult to grow certain crops in certain climates.

But if you are willing to put in the time and effort, growing your own food can be a rewarding experience. And it may even be better for your health.

How to Get Started

If you are interested in growing your own food, there are a few things you can do to get started.

First, you need to choose the right crops for your climate and growing conditions. You can find a list of crops that are suitable for your area by contacting your local extension office.

Once you have chosen your crops, you need to prepare your soil. The soil should be well-drained and free of weeds. You can improve the quality of your soil by adding compost or manure. Once your soil is prepared, you can plant your seeds or seedlings. Be sure to water your plants regularly and fertilize them as needed.

With a little care and attention, you can enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.

Here are some additional tips for growing your own food

  • Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  • Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
  • Water your plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  • Fertilize your plants as needed.
  • Protect your plants from pests and diseases.
  • Harvest your crops when they are ripe.

With a little effort, you can grow your own healthy, delicious food! If looking for more motivation and ways to grow your own food check out our Food Independence Summit happening this June!