Gardening with Purpose
Source From: https://homejarfitness.com/gardening-with-purpose/
By: Lanae Agee, RN, Chief Wellness Officer –
Ok so I will admit that as much as I LOVE veggies…I have never had a vegetable garden.
I am not actually sure why. Maybe time, space, or maybe so many great local farmers’ markets in our area. Regardless, I do like fresh garden veggies and maybe a little envious of those who can grow them well.
In all of my reading about plant-based nutrition, it does inspire me. Because from what I hear, the best way to get the very best nutrition is to grow your own nutrient-rich food in healthy soil and without pesticides and herbicides.
I say “nutrient-rich” because there is a difference between nutrient-dense and nutrient-rich. Nutrient-dense refers to the overall value of nutrition when compared with a different food. For example, broccoli is more dense nutritionally than a white potato. In contrast, nutrient-rich means that one broccoli plant has a higher level of nutrients than another. If we analyze two carrots for vitamin and mineral content, the one grown with nutrient promoting methods will have greater nutrition (nutrient-rich). Many of the fruits and vegetables in our grocery stores are not only very low in nutrients, but may contain poisonous pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
What is so interesting to me how important the soil is to obtain maximum nutrient-rich vegetables. Our cereal grasses in PHYTE are grown in dark, rich glacial soil and contain a high concentration of nutrients because the seeds lay in the ground of that soil all winter with sun shining down on them until they sprout in the spring.
If you are growing a summer garden this year, here are some tips to achieve great soil:
Consider planting in a raised bed – The sure way to get a deep layer of fertile soil is to make raised beds. Raised beds yield up to four times more than the same amount of space planted in rows.
Add compost to soil – Adding organic matter in the form of compost, using mulch or growing cover crops (green manures), is the best way to prepare soil for planting. Adding chemical fertilizers will replenish only certain nutrients and do nothing for maintaining good viable soil. Organic matter will change ‘dirt’ into ‘soil’ for good gardening results.
Lots of air – Roots need to travel through the soil to access available nutrients which are essential to plant growth. If the soil is dense and compacted, much of the plant’s available energy is directed to the struggling roots. Organic soil is rich in humus, the end result of decaying materials such as leaves, grass clippings and compost. It holds moisture, but drains well. Good organic garden soil is loose and fluffy.
Water – Not too much and not too little. Of course sometimes Mother Nature has her own idea. The best way to water most plants is by applying enough to moisten the plant’s entire root system, and then letting the soil dry out slightly before watering again.
I think I will start small this year. Plant a few herbs, like lemongrass to help keep mosquitos at bay and maybe some other low maintenance plants and see how it goes. As your garden grows this summer, feel free to share it with us. Like we say at Víos, plants provide our bodies with the essential nutrients needed to keep us healthy and active. Happy gardening!