by L. Easton

Created on: June 10, 2009

This will be my third year growing vegetables, and as the growing season passes, I end up wiser than the year before. I have learned that five tomato plants, are too many plants to grow for my household. I have also learned that potatoes need soil free from large amounts of gravel in order to grow to full potential.

Radishes, green beans, and dill are easy to grow, though watch out for the carrots and cucumbers. Then there are plants that I just can not master! Though, I believe that my most important lesson, was to appreciate mother nature and her environment Yes I have started to live a little "greener" since my first garden.

Other than becoming more knowledgeable and "down to earth", I have found more advantages to growing my own vegetables. Like gardens are a great family activity! Kids learn about science and math at the same time as, having loads of fun "playing" in the dirt. Nope, there's nothing more rewarding than watching all of my seeds grow.

If you don't have kids, or in my case when they are napping, being in the garden can be very relaxing as well. Not only have I seen birds I never knew existed, up close and personal, but I can hear the wind blow, leaves rustle, twigs snapping... Nature sure does sing a beautiful song, when you take the time to listen.

As I do not use chemical fertilizers, manure enriched with growth hormones, or other unknowns, I am assured that I am putting less of "bad stuff" in my families bellies. Now I am not a scientist, therefore I have no clue what kind of toxins are in my soil (if any), though I am sure, that my vegetables are more organic than the ones found at most supermarkets.

As I watch my plants flourish in front of my eyes, in the soil of my yard, I am positive that my vegetables are "Made In The USA". This takes all of the guess work out of store bought produce, which hardly ever gives me a clear sign saying, "You are about to make the over seas stock markets go up, because these vegetables are Imported!".

I have found that there are "green" advantages too, both environmental, and economical. Now don't get me wrong, I still have to buy produce to supplement what I don't grow myself, though I have saved on fuel, carbon monoxide emissions, and money. Heck, Last year I had so many veggies left over, I set up a stand and made $30.

There you have it, some of the advantages I have found from growing my own vegetables. Though everybody's needs and feelings are different, so one sure fire way for you to find out what advantages a home grown garden can give you... Well, grow some vegetables.

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