by Mary Hale

Created on: October 19, 2010

Gardening can be both a very rewarding and beneficial hobby.  When one thinks of a vegetable garden, thoughts of long, hot summer days and mouth watering ripe tomatoes are often the first thoughts to come to mind.  In reality, however, gardens can be grown in almost any season, if care is taken to plant accordingly.  Fresh, home grown vegetables don't have to come to an abrupt end when summer is over.

The most obvious benefit of a home garden is the fresh, flavorful vegetables that it provides.  These vegetables often times have a much better, more vibrant flavor than those that can be bought at the local super market's produce section.  There are many more benefits of home grown vegetables, however. 

There are many reasons for the improved taste and texture of home grown vegetables.  The first reason being that they are harvested at their peak from a home garden, whereas those vegetables that can be purchased in the produce section of local grocery stores are usually harvested before they are ripe.  These vegetables are allowed to ripen in transit or after arrival at the store.  This helps prevent them from spoiling while being transported to the stores or warehouses for sale, but causes their flavor to be weak and not at all at their best.

Home grown vegetables are also much healthier than their store bought counterparts.  The gardener has complete control over both the plants and the produce that they provide.  It is completely up to the home gardener what pesticides - if any - will be used on the plants, as well as what fertilizers will be used on the soil.  It is very easy for the home gardener to grow organic produce, which is much healthier in the long run.  When eating home grown produce, the consumer knows exactly what they are eating.  Store bought fruits and vegetables simply cannot offer the same security.

Taking the time and effort to plant and care for a garden is also a money saver in the long run.  With today's troublesome economy this is a very big advantage.  While, initially, there is the cost of seeds and any fertilizers used, a home vegetable garden provides fresh produce that would otherwise have to be purchased.  This, in effect, causes the garden to pay for itself time and time again.  The financial benefits of a home garden don't have to stop there either.

With a little bit of planning and effort, excess fruits and vegetables can be canned or frozen

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