Next time you’re strolling through the produce department at your local grocery store, I want you to stop and think. Take a moment to consider starting your very own garden. Whether you’re surrounded by the tallest of skyscrapers or there’s a cow at every corner, it doesn’t matter. Whether you start small by growing herbs on your kitchen windowsill or are lucky enough to have a large backyard that will happily host multiple raised garden beds, it doesn’t matter. Gardening is gardening, regardless of how much space you have to work with, and it can feed more than just your family; it can feed your soul.
I’ll be completely honest. More often than not, I have a difficult time justifying how much I pay for organic produce to buyers of conventional produce. I’m sure I won’t be the first to tell you that gardening can greatly cut down your grocery bill – and I won’t be the last. So, why not grow your own? Aside from benefiting your budget, gardening truly can be a spiritual experience.
Don’t be afraid to get your fingernails a little dirty. Digging into soil allows you to reconnect with Mother Nature and get in touch with your spirituality. Whether you plant fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, or all of the above, it is beyond fulfilling to nurture an actual living thing and watch it grow. Once gardening becomes a part of your routine, you’ll probably notice how great of a stress-reliever it can be. Imagine spending your personal time soaking up some rays, listening to the peaceful sounds of nature, and tenderly caring for seeds that magically turn into much, much more. Who knew reaching a therapeutic state of mind could be so easy (not to mention cheap)?
Instead of reaching for another five-dollar package of organic strawberries, spend the same amount of money on multiple packages of organic seeds. You don’t have to keep filling your cart and emptying your wallet. Before you know it, you’ll be beaming with pride and joy, as you gather the nourishing fruits of your labor to share and enjoy with family and friends. It is amazing how by just planting a few seeds you will be gifted with an abundance of fresh produce that will undoubtedly taste better for some reason. The calming journey of growing your own will provide nothing but satisfaction. Go garden; you won’t regret it.