Why grow your own vegetables?

There are many reasons why backyard gardeners grow vegetables. Although my goal at the beginning was to save money, many gardeners started out for the simple pleasure the garden provides.
Any gardener will tell you that native food tastes better. Science has also begun to confirm what gardeners have intuitively known for centuries: native foods are more nutritious. Food grown in fertile organic soil has higher nutrient content and fewer toxic chemicals than traditionally grown food.
Research has also confirmed that gardening is not only good for physical health, but also good for mental health. Basically, you will feel better after spending a few hours in the garden. How great is that?
Your reasons for starting a garden may be slightly different from those of other gardeners, but remember this: the first time you taste home-grown vegetables, it may change your life.

Why is it organic?

Organic gardening is a long-term method that can generate beneficial diversity in terms of soil health, insects, and the entire garden ecosystem. But why is diversity important?
The diversity of soil microorganisms enables plants to obtain nutrients from the soil. Many of these microorganisms cannot survive in gardens that regularly receive synthetic fertilizers.
With a few exceptions, the diversity of beneficial insects keeps the pest population under control. Broad-spectrum insecticides can kill beneficial insects and pests.
In short, non-organic gardening can lead to an unhealthy synthetic addition cycle, which has a negative impact locally and globally. Organic gardening builds an ecosystem of soil, plants and gardens. Over time, organic gardeners will find their gardens are healthier, easier to maintain, and more efficient.

References

Bradley, Fern Marshall, Barbara W. Ellis, and Deborah Martin. The Organic Gardener’s Handbook of Natural Pest and Disease Control. New York: Rodale, Inc., 2009.

Bradley, Fern Marshall, Barbara W. Ellis, and Ellen Phillips. Rodale’s Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening. New York: Rodale, Inc., 2009.

Bradley, Fern Marshall, and Jane Courtier. Vegetable Gardening. White Plains, NY: Toucan Books, 2006.

Cool Springs Press. Gardening Complete. Minneapolis: Cool Springs Press, 2018.

Damrosch, Barbara. The Garden Primer . New York: Workman Publishing, Inc., 2008.

Harrington, J. F. “Soil Temperature Conditions for Vegetable Seed Germination.” University of California at Davis. Accessed October 18, 2019.

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/12281/soiltemps.pdf .

McCrate, Colin, and Brad Halm. High-Yield Vegetable Gardening . North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2015.

Reich, Lee. Weedless Gardening . New York: Workman Publishing Co., Inc., 2001.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (blog). “The Major Plant Families in a Vegetable Garden.” Accessed October 22, 2019. http://www.southernexposure.com/the-major-plant-families-in-a-vegetable-garden-ezp-190.html .