The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) emphasizes the need for greener cities as urban populations and demands on urban food supply increase worldwide. To address climate change and restore ecological foundations, it is crucial to enhance a city’s resilience and also to reduce temperatures.

Health Benefits of Kitchen Gardening

One practical way to contribute to greening cities is through kitchen gardening. We can ensure fresher and healthier produce while gaining knowledge about different plant species. If we personally grow vegetables and fruits in our gardens, we can have more control over our diet. We don’t know what fertilizers and pesticides were used by farmers who grew store-bought produce. The garden is the ideal way to control the entire growing cycle. From radishes and mustard leaves to chillies and tomatoes, the variety of plants in the kitchen garden is only limited by your imagination.

#1. Healthy and environmentally friendly products

Having a kitchen garden offers the benefit of fresh, organic vegetables and fruits that are free from pesticides and other chemicals. This allows you to enjoy healthier meals at no extra cost of purchasing organic produce.

One of the most vital advantages of owning a kitchen garden lies in promoting healthier eating. Growing your vegetables and fruits lets you indulge in meals devoid of the harmful chemicals commonly found in store-bought produce.

#2. Clean air

Your courtyard, terrace or balcony can transform into a vibrant green oasis amidst the surrounding dirt and dust. Planting more will reward you with a greater supply of fresh oxygen-rich air.

#3. Herbs detox

In food, herbs play a crucial role as they aid in detoxification and possess healing properties for our bodies. Choosing the perfect herbs can be difficult, but the plant identifier app can help. The main purpose of Apple plant identifier, as the name suggests, is to identify plant types from photos. Also inside the app for plants, there are additional filters that will help you choose healthy herbs that grow easily. If you need garden care tips, then you should also turn to the plant app. This app for iPhone has essential tips for growing most plants. Some easily maintainable herbs and plants for a kitchen garden include coriander, lemon grass, mint, cilantro, celery, tulsi, spinach, and fenugreek.

#4. Stress Reduction

Gardening offers a wonderful opportunity to unwind and reduce stress. Engaging in physical activity aids in relieving tension, while the gratification of successfully cultivating a crop can be immensely satisfying.

Creating a kitchen garden allows for an escape from technology and the digital world, fostering reconnection with nature and the outdoors. Furthermore, practising mindfulness while gardening promotes a clear mind and reduces stress levels by immersing oneself in the present moment and attending to the task at hand.

#5. Savings

Growing your own vegetables and fruits can be a cost-effective option in the long run. Since you don’t have to buy everything at the store, you can cut your bill a little. If over time you have a surplus, you can always sell it or share it with relatives. This way you reduce the burden on your budget and the environment. It may be a small contribution, but it is from these parts that the budget is built.

#6. Recycle

You can easily recycle vegetables and fruits in the kitchen garden. For instance, collect the vegetables you no longer need and then make compost out of them. Then, you can use this compost to grow new herbs and vegetables.

#7. You can know exactly where your food comes from

With the increasing use of pesticides in crops, it becomes challenging to determine the safety of food consumption. However, by growing your food, you can ensure its safety and freedom from chemicals.

#8. Physical exercise

Managing the garden, sowing, and reaping vegetables can contribute to maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing an imbalanced waistline. To achieve specific fitness goals, consider following a personalized diet plan designed by a nutritionist according to your needs.

#9. Plants repel mosquitoes

Carefully selecting herbs can serve the dual purpose of repelling mosquitoes and reducing the risk of dengue or malaria. Marigold, a reliable mosquito-repellent plant, can be placed after every 2-3 herb plants. Additionally, the vibrant flowers will add a touch of colour to your home.

In Conclusion

All of the above often merges into one big advantage from a vegetable garden. However, you can also identify some more precise goals for yourself, which will determine the direction of development of the garden. If you already have a vegetable garden, it’s worth thinking about your goals. What was the purpose of the kitchen garden? Perhaps you’ve strayed a little from your original goal and want to get back to it.

Sara West