By Fay Porinsky

In today’’s economy, growing some of your own food makes a whole lot of sense. It could be far healthier than you imagine, and may alleviate a few allergic reactions to chemicals used on some plant material. And of course, it’’s cheaper to control pests etc. by using and reusing organic materials. Even a small space or a patio garden (herbs and plants are put into half wine barrels) can provide hundreds of dollars in savings for many kinds of vegetables.

And, you don'’t need to be a botanist to grow your own veggies. Prepare the plot of soil or wine barrels by putting in a good potting soil (organic is certainly available) or use your own compost and regular garden dirt, if the mixture looks good. Drainage is important for healthy root growth. Steer or chicken manure is a natural way to condition and feed the soil. If this compost or manure is not from your own household, then make sure it’’s organic by asking the previous owner, or reading the bag label. Buy organic seeds. Most places that sell regular seeds also sell organic ones now. Start organic and stay organic.

Choose a few vegetables that appeal to you. Perhaps some pumpkins for fall decoration and even pumpkin pies may whet your appetite. And if you want tomatoes or zucchini squash, one plant of each is enough. Tomatoes and zucchini can turn out to be the super-producers of the vegetable world. You can always give extras of anything you grow away to friends, or sell at a local farmer’’s market. Don'’t let zucchini get too large or they get tough. Lettuce and radishes are quick producers for salads. They grow fast and in a warmer climate (but not too hot) you may get several crops a year. Strawberries are attractive and children love them. In California, they are grown year ‘’round.

Have access to a garden hose and water your garden according to the temperature. Keep plants moist but not sopping, and plant seeds or cuttings or small plants according to the instructions on the bag or pot. The most popular plants for a home vegetable garden seem to be: Tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, radishes, bell peppers, strawberries (I know, not a vegetable, but they can be used in salads!), and chili peppers (watch out for the degree of hotness). The pest most often associated with your veggie garden is snails. By putting individual pans of water under patio pots, or if you have a plot of land and go out in the morning and hand pick them off, then they will either drown in the water or not cross it, or can be used as food for your fowls (if you keep them). Stale beer can also be used to keep snails away.

Reap your harvest and enjoy!

About The Author

Fay Porinsky is a retail saleswoman who has 20 years of experience buying and selling cutting edge health products. She has particular experience helping her customers stay healthy with the aid of an herbal Vaporizer, and is an avid user of the Volcano Vaporizer herself.