Reasons Why I Grow Food

A growing number of individuals, families and neighborhoods are becoming more interested in gardening and growing their own food. The reasons vary but include: desire to save money, concern over pesticides and food-borne illnesses, sense of community (community gardens) are all just a few of the reasons.

 My list of reasons I grow our family's food are;

•  My love of nature. I enjoy watching nature grow and produce.
•  The feeling of accomplishment and pride from growing food.
•  Saving money on groceries.
•  Relaxation. I feel like I'm in another world when I garden, freeing my mind of everyday life situations.
•  Knowing the food I cook and place on the table is free of pesticides and contamination of food-borne illnesses. 
• Sharing what I've grown with friends, extended family and the homeless shelter. 
• Knowing if a wide spread disaster occurred, I have a little knowledge which could keep us fed during it. 
• I get to try new food items I've never eaten before, without spending a lot of money. 
• After the growing season the plants become compost for my soil. Providing me with rich dirt, better in appearance and good for next season's plants. 
• I grow food my animals like to eat too: lettuce cabbage, tomatoes, squash etc. Helps save on pet food bills.
• Gift giving. I can some of my fruit and use for Christmas gifts. 
• I like the way my canned goods look on my pantry and cabinet shelves. Edible home decor!
• I get exercise when I garden. Pulling weeds, pushing a wheel barrel full of dirt or compost all add up to calories burned. 
• The food is always fresh.
• I also use home grown food for trade for other garden items from friends I didn't grow. 
• And of course just for the sheer beauty of it.

What are some of the reasons you garden?