Eating (Extremely) Local
What could be more “local” than your own backyard? Short of growing your own garden inside your house — which, of course, is not without the realm of possibility, given the huge selection of food plants now available that are suitable for container growing — the backyard garden is the extreme version of the locavore’s domain.
Whether you’re looking to save some money on groceries, take control over what goes into and onto your produce, or just want to green up your thumbs a bit, vegetable gardening makes a lot of sense for those of us who are trying to incorporate more local, seasonal foods into our diet.
If you’re an experienced gardener, you’re probably well on your way, with early-season crops like lettuces and peas already snug in their beds. But it’s not too late to break ground and plant a successful vegetable and herb garden, even if the only green thing you’ve ever grown before is mold on the unidentifiable leftovers in the back of your fridge.
There are plenty of books out there that offer excellent, practical advice on how to get started. Take a trip to the library or bookstore and start browsing. But better yet, find an experienced gardener who’s willing to take you under his or her wing. Nothing beats a helping hand with a green thumb!
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Hi Sandy! I don’t have a huge yard, but I do have room for a smallish herb garden. Even here in Maine, we have been eating fresh chives for a month now, snipped ad sprinkled on everything from baked potatoes to taco salads. My other herbs, such as oregano, rosemary, parsley, and thyme, are coming right along too!
Hi Noelle,
Mmmm, fresh chives! Sounds like you have a pretty well-established herb plot if it’s already on it’s way up at this time in Maine!
I just put in my basil, cilantro, and flat-leaf parsley. I have tarragon in a pot inside, and eventually I’ll get the dill started. Fresh herbs are just so “spring,” aren’t they?!
Cheers,
Sandy