Have you thought about starting a vegetable garden but aren’t sure it’s for you? Although visiting the farmers market is a good way to get fresh, ripe greens, vegetables and fruits raised near you, growing your food is even better and more cost effective. You can turn a couple of five dollar plants into a season’s worth of cherry tomatoes or fancy lettuce leaves. No trucks are required to bring you your food, releasing greenhouse gasses in the process. Plus, you are in control of how you raise your plants, which means you can choose sustainable alternatives to pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers.
Growing your own food doesn’t have to be complicated or take up too much space. The Chicago Botanic Garden has great tips for getting started with a small bed.
Or, consider sharing a bed with a neighbor or friend to take advantage of sunny spaces and share experience and maintenance. Contact us to explore possibilities.
Wilmette also has Community Garden plots you can rent.
Use containers to increase your growing space. Or explore vertical gardening in narrow, sunny spaces.
Explore the idea of planting fruit trees and berry bushes.
More information on sustainable eating choices, both local and farther afield:
Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition