It’s spring and the weather is nice, so it’s time to get outdoors. While you’re there, why not plant some vegetables?
Medical research shows a diet rich in vegetables prevents, delays or mitigates almost every major disease, from cancer and diabetes to heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
With high prices, a home garden is a great way to fight inflation. Seed packets can be purchased at the dollar store and you don’t need a lot of space, so it’s an investment you can’t beat.
Vegetable gardening is a very educational activity. Watching a plant grow from tiny seedling to adult species to served up on the dinner table is a lesson in biology, health, nutrition and economics all in one.
So how can you get started?
Prepare the area by removing weeds and using compost and fertilizer. Choose a sunny spot away from structures to avoid oversaturating buildings when you water.
Live in an apartment? Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach and Stanton have community gardens. Increasingly, landlords and developers are even allowing small gardens in the common areas of complexes. Connect with neighbors and superintendents to see if one can be set up where you live.
In the dry climate of Southern California, the greatest risk is underwatering. Ensure the plants are getting needed moisture.
Some vegetables can be planted in both spring or fall, such as bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cantaloupes, carrots and cauliflower. Consider a year-round garden, alternating crops, so you can make the most of your efforts and enjoy the greatest variety.
Worried about pests? You can still garden organically while not letting your plants go to the bugs, thanks to non-toxic pesticides such as diatomaceous earth, baking soda, dish soap, and various oils and herbs.
Harvesting as soon as your crops are grown doesn’t mean you have to eat all your veggies in one week or so. Crushing tomatoes, freezing berries, drying herbs, and cutting and canning carrots and corn are some ways to enjoy the fruit of your labors in the off-season.
If you have a bumper crop, consider going into business! Swap meets are a way to sell, and so is Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. You could even sell to local restaurants. Many independent businesses are looking to cut costs and want to boast of optimal nutrition in their entrees, so locally grown veggies may be just what they’re seeking!
Not long ago, South Coast Plaza was acres of lima bean fields, north OC was citrus groves and sugar beets were major products from Huntington Beach. Let’s keep the heritage alive and live life to the fullest at the same time with our home and community gardens!