Eating from the GardenGardens come in all shapes and sizesGardens can be found in many shapes and sizes. You don’t have to have a lot of land to start a garden. Gardens can be a small plot of land, or a container garden. Container gardens can be a fun and convenient way to enjoy fresh vegetables and herbs when outdoor garden space is limited.

There are many benefits of gardening V Fresh, tasty and nutritious food V Try new foods V Exercise V Fresh air and sunshine V Save money V Environmental reasons V Fun

Fresh and flavorful nutritionGardens are a great way to boost nutrition. Studies show that gardeners eat a greater variety of vegetables. They also eat more vegetables overall than people that don’t garden. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals, and disease-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals.

Be activeGardening is a great way to be physically active. Gardening helps you build muscle, strengthen bones and joints and burn calories.

Spending time in nature also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and relieves muscle

tension.

Garden-fresh savings $ Growing your own food saves money and

gives you the freshest produce possible. $ You can preserve your fresh fruits and

vegetables by canning, freezing or drying. $ And, you can use SNAP benefits (EBT) to

purchase seeds and plants that produce food for your household to eat.

For more information on canning, contact your local Extension office.

Grow your own herbsHerbs are a great way to add flavor to your food. You can grow them indoors or outdoors. Growing herbs is fun and rewarding. Most herbs, such as mint and basil, are easy to grow but here are a few tips that will help your success.

V If possible, purchase small live herb plants, rather than growing them from seeds.

V Most herbs need a sunny location. V Herbs grow well in good garden soil. A basic potting mix can be used. V Make sure you have good drainage, as most herbs don’t do well in wet soil.

V You can use herbs fresh or dried. Once picked, rinse them before using. Store in the refrigerator or dry them. Store dried herbs in a dry place and out of the light.

For more information on growing herbs, contact your local Extension office.

Keep it safeFruits and vegetables can become contaminated any time from planting to eating. Foodborne illness can be caused by unsafe growing and handling practices in your garden. Here are some tips to improve fresh produce safety and decrease the risk of contamination.

V Use only water that is safe to drink to water your garden.

V Follow proper composting procedures if you compost.

V Wash your hands before touching the part of the plant you eat.

V Transport harvested food in food grade containers.

V Wash produce before preparing and eating.

V Wash tools that come in contact with edible plant parts when harvesting.

V Water at the base of the plant (if edible part is above the soil) as much as possible.

For more information on composting and food safety, contact your local Extension office.

Time-saving tipsTo save time in the garden, plant vegetables that thrive in your local climate and won’t need special attention. Cover the soil between garden plants with a 3 inch layer of mulch to prevent weeds and keep soil moist.

Funded in part by USDA SNAP.For more information, call MU Extension’s Show Me Nutrition line at 1-888-515-0016.

Running out of money for food? Contact your local food stamp office or go online to dss.mo.gov/fsd/fstamp/equal opportunity/ADA institution

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