Go veg bru: Gardening

In these tough economic times and with the overwhelming move towards organic farming methods and going green it’s a bit of a no-brainer that growing your own food, in your own back yard, is the way to go. That way you get to cut down on all those trips to the shops and control how the food you’re eating is produced.

Worried about all those mysterious chemicals used to protect vegetables from hungry critters? Why not grow them yourself, and control the means you use to chase away the unwanted insects and noo noos that eat your tomatoes, beans, lettuce, spinach, beetroot, herbs etc.

I had loads of fun when I finally decided to get stuck in and get my hands dirty. It was hard work, sure, digging up a 4m x 4m patch and inserting river sand, compost and healthy soil, and then digging and turning and getting stuck in with the pitchfork. But it was rewarding to do something for myself and my family, and I can’t wait to (hopefully) taste the fruits of my labour.

Now I just have to work out what to do about the bugs, and my rampaging dogs . . . and the monkeys. –  Garth Johnstone

Now see “Gardening for a living”

6 good reasons to go organic

Is organic produce worth the extra cost? We think so! Here’s why.

Food tastes better
Ever experience a Woolies organic apple? It’s bigger, crunchier, sweeter and all-round better than the rest, thanks to the top-quality soil that it’s been produced in.

Food is more nutritious
It’s a proven fact that organically grown produce offers more sustenance – vitamins, minerals and all that good stuff – than their chemically-treated counterparts.

Promotes a healthy eco-system
We’ve all heard about the brutality and lack of humanity shown by certain farmers. Organic farmers, by law and principle, treat their animals – and surroundings – with the greatest care, thereby promoting a hale and hearty eco-system.

It’s chemical-free
When going organic, you are guaranteed that all produce you eat is grown and harvested in a safe and natural environment that is completely pesticide-free. And why should this info make you happy?  Well, your risk of ingesting chemicals associated with diseases such as cancer is significantly reduced!

Making a difference
Our eco-system is in crisis and one way to reduce your carbon footprint – and to set an example for your kids – is by choosing organically-produced items. If you’re not doing anything to protect the future of our planet yet, then start by going organic. Think of it as your gateway to making a difference!

Setting an example
Not only are you protecting your children from the harmful effects that additives may have on their sensitive immune systems, but going organic also means that you’re taking responsibility for their future and leading by example.

And the bonus… You won’t wake-up with a hangover
Drinking organic wines is less likely to bring about a roaring hangover because they’re virtually free of sulphur dioxide, a preservative known to cause headaches and one that is used in most non-organic wines.

This article appeared in Women24. For more info follow the link.

Women24