Now that the final frost of winter is over (for most of us!), it’s a great time to roll up our sleeves and start prepping the garden for another season. Gardening has many health benefits. Not only does it provide a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, but your garden can produce healthy and nutritious food that you can enjoy for many months to come. Depending on your local climate, there are a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs that can thrive in your garden. If you’re unsure, visit your local garden center to talk to an expert about what might do well in your area. Here are a few suggestions to consider for your garden as well as ideas to incorporate them into your diet (each plant includes a link to growing tips from The Old Farmer’s Almanac):
- Blackberriestend to grow easily and do well in many climates. Try them in斯穆特hiesordesserts.
- Green beansdo not need to be started indoors, making them a great choice to start outside now.
- Basilis a tasty addition to many dishes and grows well in summer, especially next to tomatoes. Add some to yourbaked chicken, acaprese salador yourgreen beans. It’s even great inlemonade!
- Cucumbersare hardy but do best in warm weather. These are great insaladsor as a snack with other fresh cut veggies.
- Lettucecan be planted continuously throughout the spring and fall, ensuring you have plenty for salads all season long. Use it to top off yoursandwichor make alettuce wrap作为一个健康的塔可替代。
- Squashoffers a number of varieties to choose from, and they tend to have particular seasons in which they do best. If you choose a summer squash like zucchini, the skin is edible! Try it innachosor mixed intoburgers! They can even gostraight on the grillduring summer cookouts.
- Tomatoesare a very popular choice with many varieties to choose from. They grow easily and often produce a lot of fruit (yes, tomatoes are technically a fruit!), from just a few plants. Tomatoes have a starring role inpizza,salads, and more.
Here are afew tips to help you get startedwith your garden this season, and don’t forget safety first! TheCDC offers some adviceto make sure you reap all the benefits of gardening and avoid any risks. Happy gardening and bon appetite!
Original source: http://blog.healthadvocate.com/2016/04/how-to-plant-a-healthy-garden/