Stockpiling has become a big issue in our country at the moment and in a world where we may not be able to count on our local supermarket to offer us plenty of food, it has become more and more important to learn to become self-sufficient.
Growing your own food by creating a little vegetable patch in your garden could be a great hobby to kill the boredom but also to feed your family if needed. Here’s a guide to get you started.
Evaluate your garden space
Before you start any big work, it is essential to assess your garden space. You don’t have to have a big and manageable grass patch to start seeding and therefore grow fruits and vegetables, a little private space is more than enough. You’ll just have to be a bit more creative and open to different options. You don’t even need a lawn or dedicated vegetable patch, you could easily set up containers, greenhouses or polytunnels and start from there.
Weigh your options
If you have a small space, you could grow some vegetables in pots such as beans, cherry tomatoes, chillies or even kale. It’s quite easy to set up, all you need is different sized pots, seeds and some compost/soil. If you have a bit more space, you could invest in a polytunnel, similar to a greenhouse, they’re quite easy to set up and perfect for places with harsh weather. You can find different sizes and options on specialised websites such as Premier Polytunnels.
Family time
Taking up a hobby could be just what you need as a family, especially right now. Great for bonding and avoiding tantrums, hobbies are important for the family dynamic. Gardening has been proven to reduce stress levels and is also a great activity if you have toddlers. In fact, gardening develops important motor skills such as cutting grass or using tools that will help your children develop correctly, learn responsibilities and to care about the environment.
Gardening can be an amazing activity for you and your family. It can provide you with great vegetables and fruits but can also improve you and your children’s well-being. All you need is a little bit of creativity, time (we’ve got plenty of that now so no excuses) and organisation. However, always remember to keep any sharp or dangerous tools away from your children.
