Did you know you can grow fresh, healthy vegetables well past summer? Fall is a great time to garden because the weather is cool and there are fewer pests. Growing your own vegetables also saves money on your grocery bill.
You don’t need a large space to grow your own food. Even just a few empty pots is a great start. Involve the whole family in this project so that you don’t have to manage everything alone. Kids who grow vegetables eat vegetables! When a child has the opportunity to grow their own salad, they have invested time and energy into watching it grow and they are likely to give it a try.
You can start a garden with just a few seeds. If you are looking for free seeds, you can often stop by your local library or community garden where neighbors package seeds from their garden to share with others. Seed Libraries are becoming more popular across the country as more people face food insecurity and as consumers are paying more attention to where their food comes from.
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, lettuce, collards, and mustard greens are good sources of iron and are a non dairy source of calcium. Rainbow Swiss chard is fun to grow because you never know what colors you will grow until plants start to mature.
Cilantro and parsley are two must-have herbs! They thrive in cool weather and add a nice touch of flavor to soups and salads.
Root crops like carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips add a lot of color and antioxidants to your plate. Not only can you eat the root part of this crop, but the leaves are also edible and full of vitamins and minerals.
Finally, let’s not forget about broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage! These vegetables love the crisp air and actually taste sweeter after a light frost. They are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber to keep your family full and healthy.
Remember that you don't have to have a huge garden to enjoy fresh, healthy food. A few pots of spinach or lettuce on your porch can provide crisp greens for your family all season long.
Stop by the NC Extension – Pitt Count Center Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm and check out our Free Seed Library in the main lobby!
