Dakota Gardener: Give gardening a try — Extension and Ag… – NDSU Agriculture
By Kelsey Deckert, horticulture agent
NDSU Extension – Burleigh and Morton Counties
It is hard to believe we are a whole month into the new year already. How are your New Year’s resolutions going so far? Statistically speaking, many of us do not even it make this to the end of January sticking in order to the promises we set.
I have a secret for you if your resolutions included anything along the lines associated with losing weight, exercising more, eating better, saving money or trying something new. You can accomplish any of those with gardening!
Gardening is a great way to get in more physical activity along with growing nutritious foods to incorporate into your daily diet. Studies show that by gardening you are more likely to eat a lot more fruits and vegetables.
Gardening can be done at any age, and you can make a garden any kind of size that is manageable for you personally. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Gardening has become more popular the past few years as people like in order to know where their food comes from plus whether pesticides were used. Many people feel a sense of accomplishment by horticulture and being sustainable on their own.
If space is an issue, consider raised beds or even container growing plants. If you live in an apartment setting, as long as you have a light source (sun or artificial) you can use small containers to grow a garden.
Gardening may save a person money, depending on the particular input costs. Select vegetables that you and your family like to eat so you are not wasting money. Look in growing veggies that may be a lot more expensive in the store, like tomatoes. Maximize your garden space by intercropping or even companion planting.
Grow vegetables that store well, such as potatoes or carrots. Consider different preservation methods for extending the shelf life.
North Dakota is an agricultural state exactly where many people garden. In case you already garden, check the “trying something new” off your own New Year’s resolution list by growing a new variety or entirely new vegetable you have not tried within the past. You could also try a brand new gardening method such as no-till or even square-foot gardening.
Give horticulture a go plus keep the particular resolutions you might have set with regard to 2023. I wish you a belated Happy New Year and good luck with your garden!
For more information about growing plants, contact your own local NDSU Extension agent. Find the Extension office for your county at www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/county-extension-offices .
NDSU Agriculture Communication – Jan. 31, 2023
Source: Kelsey Deckert, 701-221-6865, 701-667-3340, Kelsey. j. [email protected] edu
Editor: Kelli Anderson, 701-231-6136, kelli. c. [email protected] edu