6 good reasons to grow your own

That we become calm and happy from puttering around in the garden might not be particularly surprising, and there are actually scientific studies that prove that happiness hormones increase. But what is it, besides nature itself, that makes us feel good?

The scent of plants is one of the things that has been shown to have a calming effect on stressed souls. There is also a special bacterium in the soil that affects us: Mycobacterium vaccae. When we smell this bacterium, the level of cytokines increases, which in turn is important for raising the level of serotonin – the neurotransmitter that, among other things, influences the feeling of well-being. So-called garden therapy and sensory gardens are becoming available in more and more places, and can, for example, be helpful for people with chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or dementia.

By growing vegetables ourselves, we get healthy, locally sourced, and organic food. Since we buy fewer vegetables from the store, we also contribute less to the CO2 emissions from vegetables transported around the world. Additionally, we avoid food that is sprayed with pesticides, which also harm insects and animals.

In many parts of the world, only one crop is grown in monoculture, which is often sprayed with pesticides. This has negative consequences for both animals and the environment. In your own garden, you have the opportunity to create an organic and pesticide-free biodiversity garden with a variety of plants – helping both insects and larger animals. Additionally, you'll get the chance to enjoy bird songs, beautiful squirrels, and buzzing bumblebees in your own garden.

As animals, both big and small, increase, you'll also achieve a better balance in the garden. For example, predator insects can keep aphids and other pests under control. It becomes a laid-back garden in harmony with nature.

Growing your own food can be a great advantage for your household budget. If you grow things that are expensive to buy in stores, such as chili, asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, it’s especially beneficial. A well-maintained garden of about 800 square meters can actually provide a family of four with vegetables year-round. But even if you're growing on a much smaller area, you can save yourself many trips to the produce section.

Growing on your own is fun enough, but it becomes even more enjoyable when you do it with others, such as children, your partner, friends, or neighbors. If you don’t have anyone to share the interest with among your close ones, there are many gardening clubs and associations where people grow together in various ways. Getting a small plot or an allotment garden – if you're lucky enough – is another great way to meet others who share your passion for gardening.

It’s not always possible to buy all types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers in regular stores, but often you can find unique varieties in the form of seeds. By growing your own, you can experience completely new flavors, such as winter savory or bear's garlic. You can also read about the fascinating herbs from ancient monastery gardens or explore exotic spices from the Middle East. The possibilities are endless. By growing your own, you can bring flavors from all over the world into your own kitchen. And of course, all herbs and spices are as fresh as they get when you grow them yourself.

So, embark on the growing journey and discover something completely new!

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