By Kelsey Deckert, Horticultural Agent
NDSU Extension – Burleigh and Morton counties
It’s hard to believe we’re already a full month into the new year. How are your New Year’s resolutions so far? Statistically, many of us don’t even make it to the end of January to stick to the resolutions we’ve made.
I have a secret for you if your resolutions include anything like losing weight, exercising more, eating better, saving money, or trying something new. You can achieve all of that with gardening!
Gardening is a great way to get some physical activity and grow nutritious foods that you can incorporate into your daily diet. Studies show that gardening makes you more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Gardening is possible at any age, and you can create a garden of any size you can manage. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
Gardening has become increasingly popular in recent years as people like to know where their food comes from and if any pesticides have been used. Many people feel they have accomplished something by gardening and being sustainable on their own.
If space is an issue, consider raised beds or container gardening. If you live in an apartment, as long as you have a light source (sun or artificial), you can use small containers to grow a garden.
Gardening can save you money depending on the input costs. Choose vegetables that you and your family enjoy eating so you don’t waste money. Check out growing vegetables that can be more expensive at the store, like tomatoes. Maximize your garden space with intercropping or companion planting.
Grow vegetables that store well, like potatoes or carrots. Consider various preservation methods to extend shelf life.
North Dakota is an agricultural state where many people garden. If you’re already gardening, tick “try something new” off your New Year’s resolution list by growing a new variety or an entirely new vegetable that you haven’t tried in the past. You can also try a new gardening method, such as B. No-till or square gardening.
Give gardening a try and keep your 2023 resolutions. I wish you a belated Happy New Year and good luck with your garden!
For more information on gardening, contact your local NDSU Extension representative. To find the advisory office for your county, go to www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/county-extension-offices.
NDSU Agriculture Notice – January 31, 2023
Source: Kelsey Deckert, 701-221-6865, 701-667-3340, Kelsey.j.deckert@ndsu.edu
Publisher: Kelli Anderson, 701-231-6136, kelli.c.anderson@ndsu.edu
