The Benefits of Growing Your Own Vegetables

Whether you grow a single tomato plant or have a large patch growing an abundance of vegetables, there is no denying that growing your own produce has many benefits. If you are considering growing vegetables, read on to find out some of the personal and environmental benefits that come with growing your own food.

Environmental Benefits

Less Plastic

According to the government’s waste reduction agency, Wrap, around 40% of plastic is used in packaging, and the UK generates around 2.4 million tonnes per year of packaging waste, of which around 1.7 million tonnes are from households.

It can be difficult to find fresh produce that is not packaged in plastic or has not been transported in plastic containers. Growing your own vegetables cuts out the need for plastic packaging, thus reducing your contribution towards plastic waste.

Controlled Use of Pesticides

There is a European law which prohibits use of a range of chemicals harmful to pollinators on crops. However, there is a concern that replacement pesticides might not be any safer for pollinators including bee populations on which global food production is dependent to pollinate crops.

If you grown your own produce, the power is in your hands. You can determine whether you use pesticides, what pesticides you use, and how much you use.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Whether you decide to grow your vegetables at home or in an allotment, you are growing close to home and this will have a positive impact on the environment. As you decrease the amount of food that you consume from hundreds, or even thousands, of miles away, your carbon footprint will also decrease.

Minimal Waste

Wrap published a report in January 2020 which stated that the UK’s annual food waste in 2018 was estimated to be equivalent to more than £19 billion a year and associated with more than 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

One fifth of the UK’s carbon emissions are accounted for by food supply chains. This makes discarded food just as problematic as packaging. As food decomposes, it releases methane, the most potent greenhouse gas.

By growing your own produce, you are more likely to be more conscious about food wastage. After working hard to grow your own vegetables, you will want to make sure they are used thus decreasing your household waste.

You can also put any vegetable cuttings to good use by composting them. Use this compost to grow plants and will further minimise waste.

Personal Benefits

More Nutritious

Growing and consuming your own vegetables means you can eat it in its rawest and freshest form. Not only will they bound to taste better, but they are also more nutritious. Packed with more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Produce sold in supermarkets typically goes through a long process, from harvesting to distribution. By the time it reaches the shelves, it is already close to the end of its shelf life and may have lost nutritional value.

Improved Mental Health

Although it can be time-consuming, growing your own produce can be beneficial to your mental health. Gardening is renowned for combating stress and anxiety, as many people find it relaxing and therapeutic. It is a great way to get some exercise and spend time outside in the fresh air. It is also highly recommended for people with mental health problems.

Nurturing plants until you can pick your own vegetables can give you a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and pride.

Increased Physical Activity

As well as being beneficial for your mental health, growing your own vegetables can have a positive impact on your physical health. Gardening is an enjoyable hobby which double as an effective and enjoyable workout which will help to keep you fit. 

More Cost-Effective

Growing your own produce can also be more cost-effective than buying ready-grown vegetables from supermarkets; saving you a lot of money over time. If you spend a small amount on seeds, plants, and supplies early in the year, you can produce plenty of vegetables. Ready for harvesting in the summer.

Growing your own vegetables evidently has a lot of benefits. It can have a significantly positive impact on both your health and the environment.

If you want to give it a go, we recommend starting out with some easy-to-grow vegetables, such as beetroots, potatoes, tomatoes, or onions.

Boston Bulbs has over 40 years of experience in supplying only the finest quality horticultural products from farmers and growers throughout the UK and Europe. For more information on growing your own produce, please get in touch with Boston Bulbs Wholesales via 01775 769333 or sales@bostonbulbswholesale.co.uk.