By Kelsey Deckert, Horticultural Agent
NDSU Extension – Burleigh and Morton counties
It’s hard to believe that we are already a month into the new year. How are your New Year’s resolutions going so far? Statistically speaking, most of us don’t even get to the end of January with our resolutions.
If your resolutions involve losing weight, exercising, eating better, saving money, or trying something new, I have a secret. You can do any of these with gardening!
Gardening is a great way to get extra exercise along with growing nutritious foods to include in your daily diet. Studies have shown that by gardening, they are more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Gardening can be done at any age, and you can do any amount to manage a garden for yourself. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Gardening has become more popular in the past few years as people want to know where their food comes from and whether pesticides are used. Many people feel a sense of accomplishment through gardening and self-sustainability.
If space is an issue, consider raised beds or container gardening. If you live in an apartment, as long as you have a source of light (solar or artificial), you can use small items to grow a garden.
Gardening saves you money depending on input costs. Choose vegetables that you and your family like to eat so you don’t waste money. Look into growing vegetables like tomatoes that may be more expensive at the store. Grow your garden by intercropping or companion planting.
Grow vegetables that store well, such as potatoes or carrots. Consider different storage methods to extend shelf life.
North Dakota is an agricultural state where many people live in gardens. If you already garden, check “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 before. You can try new gardening techniques such as Michael or square-foot gardening.
Try gardening and keep your resolutions for 2023. Happy New Year and good luck with your garden!
For more information about gardening, contact your local NDSU Extension agent. Find your county extension office at www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/county-extension-offices.
NDSU Agricultural Communications – January 31, 2023
Source: Kelsey Deckert, 701-221-6865, 701-667-3340, Kelsey.j.deckert@ndsu.edu
Editor: Kelli Anderson, 701-231-6136, kelli.c.anderson@ndsu.edu