Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/341630
Page 16 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysHealthAndNutrition.com What does that really look like? In a world and society dominated by sound bites, catch phrases and infomercials cajoling an uninformed or misinformed public… that food should be "fast", health should be "easy" and nutrition is actually about "math". There are many of us that know better and are pursuing a different path. After all, that is probably why you are reading this and a valued customer of Abby's. I have been gardening organically for the past 35 years, obviously well before it became wildly popular. There is something truly magical about growing you own food and knowing exactly what was used in the process from seed… to the bounty on your table. Today, there are plenty of organic solutions for everything from seeds, soil, fertilizers, pesticides to the materials used to construct raised beds. I am personally a big fan of raised beds because of your ability to control and prepare separate soils for different fruits or vegetables. First of all there is no panacea relating to gardening, in that conditions will vary for soil, water, drainage, pests, fertilizer, and sunlight in every situation. However, there are always solutions available to the determined, diligent and well coached gardener starting out. There is also a wealth of knowledge available on the internet; however research should be specific to Central Florida, because growing certain varieties is "zone" specific for soils and temperatures. So, let's get started. First, let's agree that everyone can garden. If you live in an apartment/condo with no space, patio, sunlight… whatever, you can still garden. Actually many apartments/condos have some green space designated for the use that is seldom used… check it out. There are also community gardens that you can join and use a specified area (not as popular here as I would think). How about asking a relative or friend that has a yard and you will share your bounty? Sadly, many people reading this have ample space with great exposure, good irrigation and they choose to grow grass, because that is what we do in Florida. Watering, fertilizing, spraying pesticides and continuously replacing grass, in my opinion, is the most environmentally "unfriendly" thing we can do and is a monumental wasteful use of our land and resources. Florida has one of the longest growing seasons (actually two seasons that can overlap) of any state in the country. My family is generally eating something from my garden year round and there is nothing quite like the taste of vegetables eaten the day they are picked. Doing Life Organically By: David Housefield