Benefits of Planting Your Own Herbs and Vegetables

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, there’s a simple pleasure that comes from tending to a garden (and homesteading as a whole), specifically growing your own vegetables and herbs. Where we are, we only get about 5 months of good weather to grow vegetables out in the sun, although these vegetables were a friend’s (they went to Greece and couldn’t harvest- so I went on their stead). And harvesting is always a fun experience, we got some tomatoes, chilies, eggplants, and rhubarb.

This fulfilling activity not only brings joy but also offers a host of benefits for both your well-being and the environment. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a small balcony, cultivating your own green space can be a rewarding and educational experience.

The Joy of Gardening

Connection with Nature

Planting vegetables and herbs provides a direct link to the natural world. Tending to plants allows you to observe the rhythm of growth, changing seasons, and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Therapeutic Activity

Gardening has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The act of planting, nurturing, and watching your plants flourish can have a calming effect on your mind.

Sense of Accomplishment

Witnessing tiny seeds transform into thriving plants offers a sense of achievement and pride. It’s a tangible result of your efforts that can boost self-esteem.

Family and Community Bonding

Gardening can be a family or community activity, bringing people together to collaborate on a shared project. It’s an opportunity to pass on knowledge to younger generations and build connections with neighbors.

Benefits of Growing Your Own Vegetables and Herbs

Fresh and Nutritious Produce

Homegrown vegetables and herbs are rich in nutrients, often fresher and more flavorful than store-bought options. You have control over the use of pesticides and fertilizers, ensuring cleaner, healthier food.

Cost Savings

While there’s an initial investment in gardening supplies, the long-term cost savings can be substantial. A packet of seeds can yield a bountiful harvest, reducing your grocery expenses.

Environmental Impact

By growing your own produce, you contribute to reducing the carbon footprint associated with commercial agriculture, transportation, and packaging. You also help conserve biodiversity by cultivating heirloom and lesser-known varieties.

Educational Opportunity

Gardening offers hands-on learning for all ages. Children can learn about plant life cycles, photosynthesis, and the importance of caring for the environment. Adults can deepen their understanding of horticulture and sustainable practices.

Control Over Pesticides and Chemicals

When you grow your own vegetables, you have control over the use of pesticides and chemicals. This allows you to prioritize organic and eco-friendly practices, leading to safer and healthier food.

Encourages Healthy Eating

Having a garden filled with fresh produce can inspire you to incorporate more vegetables and herbs into your diet. This, in turn, can promote better health and nutrition.

Reduced Food Waste

You can harvest only what you need, reducing the likelihood of food waste. Any excess produce can be shared with friends, family, or local food banks.

It’s also encouraging to cook with fresh ingredients.  So here’s a low-carb pasta recipe we cooked with the tomatoes we harvested.

Fresh recipe – Shirataki with mussels

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 package (7 ounces) shirataki noodles, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup low-carb creamy sauce (such as a blend of heavy cream and cream cheese or click for recipe)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Clean and debeard the mussels, discarding any that are open or do not close when tapped.

Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh basil leaves.

Rinse the shirataki noodles under cold water and drain well.

Cook the Shirataki Noodles:

In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the shirataki noodles for 2-3 minutes to remove any odor. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Sauce:

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.

Pour in the low-carb creamy sauce and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to develop flavors.

Cook the Mussels:

Add the cleaned mussels to the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mussels cook for 5-7 minutes. Shake the skillet occasionally to ensure even cooking. Discard any mussels that do not open.

Incorporate Noodles and Basil:

Gently stir the blanched shirataki noodles into the creamy mussels and tomato mixture.

Add chopped basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Serve:

Divide the creamy mussels, tomatoes, and shirataki noodles among serving plates.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy:

Serve the Low-Carb Creamy Tomato and Basil Mussels with Shirataki Noodles immediately, savoring the delicious blend of flavors and textures.

This recipe combines the natural brininess of mussels with the freshness of tomatoes and basil, all wrapped up in a low-carb creamy sauce. The addition of shirataki noodles provides a satisfying pasta-like element without the extra carbs. It’s a wholesome and flavorful dish that caters to a low-carb lifestyle while indulging in the richness of creamy goodness.

—

In a world where technology often disconnects us from nature, cultivating a garden offers an opportunity to reconnect, slow down, and appreciate the wonders of life. The fun and benefits of planting your own vegetables and herbs extend beyond the act itself, enriching your physical, mental, and emotional well-being while contributing positively to the planet. And you get to cook with the freshest ingredients that doesn’t cost a lot.