I've Got a Secret

In my line of work I come across the occasional bit of privileged information, like where the Star Gate is buried, and if I told you… well you know.  However I’ve come across a particular secret that is so vital to our way of life, I feel compelled to share with you all regardless of the consequences.

What I’ve discovered is a Government sanctioned program that, if fully implemented, will save you money, help you lose weight, and greatly improve your diet.  When used as a recreational activity it can provide you with unique quality time with you family while enabling you to get outdoors.  Also, partaking will help protect the environment and promote diversity.  It can be used as a backup plan in these economically unstable times and this program supports personal spirituality as well.

So here is the vital secret (FOR YOUR EYES ONLY): Start a garden!

Governments have been promoting Victory Gardens since WWI in the US and elsewhere.  If you grow a majority of your own food, you will easily save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year, especially considering what it costs for organic produce.  Digging in your garden, watering, weeding, and walking it 30 minutes a day, a couple of times a week will burn more calories than most of the Oprah-recommended exercise routines not to mention save you that $50 a month in gym membership.  You’ll have fresh, organic, whole fruits, vegetables and herbs at your beckon call most of the year (and if you’re canning, even longer).

Gardening allows one to get outside in the sunshine (getting some vitamin D in the process) and enjoying the fresh air.  It can be a family affair with each person helping to the level their age, ability and know-how dictates.  By getting your veggies locally, you cut down on the need for consumption of fuel by the machines used to harvest it as well as the trucks that move it from far away to your doorstep.  When you choose what to plant you can diversify the types of varieties of food you eat (there are around 7500 different kinds of tomatoes for instance) which helps stave off pests and parasites that can threaten an entire species.

Knowing that you have a readily available supply of food, even if it’s in small quantities, out your backdoor or tucked away in cans in your pantry can give you a little bit of comfort when that paycheck doesn’t seem like it’s ever enough.  And, possibly the most important lesson I’ve learned, gardening gives a very real since of accomplishment out of life and an improved appreciation of how great God is and how awesome it is to watch His miracles at work.

So if you haven’t already, start a garden today, thank me later.  Even if you have nothing but a window sill that gets a little sun, do something.  For those with a yard of some sort I would actually recommend digging up a small section, 5x5 or even 3x3, something, and start growing dinner.  I think nearly everyone who puts the time in will be really impressed with the results, both in food and personal betterment.  For information on getting started look for a community garden in your area, or just poke around the Internet, it can be useful sometimes too.