Planting a vegetable garden can be an enriching experience. It's so rewarding to harvest fresh produce from seeds you have nurtured yourself. Unusual fruits and vegetables that can't be found at grocery stores will add interest to everyday meals. Gardening with children is a wonderful educational opportunity. Saving money on the grocery bills is an obvious benefit. And not only will you be able to skip the produce section at the supermarket, but your garden will get you outside enjoying the fresh air and some exercise.

Grow Something Interesting

Keep your garden from being run-of-the-mill by growing some unique and beautiful plants.

Heirlooms

Heirloom fruits and vegetables offer colors and flavors that far surpass what is available at a supermarket. There is no reason to stick with just the same old offerings year after year!

Companion Planting

Companion planting is a great excuse to add some flowers to your kitchen garden. Marigolds repel nematodes, so they are ideal for planting around your tomatoes. Nasturtiums ward off many pests and also act as a "trap crop", luring insects away from your crops. The vine's pretty leaves and flowers also add a pleasant peppery zing to salads.

Involve the Kids

Keeping your garden interesting goes beyond just the plants you choose to grow. If you have children, turn your yard into a classroom. What better way to get your kids interested in science than to give them their own garden--a mini ecosystem for them to nurture and study? Sites like the National Gardening Association's KidsGardening.org offer plenty of resources and ideas for parents and teachers.

Live Healthier

A vegetable garden can also contribute to a healthier family. You can rest easy knowing exactly where your food came from, and you'll find yourself incorporating more fresh produce into your meals when it's available right outside your door! And the benefits can be even greater

if you grow organic--healthy, chemical-free produce for a lot less than the organic fruits and vegetables at the supermarket. And of course, growing your own organically is great for the environment--no chemicals added to the soil, and no pollution generated from food processing and long- distance shipping.

Free Garden Journal

To keep track of your gardening efforts, download our free garden journal. With full-color pages and a thoughtful layout, it's sure to help you stay organized and enjoy doing it.

There is so much to be discovered outdoors, so what are you waiting for? Get gardening!