Gardening has become an increasingly popular way for people to cope with the challenges of inflation, economic uncertainty, and climate change. With over 55% of American households growing their own food, it’s clear that this approach is having a significant impact on food security.

Since 2020, the number of households with home gardens has continued to rise, with more than 71.5 million people participating. Growing your own food offers a range of benefits, including fresher, healthier meals, a smaller carbon footprint, and significant cost savings.

Start Small and Focus on Essentials

• Begin with a small garden that meets your needs and budget.
• Focus on growing essential vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce.
• Start with easy-to-grow crops like zucchini, cucumbers, and radishes.
• As you gain experience and confidence, you can expand your garden to include more varieties.

One of the key benefits of gardening is that it allows you to have control over the food you eat. By growing your own food, you can choose the freshest, healthiest options available and avoid the additives and preservatives found in many commercial foods.

Grow Year-Round

A well-planned garden can provide a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the year. Here are some tips for growing year-round:

1. Plant perennial crops like asparagus, rhubarb, and berry bushes, which provide food year after year with less effort.
2. Grow compact, fast-growing crops like salad greens, herbs, or dwarf peas using three pots – plant one pot monthly in succession to ensure a continuous cycle of sowing, growing, and harvesting.
3. Use cold frames, greenhouses, or row covers to extend the growing season.

For example, you can grow cold-hardy crops like kale and spinach in the fall and winter months, and then switch to warmer-season crops like lettuce and tomatoes in the spring and summer.

Preserve Your Harvest

Once you’ve harvested your crops, you’ll want to find ways to preserve them for later use. Here are some tips:

1. Learn about safe canning, freezing, drying, or fermenting methods from Extension Master Food Preservers to extend the shelf life of your produce.
2. Store root vegetables like potatoes and carrots in a cool, dark place.

Be Resourceful

There are many resources available to help you get started with gardening, including:

• Local WSU Extension offers classes, videos, tutorials, and speakers with research-based, tried-and-true gardening advice.
• Consider partnering with a neighbor or joining a local community garden for additional growing opportunities.
• Join local gardening groups on social media to connect with other gardeners and learn from their experiences.

Remember, gardening is a journey, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Keep a journal to track your progress and learn from your successes and failures.

For more information and advice, you can contact the Cowlitz County WSU Extension Director, Gary Fredricks, or the free Cowlitz County Master Gardener Plant and Insect Clinic.