Author Germaine Greer once said, “A garden is the best alternative therapy.” The National Gardening Association says that an average 600 square-foot garden will yield 300 pounds of veggies. With only a 70 dollar outlay, the veggies will be worth 600 dollars. The National Gardening Association also predicts that the number of Americans with vegetable gardens will increase by seven million this year. If gardening is therapy for your body and soul and it can help save money, it’s no wonder that it’s gaining popularity. But if you aren’t convinced by the trend yet, here are some other reasons to get started and some tips for along the way.

Ten reasons to grow an organic garden:

1. Reduces the carbon footprint and global warming
2. Reduces consumption and lessens demand for chemical fertilizers
3. Improves upon a healthy diet for your family
4. Saves on grocery bills and possibly medical bills
5. Beautifies your world and your community
6. Increases quality family time as you work together
7. Community organic gardens foster friendships
8. Fun for kids to be involved
9. Teaches new skills
10. Supports the local eco-system and creates biodiversity

Five eco-friendly tips for conserving precious water resources for the garden:

1. Group water-loving plants together. Water those plants often. Skip some of the more hardy and tolerant plants.
2. Water your garden early in the morning before the afternoon sun. Later on in the day, the sun evaporates quicker and the roots will absorb less.
3. Add rain barrels around your garden.
4. Grow native plants that will thrive in your climate.
5. Don’t use a sprinkler. They are inefficient. It’s better to target watering.

Organic gardeners are passionate about their small patches of earth and most likely haul around some basic tools for the home garden. Shovels, pruning sheers, trowels, spades, gloves, twine, plant labels and markers are just some of the implements that make it into the hands of healthy green gardeners. Carry those veggies and keep gardening tools organized in this handy, easy-to-make, repurposed gardener’s bucket.

DIY Gardener’s Bucket

What you need:
Heavy duty cotton canvas tool apron with divided pockets
Cloth to line the bucket
Bucket
What to do:
1. Tie belt around a bucket.
2. Line the bucket with cloth (I used some old cloth placemats).
3. Fill with tools.
4. Head out to the garden.

Ronnie Citron-Fink lives in New York with her husband, two children (when they come home to the nest), two dogs and a cat. Ronnie is a teacher and a writer. She has been a contributing writer for Family Fun magazine. She currently writes articles about education and home design. Her writings are in four books including Family Fun Home and Some Delights of the Hudson Valley.