Getting Diggy With It!

You'll be reading this because you've got a thing for good food no doubt. I've had that thing going for a while now, but what I've added to my love of good, wholesome food, is the enjoyment, indeed the THRILL of growing it myself! So much so that I wonder if the novelty will ever wear off!

After years of torturing stunted plants and, despite the best intentions, feeling certain I was destined to provide food for snails and nothing more, I have discovered that not only is it not difficult, it's one of the most satisfying things you can do: something that truly fertilises your relationship with food from the planting of a seed, to the cutting of a leaf.

You needn't worry about space either, there are literally dozens of ways to garden in small spaces, entire blogs are devoted to this pursuit, check out this one for oodles of inspiration http://thesmallgarden.com.au/edible-gardening-in-small-spaces/. You can start with something as simple as a large polystyrene container, a bag of good dirt and some seeds. If you have a bit more space, I recommend a digless garden or a raised garden bed, this gives you more control of your soil and a little more control over wildlife!

We now have an almost completely sustainable garden: plant a seed, it grows, use the produce, compost and worm farm the waste, save the seeds, and start all over again. I really don't know why no-one told me before (they probably did actually, I was just " sure, whatever, I get mine delivered") how very complete one feels in the circle of life when you are involved in it to this degree.

My Dad used to tell me of the joy he got from his veggie garden, he often said he could probably buy his spuds cheaper down the road, but digging them over every year and watching them slowing sprout up and eventually end up on his plate gave him a buzz you simply can't get from the supermarket.

I used to think gardening required too much work*, I was all gung ho at the start and then lost interest, besides, what I grew never rivalled what I could buy at the store so what's the point?

Today I can gladly say that what we grow here not only rivals, it's 100 times better. We can harvest and eat within minutes, you don't have to be a roquette scientist to know that means optimum nutrition, not to mention taste and we have such variety growing that creating something delicious from the garden is always a fun challenge.

So, start today, whether it's herb pots in the kitchen, flower pots of salad mix on the balcony, a polystyrene container of carrots, or getting your dig on in the back yard. If you're serious about eating great food and enjoying optimum health, it's one of the most fun and fundamental ways to start!

*I do not garden alone for the safety of plants in my care and my significant other is the silent but very critical party responsible for ongoing plant welfare.