Healthy Soil and the Joy of Gardening
One Degree is passionate about the Earth. And by “earth” we don’t just mean our planet—we mean dirt, the precious soil we grow our food in.
The way we take care of the Earth is not just a popular topic, but it is vital for our health. From the very beginning, we have been given the responsibility from our Maker to take care of the Earth. In the book of Genesis I says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). In other words, God told mankind to tend the garden. It is interesting as the Hebrew word for “tend” means to preserve and to protect.
Healthy Soil. Healthy Plants. Healthy People.
The amazing thing is that we are the ones who benefit when we do our job and tend to the earth. Healthy soil makes healthy plants, and healthy plants make healthy people. Nutrient dense food is the result of happy soil. This is reason that we go to so much effort to visit each farm and connect you with the farmer who is growing your food and tending the soil.
Soil really has treasures for us, and growing food is so rewarding. There is just something special about getting one’s hands in the dirt. But you don’t need to be a farmer to experience this profound connection to the soil that sustains us. You can create it in your own back yard.
The Universal Joy of Gardening
Whether I am planting a little patio planter or working in a larger garden, it always makes me happy to get in the dirt. I can’t think of a better hobby than gardening.
A gardener gets fresh air, exercise, and sunshine, and what a treat it is to eat the fruits of your hard work! You don’t need a big back yard, either. If you don’t have space for a full garden, try using boxes, planters, or pots on your patio or balcony. And if you don’t have that, then how about trying to grow microgreens or sprouts? One of my friends has just started growing microgreens and she has me inspired! (See links below for inspiration.)
My daughter has started edible landscaping by adding blueberry bushes in her yard, and it is such a great way to add tasty beauty with only a little effort. The birds and children love the berries! Really, we all love experiencing the miracle of the garden.
Whether it is flowers or food, time in dirt is time well-spent.
From a large back yard vegetable garden, to making the most of a square foot of soil, to the smallest container on your window ledge, check out these websites to get inspired to garden wherever you live!
Dirt! The Movie
Born to Grow: Four Season Gardening Blog
Floret Flowers
Square Foot Gardening Foundation
https://squarefootgardening.org