Earth Day: April is National Garden Month
Spring is an interesting time of year in the Denver area. One day it might be 80 degrees and sunny, the next might be 30 degrees and snowy. Even so, I take time to weed and spruce up my front flower garden every April as well as contemplate and plan the backyard’s potential vegetable garden. Mind you, I have only managed to follow through with only one small vegetable garden in the past eight years, but this year will be different, I swear!
For me, gardening doesn’t just mean fresh vegetables throughout the summer. It also means a way to supplement a week’s worth of workouts in the spring and summer.
- Watering a lawn or garden will burn 61 calories per half hour.
- Trimming shrubs will burn 142 calories per half hour.
- Planting seedlings will burn 162 calories per half hour.
- Weeding or mowing a lawn (gas mower) will burn 182 calories per half hour.
- Mowing lawn with a push mower will burn 243 calories per hour.
(All statistics are for a 180-lb man.)
Some people are concerned about food safety, even with the vegetables they grow themselves, especially when it comes to using compost to enhance soil. Helpful tips include:
- Do not apply fresh livestock manure compost after a garden is planted. Aged compost can be used up to 60 days prior to planting. Do not use cat, dog, or pig manure for compost piles because certain parasites can survive with potential transmittal to humans.
- Always wash raw vegetables thoroughly - whether from a garden, from the farmer’s market, or from the grocery store.
If you live in an apartment or condominium, you may not have room for your own garden. Check out the American Community Gardening Association to see if there is a community garden in your area. Benefits of community gardens include nutritious food at a lower price for families, social interaction, and conservation & preservation of open space. Oh, and it provides recreation and fitness time for community members - an added bonus!
I’m starting to think about what to plant in the garden this year. Hot peppers, for sure…maybe radishes…definitely herbs…hmmm, so much to think about…
I live in condo on the roof, and i am also planning to build roof garden for me. This is my dream for the last 2 years, now i have a new job and my budget is higher, i am starting this summer..