Gardening May Be the Nugget Your Family Needs

Many of our families are being affected by the poor economic conditions. Sadly, many families spend less time together just trying to make ends meet. Why not kill two birds with one stone--or should we say nugget in this case. Starting a garden together as a family allows parents to spend more time with their children while saving money and eating healthier. Here are a few reasons why gardening can work for you:

• Reduce Stress - Working harder than ever to find work and in some cases just to keep your job is stressful. Our children also are stressed in school and at times just growing up in this world. Being outside doing something you enjoy can greatly reduce your stress. Make it fun for everyone -- even if the kids aren't perfect gardeners. Don't sweat the small stuff.
• Cuts Family Recreational Costs & Saves Money - A new movie and a few bags of popcorn can cost you an arm and a leg for a weekend treat. However, with just a small investment of initial seeds, fertilizers and some equipment, you will be able to keep your family busy throughout an entire season. For every $100 invested into gardening, you can reap $1,000 --$1,700 worth of produce. What a savings!
• Vitamin D - Our families are not getting enough vitamin D; 17 different cancers can now be linked to vitmain D deficiencies. Being outside in the sunshine for a limited time will build your family's immunities. Go to http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/ to learn more about this important vitamin.
• Fresh Vegetables--Perhaps Organically Grown - Yes, there's nothing like a freshly picked tomato to go with your dinner. Coming straight from your garden teaming with vitamins, and above all the flavor may even cause the kids to "want to eat their vegetables." If you decide to go "organic" less chemical exposure.

If you don't have the room for a garden, why not plant some herbs on your porch, patio, or even in window boxes. Spending time together and learning how to grow plants will bring you closer together as a family. Believe it or not--this may be some of the best quality time you may ever spend with the kids. That's your golden nugget!

If you are not sure how to start, there great books that can help you out. They are easy to follow and loaded with a step-by-step guides. 

To learn more about gardening you can also visit my website and see the outcome of Michelle Obama's garden last year. I also have great tips on living healthier for you and your pets! Come visit me at: http://www.tidbitsforhealthyliving.com/