Fall in Fort Worth is the perfect time to get gardening, and having a home garden is a great way to ensure that you will always have fresh produce available.
We can learn from the world's longest-lived people in the original Blue Zones® areas who garden. By gardening, they move naturally and burn calories without even thinking about it. In turn, they grow their own produce and eat a diet rich in plant-based foods. Research shows that eating with a plant slant by incorporating more fruits and vegetables or replacing some meats with protein-rich beans, can reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and some cancers.
By growing your own garden, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, literally. If you're new to gardening though, try starting small with an herb garden, and if you're ready to grow fresh produce, follow these tips from the experts, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to get started.
- Grow what’s in season. Melons, figs, peas, carrots, and potatoes all grow well in the fall.
- Build a bed. Texas’ tough soil makes it difficult for plants to grow strong roots and absorb water; a 9-inch raised bed can fix this.
- Location, location, location. Most plants need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and at least five inches of space.
- Invest! Mulch and fertilizer are well worth the extra money. Mulch helps gardens retain water, and fertilizer gives plants essential nutrients.
- Timing is everything. Water plants in the mornings and evenings and fertilize immediately after planting and first bloom.
For more free gardening tips that Texans can take advantage of including how to grow specific types of vegetables and fruit, visit A&M AgriLife Extension online.
Blue Zones Project recently helped Fort Worth adopt new policies that allow for more farming and produce sales in the city. If you plan to start an urban farm or sell your produce, visit the City of Fort Worth website to learn more.