Released May 7, 2009
WICHITA, Kan. – Renewed interest in growing food can help to trim the food bill. The National Gardening Association estimates that a well-maintained food garden can yield an average return of $500 per garden.
While beginning gardeners can expect some success, a Kansas State University horticulturist offers two words of caution: “Start small.”
“Springtime enthusiasm can wane in summer heat,” said Evelyn Neier, K-State Research and Extension state coordinator for the Junior Master Gardener Program.
Start with a small, 10x10-ft. plot or containers that will get six to eight hours of summer sun, said Neier, who noted that nurturing an interest in and knowledge of gardening is as important as tending this summer’s crops.
“There’s more to it than saving money,” said Neier, who also counted convenience, being outdoors, picking a fresh tomato or sweet basil for just-picked flavor and quality, pride in a job well done, and the ability to provide part of a meal.
Gardening also provides health-promoting physical activity, said Neier, who is a 4-H youth development specialist working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Family Nutrition Program.
More information for beginning, intermediate and veteran gardeners is available at county and district K-State Research and Extension offices and on the Extension Web site: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu (click on “Lawn and Garden”).
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http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/news/story/briefs050709.aspx
Contact: Elaine Edwards, elainee@ksu.edu
