Grown Local, Grow Healthy!

Spring is (slowly getting) here in Central PA! Now is the time to reassess your goals for the season. One of my favorite spring tips is to encourage patients to plant a garden. It can be as simple as a few containers on your porch, to as big as you can dream. If you know you can’t do it on your own, consider a neighborhood garden. For years, our city friends have been doing this and sharing the yield. The past few years, I have heard this story more-so in our community. This is a great way to overcome space/time management/cost obstacles. We are also fortunate to have several local garden centers that are friendly and will help you through all gardening steps. Ask questions as you buy local. These small business owners are passionate about gardening. They know what works in our region. They will inspire and educate you about planting. Here are my top reasons why you should start your plan for a garden today:

• Fresh is best! It’s tough to beat the flavor and quality of your own grown. Growing your own produce reduces chemicals. Nutritional value doesn’t get better than right off the stem.
• It’s an education: For you and your kids. Prepping the soil, learning about what you are growing/vitamins the produce contains, exploring recipes/tastes that are new and exciting: a garden makes learning fun. Learn/teach one thing a day about your garden. By the end of the summer, you and your family will be more enlightened and self-skilled.
• What better way to introduce new foods to your kids than having them grow their own? A garden is a great way to turn picky eaters into eaters that will pick/try lots of different foods.
• Be inspired! A few container tomatoes this year can become a way of life next year. Start somewhere now. Eating well is part of living well.
• Redefine “fast food” for your family. Yes – it may take time and nurturing to start, but in summer when you pick your own fresh herbs to cook with or open a can of your own harvested green beans in the winter, the investment will be realized.
• Feel the joy! Gardening cultivates positive attitudes and behaviors. You will feel accomplished. In adults and kids, research studies show that gardening increases appreciation for nature, improves social skills, and instills gratitude/respect of manual labor and patience.

At Casteel Chiropractic, we are committed to helping you live well. Along with maintaining your chiropractic care, growing your own produce and flowers are ways to increase your quality of life. Make a plan for your garden today!