Vegetable gardening involves exercise and is a fun and educational outdoor activity for the whole family.
So why not make it a New Year's resolution?
Don't know the difference between a turnip and a tulip, or are you an accomplished gardener who grows everything from asparagus to zucchini? Either way, there’s something new to learn.
Children can learn that what is sown will be reaped. They also can learn about sharing and teamwork, and that not all benefits from work come in the form of money.
You can learn about science and experience food's origin in a garden. A child can discover the world of insects and learn that some are beneficial. Hopefully, they’ll learn to take care of the land and gain a skill they can share with their children.
Experienced gardeners can try to grow new things like Chinese cabbage, which tastes delicious raw or cooked. Or experiment, adding herbs such as lemon-balm, dill or chocolate mint, to the garden. Or, add color with annuals like marigolds, nasturtiums or ornamental kale.
Now is the time to begin planning.
Gardening 101
Want to start planting things? Follow these tips:
•Choose a sunny location close to a water source. Planting near the house makes it easier to care for the garden.
•Have your soil tested. This takes guesswork out of determining the amount and type of fertilizer necessary, as well as the amount of lime, if needed. Your University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences County Extension office can help.
•Make a list of plants to grow. Choose vegetables that you like, especially those recommended for North Florida, and order early to prevent delays. January is an excellent time to order seeds for your garden.
Larry Williams is an agent at the Okaloosa County Extension office in Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: A healthy New Year’s resolution