Canastota Public Library News
By Savannah Souza de Lima (Madison-Oneida BOCES New Ventures Intern)
(Canastota, NY – May 2015)The Canastota Public Library is interested in planning and planting a community garden in the village. There are many reasons that a community garden can be beneficial to families and individuals in a community. Our Madison-Oneida BOCES New Ventures Intern has highlighted some benefits of growing your own food.
Growing your own food saves money. The price of food (fruits and veggies especially) is becoming more and more expensive. With a minimal investment you can save hundreds off your grocery bill. Research shows that the average household will throw away $600 worth of produce every year. We are more likely to throw out mushy vegetables that have been bought at the store than something we ourselves have grown. Fresh homegrown vegetables also taste better which makes us less likely to let them sit and spoil. We would much rather eat them sooner and enjoy them.
Introducing your kids to vegetables makes it fun for them.There is a better chance of getting children to eat their veggies when they have grown and picked the vegetables on their own garden. Children also learn more about our food sources when they are actively working in their own garden. They have an invested effort in their own food.
Working in your garden is therapeutic. Liz Metzger, Canastota Library Director, says, “I love pulling weeds! I feel like I am accomplishing something in such a small amount of time.” Planting seeds, nurturing them and watching them grow also gives a sense of accomplishment and pride like nothing else. Harvesting and then canning, freezing or otherwise preserving your harvest allows you to enjoy your food all year long.
Knowing what’s in your food is important. By growing your own food in your garden you’re in control of how you fertilize and control pests. Growing food without pesticides and herbicides cuts down on air and water pollution. Many people are finding that they prefer to grow heirloom seeds or seeds that are not Genetically Modified Seeds (GMOs). These heirloom seeds are the seeds that past generations have enjoyed for years. They have a tendency to grow better in their “home” soil.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is environmentally friendly. Producing food locally greatly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation of food.Fruits and vegetables sold in supermarkets spend as many as 7 to 14 days in transit to arrive at their final destination. During this time, almost 50% of the transported food is lost to spoilage. Locally grown food reduces or eliminates this transit time, helping to greatly reduce waste.
Spending time outside is healthy! Working in your garden gets you outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. And, everyone knows that getting outside is a real boost for your spirit, outlook and attitude. Just being in the sun helps to boost the Vitamin D that your body needs.
Beautifying the neighborhood is beneficial. While vacant lots can be magnets for litter and criminal activity, community gardens are observed and managed by the gardeners, resulting in a cleaner space and more active local community. Communities that have community gardens tend to have friendlier neighbors who look out for each other and for the neighborhood. Community Gardens produce a great sense of self-worth or community worth!
Exercising is Easy. Gardens can be areas for recreation and exercise.Gardening is considered a moderate to heavy intensity physical activity. According to MyFitnessPal, a popular calorie counting application, if you weigh 150 pounds and work in your garden for an hour, you will burn about 270 calories. Your total calories burned depends on several factors including weight, age, metabolism and gender. The best part of exercising in your garden is you won’t find yourself watching the clock or counting the minutes until you are finished.
The Canastota Public Library has been considering creating a community garden as a way of bringing the community together and lessening environmental strain. Get involved!
For more information on the status of the community garden, visit the library located 102 W Center St, Canastota or call (315) 697-7030.