When you cultivate plants, you get closer to nature. You have to pay attention to weeds, bees, sunlight, water, and other living things. It takes time and dedication. Even if you only harvest one or two crops, you can always re-grow them later to use again. Using re-grown vegetables makes your food last longer.

Vegetables

To grow your own vegetables in your own backyard, start by studying what you need to know about the types of plants. Vegetables are herbaceous plants that are cultivated for their edible qualities. They are generally annual plants, but some are perennial. Apples, grapes, and raspberries are all examples of vegetables. Other perennial plants include asparagus, rhubarb, and watermelon.

Herbs

Herbs need a certain amount of water to thrive, so be sure to provide the right amount for your herbs. Most herbs don’t require much water, but some need extra to keep their leaves green and their buds healthy. The best way to determine if your herbs need water is to stick your finger into the soil and feel for the moisture level. Certain herbs should be kept slightly drier than others, such as rosemary, oregano, sage, mint, basil, and parsley.

Ecosystem services

Ecosystems provide a variety of services for us. For example, plants filter water and air and bacteria decompose wastes. Bees pollinate flowers, and tree roots hold soil in place to prevent erosion. All of these processes work in unison to keep ecosystems healthy, functional, and resilient to environmental and human change. They … READ MORE ...