The Green Army , soldiers of the soil .

We  are in a war , not one that is fought with guns and ammunition ,but in a war against nature ,against time .

Our growing food budget and  some nations inability to feed themselves is one of the casualties of this war 

Growing our own food as a  nation and as individuals is a great way to fight back 

I love the feel of the  warm earth between my fingers , I love to see the birthing process of a new plant as it breaks the ground sending a  sprout to life 

What are the benefits of planting?

Working in the dirt ,boost your mood and keeps your brain alert 

It  also exposes  you to vitamin D ,which increases your calcium levels and benefits bones and immune systems 

Its also a great aerobic exercise 

And planting your own food ensures you get healthy crops that have  more nutritional benefits to than store-bought products . The greatest benefit of gardening is that you decide on what affects your garden.

From the pH of the soil to   what types of fertilisers and pesticides are used, your plants only get what you give them.  

One of the NGOs I am a board  member off Green Army TT is driving this initative on the island , I am affilaited with this group mainly because of its sustainablilty focus .

Sustainability in the Agro sector is very important , the group promotes a community  outreach similar to one run by former frist lady Mrs Obama in the United States which encouraged the planting of Backyard Gardens and or Community Gardens as featured in a magazine by Havard Health Publishing.

The younger group members  propogate seedlings of commonly used vegetables and some are sold to raise funds  or once a month there is a free seedling give away drive , where we encourage persons to begin planting their own kitchen gardens by providing advice and encouraging the use of organic fertilisers and pesticides, which is also produced by the group .  

As we enter 2023 there are plans to expand our outreach as people become more interested in planting their own food as a ay of cutting their food bills 

Recent extreme flooding in the areas where most of our agricultural enterprise is done saw large increase in market prices for example pumpkin went from $2.00 per pound to a whooping  $20.00 per pound , which is like 3.00 US

This caused a huge outcry with most consumers refusing to purchase , seeking alternatives or shopping around  and many more  are choosing to begin their own kitchen gardens 

My fellow NGO has seen an increase in membership request on out facebook page ,increased activity on the chat with many asking guidance and advice growing successful crops and increase in request for the free seedlings 

At our last meeting  for the year I suggested the forming of a co operative to purchase wholesale  supplies to distribute  amoung the membership on a monthly basis , and an  increase in the community garden projects to benefit   those that dont own land and also to assist the most vulnerable in those communities .

The benefits of planting your own outweigh the negatives , so if you looking for a new hobby, looking to cut down on your food bill , or just engage in a form of exercise that affects your mood in a positive way , enjoy the benefits of reaping your crops and showing off to your friends and family try gardening 

Growing your own food is also one way to lessen your foodprint 

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