motherkerala.com: Burnaby backyard garden 2015

Burnaby backyard garden 2015 .

The weather was good. Our planning went well. We have grown, kale, Swiss chard, beans, tomatoes, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and plum in our small backyard. We shared the produce with our friends and relatives. We saved some produce for the winter months in the freezer. We kept the seeds for next year.

When thousands of backyards are wasted with weeds and grass, we fed honey bees and humming birds with honey from the flowers, birds with seeds, raccoons with grapes, and our friends with organic vegetables. We all share the same garden God created. We go hand in hand. There are plenty people who don't have a piece of land to grow veg. When we share our produce with our friends they are so happy of the organic vegetables. Some of them texted " Thank you so much for the most delicious vegetables." Yes, organic food is tastier, nutritious and pesticide free.

Look at the following table, vegetables we Vancouverians import from other countries.

Country	City	Distance-KM	Vegetables and fruits
USA	California	1750	Cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, plum, apple
Mexico	Mexico city	4767	Tomatoes, Kale,
China	Beijing	8572	Garlic, Ginger, egg plant
Ecuador		7132	Curry leaves
Peru		8015	Quinoa

We can substitute many vegetables with the locally grown vegetables. Our old generations were living healthy with the locally grown food for centuries together. They were much healthier than us.

Why backyard veg is superior to imported veg

Research has shown vegetable we buy from supermarket loses up to 57% of nutrients on its ways from the farm to kitchen but the pesticides won't deplete that fast. To reach the destination without spoiling, the produce is harvested before it is matured. Most of them are sprayed with fungicide while being transported. When imported veg is farm grown they are often sprayed with pesticide. Imported veg are costlier than locally grown because they require chemicals or thermal control to keep the shelf life . They have to be safely transported form long distance. So locally grown is mostly pesticide free, economical, fresh, nutrient, and tasty.

If every household is trying to grow little in their backyard like Kale, Swiss chard, garlic, curry leaves, egg plant, tomatoes etc. we can reduce this huge imports as well save more.

God has given the land to produce the food. Many of us won't realize it. We make huge mansions on it and a flower garden in front, mainly to show others. They realize the importance of a kitchen garden only when they are stuck with cancer or diabetes or other illness. Sometimes it is too late. By gardening at our back yard, we did our part. We multiplied the resources and talents God has given. If we can produce this much, you too can. We will guide and educate you to grow organic food that is delicious and pesticide free for your family and for the community. Let us build a healthy community and a healthy future generation.