Produce from your home garden

Few would dispute that the tastiest, healthiest foods come from a home garden. When it comes to taste, there simply is no comparison.

In ancient times growing food-bearing plants was a matter of survival. Today, residential landscapes tend to be exclusively ornamental. Edible plants can be as attractive as ornamentals, and they help cut grocery costs.

You don't need a big, formal garden to grow your own goodies. All you need is a sunny space. Reserve a little space this coming season for some carrots, green leafy vegetables; grow tiny tomatoes in pots that can be moved to the hottest spots on your property as required.

Containers are a great place to grow salad greens. Edible flowers with herbs will thrive in patio pots. Pansies, nasturtiums, thyme, and oregano are among the easiest to grow.

Homegrown edibles give gardeners control over the substances that come into contact with the fruits and veggies they eat. Bone meal, feather meal and potash ensure vigorous growth and high-yield harvests.

Look for fertilizer spikes at lawn and garden centres. Fruit-bearing shrubs are a year-round asset to any landscape. Many varieties have beautiful spring blossoms and foliage that stands out in the fall. Birds can wreak havoc on a berry harvest. Cover bushes and small trees with nettings to keep pests at bay.

As you make changes to your yard, incorporate edible plants. Then the next time you need fresh produce you can skip the trip to the grocery store and save time, gas and money with a short stroll to your yard instead.