ISU Bengal

Issue date: 4/4/07 Section: Outdoor

Gardening is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and reap healthy benefits, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

As spring shows its face, many outdoors people get excited for any cure to "cabin fever" that they can think of. Fishing ice-off is an obvious choice for the fisherman in the family, but what about those not so excited about the lure of big hold-over fish? Well, gardening is just one of many options.

One of the great things about gardening is that gardening can be for all ages. Another great thing is that while it is time consuming, the feelings that one gets from harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as the satisfaction of the great taste they provide, brings people back to the tedious work of tending a garden year after year.

Since seeds are relatively cheap (especially compared to the price of fresh vegetables and fruits right now), gardening can be one way for students to save on grocery bills. One concern that is likely to come up with gardening as a college student is the fact that many students feel like they do not have enough room for a garden. The good news is that even for you students in small apartments, there are options. For instance, some small vegetables and herbs can be grown in a window seal or on the balcony of an apartment. Maybe a more feasible option would be to start your garden in pots (we use yogurt containers), then after the seeds sprout and the chance of frost is gone, you could transfer the little plants to your parents' garden back home, or find a friend who has an unused garden spot. If you do not have one of these options, it would be worthwhile to ask your landlord if there is a spot where you can grow a small garden. I know several friends whose landlords have accommodated this request.

Most seed packets have information on planting the seeds of your choice. Many places on the internet can also provide some helpful tips on how to be successful with the type of garden and plants you have. Whether you have gardened before or not, gardening can be very rewarding, give you some healthy, wholesome food, and as important as anything, gardening offers you a chance to GET OUT THERE!

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