Growing Season is Almost Here!

2/11/15 Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow last week predicting six more weeks of winter, but it certainly doesn't feel like it here in Colorado. There is a hint of spring in the air, and it has the team at Studio Shed thinking about our spring and summer projects. For many here, growing more of our own food is something we will do this year. We sat down with Garden Eats writer Christine Dionese for an interview about growing your own food, indoor and outdoor gardening tips, and how having a space to do this can be a catalyst for living a healthier lifestyle that treads lightly on our planet. Here's a short excerpt:

Why is growing your own food important?

Christine: Anytime we can offset huge commercial farming, it’s a plus. Yes, farming keeps Americans employed and we’re happy for that of course, but growing at home equals self-sufficiency and community-building opportunities. When we grow food at home we have an opportunity to pass on heirloom seeds and plant varieties that are now becoming jeopardized by commercial farming. We can control what goes into our food and how it’s grown when we raise food at home or in a community garden. Whether you grow in soil, hydroponically, or even waterlessly (you’ll hear more about this trend coming soon), growing our own ensures a nutrient-dense food supply, an awesome opportunity to teach kids about self-sufficiency and an excellent way to promote healthy, inter-dependency within communities. Some people don’t even know their neighbors today. If you grow lemons and swiss chard and you notice your neighbor grows oranges and peaches, it’s time to introduce yourself and get trading!

Can anyone grow their own food?

Christine: There’s never been a better time to grow your own food and it’s easier than people think. We often hear “I just don’t have a green thumb.” Like most new things, it takes experience. The key is to start small so you don’t get discouraged or overwhelmed. It took me a few years to realize that I didn’t need to plant 20 tomato plants. I couldn’t give enough of them away. Basically, all you need is a plot or containers, seeds or plants, dirt and water. Growing your own food provides you the opportunity to plant what YOU want, what your family enjoys eating. And get the kids involved. Research shows that kids who have their own garden or help in the family garden are more likely to eat a wider variety of healthier food. The full interview is available here. Have a read, and start thinking about the delicious things you'll plant this year!

GET YOUR GARDEN STARTED WITH STUDIO SPROUT!

If you find yourself wanting more space to grow your own food this year, it's a perfect time to get a jump on the summer gardening season. We'll help you do this with our Studio Sprout. It's Studio Shed's unique and contemporary greenhouse, technically optimized for the most discerning gardener and constructed with the highest quality materials. It features full-spectrum glass walls, a robust triple-cell polycarbonate roof, and auto-opening venting, all clad in either our signature brushed aluminum or rich dark bronze. Installation takes only one day, so you'll get those seeds going for the summer in no time!

Thanks for checking in,

The Team at Studio Shed.