Fruit and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, and growing your own can be a fun and satisfying way to help you and your family get 5 A DAY.
Fruit and vegetables are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, yet most of us don't eat enough of them.
People who eat lots of fruit and veg are less likely to develop chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and some cancers. That’s why it’s important to remember your 5 A DAY portions when you do your weekly shop.
But there is another way to get more fruit and vegetables into your kitchen. Growing your own ensures you get the freshest pick of the crop, and could save you money.
It's easier than you think, and you can do it even if you don’t have a garden or plot of land.
Gardening is a healthy form of physical activity. It may also help relieve stress and improve your mental wellbeing. Getting children involved can be a good way to encourage them to eat more fruit and vegetables.
Remember to wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before you eat or prepare them.
Getting started
There are many ways to grow your own fruit and vegetables.
If you have a garden, that's a great place to start. But if you don’t, there are other options.
You can grow in a container that stands in a paved yard or on a balcony. Or you could investigate community garden schemes in your area or rent an allotment from your local council.
There's more information, including what to grow, when to start planting and how to apply for an allotment, on the Directgov pages about growing your own fruit and vegetables.
