There’s a new word in town! Cultur-vating is the act of “taking local to the next level” – growing your garden with a focus on local fare, embracing plants that are native to your particular region. For many, this growing trend may require a bit of learning, connecting and some balancing of the old and the new – but any good gardener knows that, in the end, you really do reap what you sow.
How Well Do You Know Your Neighborhood?
Being familiar with your surroundings is an important part of community living and knowing your neighborhood provides better understanding, insight and balance between those who live and work there. The more people know about their communities, the greater the appreciation for the history and diversity of the region. Taking an interest in the neighborhood cultivates relationships, awareness and promotes responsibility. It may just be the best way to grow healthier, more successful neighborhoods, from which we all can benefit.
Speaking of benefits, do you know what locally produced foods are available to you from local growers? Locavore produce includes organic fruits and vegetables grown within a 100-mile radius of where they are sold. This trend toward local growing and buying is powerful, providing greater:
- Freshness (usually harvested within 24 hours of being purchased).
- Taste (picked and eaten at the height of freshness).
- Nutrition (nutritional value remains intact due to shorter timeline from harvest to use).
- Purity (less residue of pesticides and fungicides; safer).
- Regional Economic Health (keeping money within local communities).
- Variety (organic farmers are not limited in varieties; exotic offerings not found in supermarkets).
- Soil Stewardship (sustaining soil fertility is a major objective of organic growers).
- Energy Conservation (decreased dependence on petroleum found in fertilizers and pesticides; distribution).
- Environmental Protection (organic growers use practices that protect our soil, air and water resources; promote biodiversity).
- Cost (locally grown, organic foods provide value on multiple levels).
- Regional Food Self Reliance (accountability between producer and consumer; less vulnerability and dependency on far away food sources).
- Economy – Employment – Ethics (Locavore practices provide job opportunities, influence how food is grown and raise awareness)
Gardening Can Be Demanding in the High Country
Helping local growers in the high country is Warner’s specialty. We know that it takes quality plants well suited to the northern region of Arizona to be successful in a shorter growing season where sunshine, moisture and temperatures can vary greatly. Warner’s provides longer lasting, well-acclimated and hardy plants that meet our region’s growing demands. Our vegetables and herbs, annuals and perennials – even our trees and shrubs – are grown with the goal of fulfilling our commitment of quality, value and service to our community.
Buying local begins right here at Warner’s Nursery where we can advise you on:
- Selection of the right plants for your particular soil.
- How to improve your current growing conditions for a more successful harvest.
- Care and maintenance of your plants.
This summer, why not get out there and embrace our beautiful region. Plant a garden and grow as much of your own food as possible, then share the bounty with your neighbors and encourage them to do the same. Eat locally, buy locally and let the cultur-vating begin! FBN
Written by Misti Warner-Andersen
Warner’s Store Manager