Planting a Garden is Easier Than You Think - By Devin亚历山大

美国心脏协会感谢志愿者, like Devin亚历山大 - Chef for NBC’s Biggest Loser 和 author, to lend her voice on topics like this. Devin shares her personal perspective as a chef in this blog entry.

Summer, one of the happiest 和 most awaited times of the year is quickly approaching – YAY! 太棒了，白天变长了. 海滩派对太棒了. 有更多的家庭线上电子游戏飞禽走兽了! And YAY for the best season to grow your own amazing, affordable produce!

If you start simple garden planning now, eating a bowl of the most amazing tomatoes you’ve ever indulged in is easier than you may think.

And if that sounds intimidating (trust me, 这其实很简单), herbs 和 some of my other favorite veggies are also perfect starter projects for beginners.

• 黄瓜, so versatile, my favorite is to throw these in my green drinks for an energy boost in the morning. 播下种子后, be sure to give them good fertilization 和 they will love you back with plenty to eat.

• 西红柿, this simple to grow plant will leave you shocked at HOW much better right-off-the-vine tomatoes taste compared to your grocery store picks. 为了更快的启动, head to your local flower store 和 pick some already sprouted tomato plants in the pot.

• 萝卜, these little flavor-bombs are an awesome addition to salads. 你猜怎么着? 每个萝卜只有1卡路里! Now THAT’S something I can get excited about. Plant your radish seeds 和 you only have to wait about 3 weeks to see results.

• 罗勒- 我是说，我是意大利人! Basil is such a versatile herb (和 smells so so good fresh). Make sure this plant is well watered 和 has lots of sun. Instead of spending $2 per bunch every week or so, you can spend that 和 have plenty of basil for months 和 months (much longer if you have a green thumb 和 remember to have a neighbor care for it during your summer vacation). :)

• 香菜- - - - - - How can you make a Mexican dish without this flavorful herb?! Plant these seeds early in the year for optimal growth.

• 欧芹, This versatile herb is also a staple in my green juices. Packed with vitamins A 和 C it is more than just a garnish. Plus it helps curb bad breath – so bring on the parsley before those summer romances! Parsley loves good soil 和 sunlight.

• 浆果, these are slightly trickier, but worth the extra effort. Growing your own berries (especially the expensive ones like raspberries) will save you so much money it’s unbelievable!

如果你这学期不做园艺, it’s still the perfect time to take advantage of produce in season. 我吃彩虹的颜色, my favorite “harder to grow-ers” being bell peppers, 鳄梨, 桃子, 樱桃, 柠檬, 和酸橙. Fresh produce can have an amazing effect on your energy levels 和 overall happiness, so I urge everyone to experiment with their favorites!