In your quest to stay healthy, diet is one of the most important aspects of your lifestyle. A good balance of regular exercise and a balanced diet which gives you all the nutrients and sustenance you need is essential, but we know how difficult it is to fit shopping for fresh produce into your routine.

Instead, why not take to growing your own vegetables at home? In fact, some of the healthiest veggies can be grown sustainably in your garden without the need to spend money regularly on produce from your local store.

You can even guarantee the freshness of your own vegetables – something that you won’t get in store! Are you ready to pick up those gardening tools?

Broccoli

Broccoli is an incredible vegetable and can be used in a variety of different dishes, but is best roasted or steamed as boiling can reduce the nutrient content but up to 90%.

High in vitamin K which is important for proteins in the blood which help with clotting, as well as vitamin C which helps the body heal and promotes collagen production and is also a powerful antioxidant, broccoli should be a staple in any diet.

Broccoli grows best in soil which retains moisture, and usually thrive when the seeds are sown between March and June. Broccoli should be harvested when the spears are formed but the flower isn’t blooming. Start with the central shoot and you should be able to get around four to six weeks work of broccoli from one plant.

Kale

Kale has become an incredibly popular in recent years with green smoothies becoming a regular addition to many people’s day.

It is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals such as Iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K. It aids digestion – hence the inclusion in morning green shakes – and can actually help reduce the chances of you developing arthritis and asthma, as well as boost your immune system to help any auto immune disorders you may have.

Kale actually does really well in cold weather, making it a great addition to your veggie garden. Sow the seeds from March to June in a mulch-based soil to help retain moisture. Leaves should be picked when they are young for the best taste.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is one of those vegetables that can be used as a substitute for many foods which are “bad for you”. From pizza bases to cauli-rice, there are plenty of ways to substitute cauliflower into your diet.

It is high in vitamin c and a naturally occurring mineral called manganese which are powerful anti-oxidants. Cauliflower has even been linked to being involved in preventing some cancers, which as bladder, breast, and colon cancers.

Growing cauliflower requires a large space as they can grow quite big, and require a soil which is rich and deep. Watering regularly is essential, but they are able to be grown all year round provided their requirements are met.

They can be harvested when the heads of the cauliflower are firm, but the florets haven’t yet appeared to separate.

There’s nothing more rewarding than growing your own produce to help keep your body and mind happy and healthy. Will you take up the challenge of growing your own healthy veggies?