Optimizing Sunlight

Sun exposure is one of the most important factors for a successful food garden. To find the best sun exposure for your garden, consider the orientation of the garden, the surrounding environment, and the amount of sun that your plants need to grow and produce.

Sunlight is critical factor for plant growth

In this blog post we will explore the best sun exposure for a food garden, what to consider when choosing a location, and how to make the most of the sun in your garden. When possible adjust how much sun each plant receives by using a trellis, shade cloth, choosing the best location in the raised bed and best spot in your garden.

Choose the right location for your garden. Growing a food garden is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, as it allows you to produce your own fresh and healthy produce. However, to ensure a successful harvest, it is important to choose the right location for your garden that provides optimal sun exposure. Sunlight is one of the most important factors for plant growth and development, and without it, your plants may become stunted, yellow, or even die.

6-8 hours of direct sunlight is optimal. The ideal sun exposure for a food garden is 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Most vegetables and fruits require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to grow and produce well. The hours of direct sunlight your garden receives can vary depending on the time of year and the location of your garden. For example, during the summer months, the sun is higher in the sky, and your garden will receive more direct sunlight than in the winter when the sun is lower in the sky.

You can get by with 6 to 7 hours of full sun for many crops. But 8 to 9 hours of sun is ideal for most edible plants during mid-summer. You can grow some veggies and herbs in shadier areas with 5 hours of sun, although the plants will be smaller. Some crops like lettuce don’t like the full sun in mid summer.

Know how to read the sunlight information on plant labels.

• Optimum sun: 7 to 8 hours

• Sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun (no shadows).

• Part-shade: 4 to 6 hours of direct sun.

• Shade: less than 4 hours of direct sun.

Choosing a location for your raised beds.

Consider the orientation of the garden. A south-facing garden will receive the most sun, while a north-facing garden will receive the least. If you have a choice, choose a location that faces south or west, as these orientations will receive the most sun. If you have a north-facing garden, consider planting shade-tolerant plants that can still grow in lower light conditions.

Think about the surrounding environment. Trees and buildings can block the sun from reaching your garden, so look for a location that is not surrounded by large trees or tall buildings. If you already have a garden, pruning or removing trees can help increase the amount of sunlight that reaches your garden.

Tracking the sunlight in your yard

Create a sun tracking chart. Your garden will be more successful if you know how much sun each of your garden spaces gets. There are many online tools that help you make a sun tracking chart of your garden. For example, try out “Sun Mapping Your Garden the Easy Way” by Garden Fundamentals.

Angle of the sun changes. Remember that the angle of the sun is different depending on the season which makes shadows from buildings and trees appear at different times and locations. It’s best to count the hours of sun in your yard from April to September while the trees have their leaves.

Maximizing sun exposure

Place tall plants on the north side of the bed. Once you have found the right location for your food garden, you can use a few strategies to maximize the sun exposure. One way to do this is by planting taller plants on the north side of the garden and shorter plants on the south side. The tall plants won’t block the sun from the short plants.

Trellises or other structures can maximize sun exposure for climbing plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans. They can also help shade the soil, which can keep the soil cooler and prevent the plants from drying out too quickly.

You can also use reflective surfaces like mirrors or aluminum foil to reflect light back into the garden. Reflective surfaces can be placed on walls or fences to direct light into the garden, which can help increase the amount of sunlight that reaches the plants.

You can use shade cloth to reduce the amount of sun that reaches your garden. Shade cloth is a type of fabric that is designed to reduce the amount of light that reaches your garden. You can use shade cloth to create a cooler environment for your plants, which can help them grow and produce more fruit. Some tomato plants shut down fruit production when the temperature is above 85º. Shade cloth can lower a plant temperature too.

Growing in less than 6 hours of sun

Vegetables that can grow in low light conditions, with less than 6 hours of sunlight per day, include:

1. Salad greens such as lettuce, spinach, and mesclun mix. These cool-season crops need about 4 hours of direct light per day.

2. Root vegetables such as radishes, carrots, beets, and turnips. These crops can tolerate low light but may grow more slowly than with 6 hours of light.

3. Peas and beans, which are legumes, can grow in low light conditions, but they need more light to flower and set fruit.

4. Garlic and onions, which are bulbs, do not require much light and can be grown in low-light conditions.

5. Some herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and chives can also grow in low light conditions.

It's important to note that while these vegetables can grow in low light, they will still grow best and produce a more abundant harvest with 6 or more hours of sunlight per day. Additionally, it's essential to provide adequate water and nutrients to support their growth.

Safe temperatures for plants

Know the highest and lowest safe temperatures for each crop. Some spring veggies survive only light frosts. Some veggie seeds need certain temperatures to germinate. Some plants like tomatoes, peppers and squash must be planted outside when all danger of frost has passed. Spinach seeds can stay in the ground all winter and germinate in very early spring, plus produce a bigger harvest.  See high and low temperature tolerances for popular crops in our Planting Calendar for zones 5b and 6a.

Too much direct sunlight. Plants can suffer from sunburn and other types of damage if they are exposed to too much direct sunlight. Additionally, excessive heat can cause water to evaporate more quickly, which can lead to dehydration and other problems for plants. Tomatoes shut down fruit production above 85º. Recovery time varies by tomato variety.

Shade cloth protects plants from too much heat and sun. It can help to protect plants from harsh sunlight and other extreme weather conditions like heavy rain and hail, allowing for better growth and yield. Shade cloth can be used to filter sunlight and create a more moderate, comfortable environment for plants to grow in.

Shade cloth setup. Select the best gauge (thickness) of shade cloth. A thicker material will provide more shade and protection for plants, but may be more expensive. Secure cloth to posts or other structures using clips or ties. Pull tight to prevent it from sagging or touching the plants. Fasten securely to prevent blowing away by the wind.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Sign up for our newsletter

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Setup Your Food Garden

Our Transformational Gardening method is easier & less work than traditional organic gardening, and is perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Our method is as healthy for humans and the environment as it is for the crops. This post lists all the supplies you will need to set up your new food garden. The learning process is a commitment driven by enjoyment and rewards. We are here to support your gardening journey!

Start small and learn at your own pace

We give first time food gardeners the basic information and support they need to have an abundant harvest right from the start with less work! Although most of our growing methods work anywhere we add many tips about Climate Zone 5b and 6a for our local community of gardeners in the Chicago area.

Review these key resources:

1. Before you dive into this post about supplies and setup go to our introduction video and blog post Grow Your Own Food about our innovative method called ”Transformational Gardening.” We adapt the latest soil science to small garden spaces and raised beds.

2. Then read our blog post Planning Your Food Garden.

3. Now you are ready to jump into a detailed summary of our method Transformational Gardening Basics. We provide our gardeners with the best products for success. Our method is easier to learn and less work because you will use 100% microbe-rich compost as your “new soil.” Plus, you will use our microbe-rich worm castings (worm poop) instead of most organic fertilizers.

4. Then come back and continue reading this blog post “Setup Your Food Garden.”

5. Please contact our support team with questions about the setup process and ordering products. As an educational nonprofit, we are here to give you confidence at all stages of your “Grow Your Own Journey.”

Ready, Set, Grow!

Our online store sells the top quality products that are unique to our innovative food gardening method like microbe-rich compost, microbe-rich worm castings and raised beds. We use 100% compost as our NEW SOIL and worm castings (worm poop) instead of traditional organic fertilizers usually purchased in small bags from a garden center.

Supplies list: Below is a full list of what you will need that includes our online store products as well as items you can buy at a garden center. We also sell dense leaf mulch and topsoil ONLY for use with non-food gardens – flowers, native plants, ornamental plants, shrubs and trees. Learn how to create a soil blend for a native plant garden.

Before ordering online contact Deep Roots customer support at support[at]deep-roots-project.org OR orders[at]deep-roots-project.org and text us at (708) 655-5299. We deliver by truck in Chicagoland raised beds filled with our “new soil” (100% compost). If you are not in the Chicago area, ask our customer support where to buy microbe-rich compost and worm castings similar to ours in your area.

We do additional garden setup work besides delivering filled raised beds. See our store page about general garden labor and talk to our customer support team. We also work with a landscape architect and a native plants specialist if you need a garden design.

What you need to setup a food garden

Find the best location for your raised bed. Know how to choose the best sun exposure. Your garden will be more successful if you know how much sun each of your garden spaces gets. Learn more in our blog post on finding optimal sunlight.

Raised beds, planter boxes, growing containers. We recommend a cedar raised bed along with some large containers (wood or cloth). Some very large plants like squash take up too much space and don’t work well in a raised bed with lots of other crops.

We sell custom-made cedar raised beds and planter boxes in standard sizes and in custom sizes, including beds on legs. Our beds last longer than most wood beds because we make them from thicker cedar boards and use a special design that resists cracking from expansion of freezing soil during winter.

You can buy raised beds from another source or make them yourself from wood or bricks. But don’t use treated wood which contains toxic chemicals. We don’t sell cloth planting containers which you can buy at garden centers. Our cedar raised beds come filled with compost. View our raised bed store page. View our blog post Why Raised Beds Are Best.

Our microbe-rich compost is your new “soil.” Our microbe-rich compost is better than topsoil, soil blends and conventional organic soil for filling raised beds. Food crops love it. It is also the best compost for enriching your beds annually and for planting new crops. It is made from plant waste and animal manure using heat-loving microbes that kill off weeds and pathogens. The heat process makes more nutrient-rich materials available.

We fill all our raised bed orders with compost. If you provide your own beds, fill them to the top since it will settle a few inches. Add more compost in the fall after the harvest or at the start of every season. We also deliver bulk compost to fill YOUR raised beds that you set up yourselves.

Commercially bagged soil and compost are not your friend. Bagged soil and compost that you purchase from garden centers AND the soil in your yard lack the optimal amount of microflora and nutrients for a healthy, vibrant successful food garden. Many commercially bagged composts don’t have the best ingredients for healthy plants.

How to find microbe rich compost in your local area.  To be safe use Deep Roots compost or a similar compost (made with heat and containing manure) that you locate in your area. The U.S. Composting Council (USCC) has a database of the vendors they certify that lists the compost ingredients AND if thermophilic heat process was used. Make sure the vendors don't use wood chips or tree waste.

View our compost, worm castings and mulch store page. Learn more about this product in our blog post Compost, Microbes and Soil Science. We sell microbe-rich compost in bulk at a lower price than the same product sold in cubic foot bags. We deliver bulk compost and also sell bagged compost that you can pickup from our Oak Park workshop.. We deliver and fill cedar raised beds and cedar planter boxes with our 100% compost.

Enrich your beds with compost in fall and spring. Spread a 2-inch layer of our compost over your raised beds and containers in fall after harvest and/or spring before planting starts. Use a mixture of half and half compost and worm castings when planting seedlings and seeds. This is the same compost you used to fill the beds and containers.

Worm castings (worm poop, also called vermicompost) is rich with micro organisms and nutrients and is used when planting seeds and seedlings (also called transplants). All worm castings are not equal. Our worm castings from a Wisconsin farmer has more densely packed nutrients and micro-organisms than our compost. View our worm castings store page and worm castings blog post.

Fish emulsion is a liquid organic fertilizer made from fish waste that is rich in nitrogen. It works on vegetables, perennials, shrubs and trees. We don’t sell it in our online store. It should contain 5% nitrogen, 1% phosphorus and 1% potassium. It supplies the primary and secondary nutrients plants need to grow healthy and strong. It also nourishes the beneficial micro-organisms that are in the soil. The right nutrition delivered at the right time is so important for the health of your plants. Make sure you buy 100% organic fish emulsion fertilizer that is certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). Read more on our fish emulsion blog post.

Also remember that healthy happy plants are more resistant to disease and insect pressures. Tomatoes that have been fertilized with fish emulsion can grow up to two times larger than non-fertilized plants. Applying fish emulsion is easy. Just use a watering can. Dilute according to the instructions on the label. Apply every three weeks during the growing season.

Seedlings and seeds. Buy the correct seedlings and seeds for spring, summer and fall for your climate zone. Get tips and planting dates in our Planting Calendar for Chicago area which works also for areas with  climate zone 5b and 6a. Learn more in our blog posts on planting crops for beginner gardeners and experienced gardeners. View our blog post about the fast growing veggies from seed.

A water filter for your hose is needed if you are using municipal water containing chlorine which kills beneficial microflora. Buy it at garden centers or online.

Drip Irrigation is great if you have many raised beds and/or are out of town often. It’s healthier for plants, a more reliable way to water and uses less water. Ask our support team about our custom irrigation kits.

Dense leaf mulch is sold on our online store for creating edible landscapes that include native plants, flowers, shrubs and ornamental plants. BUT… don’t use this type of mulch on your raised bed food gardens. As it decomposes, it doesn’t provide the microbes and nutrients that food crops need. It decomposes and shrinks too slowly. You quickly run out of raised bed space to enrich the soil with fresh compost.

Straw mulch is one of many materials we recommend for mulching food gardens to suppress weeds and keep moisture in the soil. But we recommend that you place a half inch layer of our compost around your plants before applying the straw. Or apply this double layer of compost and straw over the entire bed.

Organic pest prevention sprays we recommend are OMRI certified fungicides, Neem Oil, BT (Bacillus thuringensis), and Pyrethrum. We also recommend Diatomaceous Earth powder for slugs. We don’t sell them in our online store. See our blog post on Environmental Pest Management (EPM) for more details. We use sprays in limited amounts along with our biodiversity planting system to prevent and manage pests.

“Floating Row Cover” (optional) is a white light-weight gardening fabric used to warm spring seeds and seedlings when the temperature dips below what some plants can’t handle. Temperatures in the Chicago area can be unpredictable in the spring during climate change. It is also used to keep flying pests like cabbage moths and squash vine borer out of your beds. Look for this product online.

A drip irrigation kit (optional) is strongly recommended. The Deep Roots kit is simple to set up and affordable. Correct and consistent watering is extremely critical to successful gardening – especially for beginners, large gardens and gardeners who are out of town frequently. Talk to the Deep Roots support team about drip irrigation options. View our blog post Deep Watering Is Best.

Your local food garden information service is an essential part of your food gardening tool kit. Deep Roots uses the Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Information Service. This indispensable service is FREE and convenient. They are staffed by about a hundred volunteer master gardeners. They answer questions by phone or by email. Their hours vary depending on the season. Send them photos of your pest problems. Since they use traditional organic growing practices, remind them that Deep Roots gardeners grow in 100% compost and use worm castings instead of commercial organic fertilizers.

Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Information Service contact information:  website, Email: plantinfo[at]chicagobotanic.org, Phone: (847) 835-0972. Plus, here is a sample of useful information on their website: Tomato talk - Pests and Diseases

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Sign up for our newsletter

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Food as Medicine

The medicinal advantages of healthy food cannot be understated. A well-balanced diet that includes unprocessed fresh foods, variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds, and very small amounts of fish & animal foods can help support overall health and prevent a number of chronic diseases. The key to success is avoiding sugar, unhealthy oils made from seeds and processed foods. Some people avoid all animal foods like fish, meat, dairy, eggs and alcoholic drinks. Your body will thank you for choosing healthy food and lifestyle.

Medicinal advantages of eating healthy foods

Healthy weight and prevent obesity. For starters, a well-balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity, which is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Plus, you will be happier.

Essential vitamins and minerals. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for optimal health. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, which are important for maintaining healthy skin and eyesight, as well as a strong immune system. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and prevent constipation.

Reduce the risk of chronic disease. Eating healthy food can also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Diets that are high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated and trans fats, can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation in the body. A diet that is high in fiber and low in added sugars can also help control blood sugar levels and prevent the development of diabetes. Avoiding all sugar is even better. Some natural sweeteners are okay like organic date powder and monk fruit. Functional medicine health professionals have also used food, herbs and nutrients to reverse heart disease, diabetes, leaky gut, inflammation and other chronic diseases.  

Mental and emotional benefits. In addition to the physical benefits, healthy eating can also have mental and emotional benefits. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of healthy foods can help improve mood and cognitive function, and may even help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. Healthy diet for children not only hugely improves mental health, but also promotes healthy brian development leading to happiness and success as an adult.

What is natural Immunity?

Our immune system is capable of fighting off infections and viruses (like C0V!D). Optimizing your diet is one of the most important ways you can increase your natural immunity. Plus, a healthy diet can taste great. Learn about diet and nutrients needed for a healthy immune system. Explore what top medical experts recommend for protecting your immune system, boosting your gut health, and priming your immune system. Learn how you can eat to reduce inflammation and prevent things like brain fog, headaches, fatigue, and numerous other daily struggles. Two great places to start your learning journey is Food Revolution Network and Dr. Mark Hyman.

Diet, sleep and exercise: A balanced diet consisting of a range of vitamins and minerals, combined with healthy lifestyle factors like adequate sleep and exercise and low stress, most effectively primes the body to fight infection and disease. Exercise with weights that builds muscle gives better results in a shorter time than cardio exercise like running and biking (spinning).The design of our immune system is complex and influenced by an ideal balance of many factors, not just diet, and especially not by any one specific food or nutrient.

On a daily basis, we are constantly exposed to potentially harmful microbes of all sorts. Our immune system, a network of intricate stages and pathways in the body, protects us against these harmful microbes as well as certain diseases. It recognizes foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites and takes immediate action. Get great details from the Harvard School of Public Health article “Nutrition and Immunity”

What is functional nutrition and medicine?

Systems-oriented approach: A functional nutritionist or physician is a health practitioner who uses a systems-oriented approach to nutrition and wellness to help individuals identify and address the root causes of their health problems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to develop personalized nutrition plans and collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure that their patients receive comprehensive and effective care.

Not a “one-size-fits-all” approach: If you are looking for a holistic approach to your health, a functional nutritionist or physician may be the right choice for you. Functional nutrition is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Every person is unique, and a functional medicine professional takes this into account when developing a nutrition and treatment plan. They understand that different people have different needs and that a person's health needs may change over time as they heal and grow.

Latest scientific research and clinical practices: Functional nutrition and medicine are evidence-based fields that utilize the latest scientific research and clinical practices. These professionals stay up-to-date with the latest advances in the field and continually improve their knowledge and skills. This is an effective approach to helping individuals achieve optimal health.

Root causes of health problems

By addressing the underlying causes of health problems, functional nutritionists can help individuals achieve sustained health and wellness. This approach can be especially beneficial for individuals with chronic health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, digestive problems, and hormonal imbalances.

They take into account a person's overall health history, lifestyle, and current symptoms to develop a comprehensive understanding of their health status. Functional health professionals differ from traditional dietitians, nutritionists and doctors in that they do not simply focus on what a person is eating, but also on how their body is functioning.

They use a variety of tools to help identify the root causes of health problems, including comprehensive dietary assessments, laboratory tests, and functional medicine assessments. These tools help practitioners determine imbalances in the body that may be contributing to health issues, such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, parasites and gut dysbiosis.

Symptoms of gut dysbiosis include chronic fatigue, digestive problems, trouble urinating, acid reflux or heartburn, vaginal or rectal infections or itching, food intolerance, gas, and bloating, inflammation and aching joints, acne, skin rashes, and psoriasis.

Parasites can be an underlying contributing factor to many chronic health problems and a big reason why previous attempts at healing have been unsuccessful. Most everyone has some sort of parasite – even healthy people with no symptoms. Children and adults with weakened immune systems are most at risk, but it can happen to anyone. Some parasites fuel disease and others benefit health.

Personalized nutrition plan. Once the root cause of a health problem has been identified, a functional health professional works with the individual to develop a personalized nutrition and supplement plan that addresses the underlying issues. This may involve changes to the person's diet, the addition of specific supplements, and lifestyle modifications.

Coordinate care with other healthcare professionals. Functional health professional may also work with healthcare providers to coordinate care and ensure that their patients receive the most comprehensive and effective treatment possible. They may collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and naturopathic doctors, to provide a holistic approach to health and wellness.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Grow Vertically on a Trellis

Growing vertically in a food garden offers several advantages, including increased yields, efficient use of space, improved air circulation, and easier maintenance. A trellis can also shade cool season veggies from summer heat. The trellis designs below offer different options for supporting a wide range of climbing vegetables. Construct your own trellis or buy them ready-made.

Trellis design options

There are many trellis options for every crop, skill level and budget. Check out many helpful trellis videos on YouTube. Here is a video with 5 interesting trellis options.

Tomato Cages: Tomato cages are widely used for supporting tomato plants. They come in different sizes, with larger cages suitable for indeterminate varieties that can grow up to 6-8 feet tall. Smaller cages can be used for determinate varieties that grow up to 3-4 feet tall.

Teepees from wood and metal: Teepees are simple and cost-effective trellis designs made by erecting tall poles and then tying them together at the top. You can use wood or metal poles, and the design can be adjusted to accommodate the height of the plant. Teepees are ideal for peas, beans, and cucumbers.

Cattle fencing metal trellis: Cattle fencing trellises are made from sturdy, galvanized wire mesh and can be used for heavy vines like squash, melons, and cucumbers. They are easy to install and can be customized to the required size.

Florida weave trellis for tomatoes: The Florida weave is a simple, low-cost trellis system for tomatoes. It involves weaving twine around a series of stakes to create a support system for the plants. The twine is looped around the base of each plant, then woven around the stakes, forming a horizontal weave that provides support for the stems. There are many helpful YouTube videos on how to construct a Florida weave trellis.

Wooden flat trellis: Flat trellises made of wood are a popular option for vegetables like peas and beans. They consist of a series of horizontal slats attached to vertical stakes, forming a ladder-like structure for the plants to climb.

Wood or metal frame with a string grid: A wood or metal frame with a string grid is a versatile trellis design that can be used for a wide range of vegetables. The frame provides a sturdy support structure, while the strings form a grid that the plants can climb.

Arched arbor: Arched arbors add an attractive visual element to the garden while also providing support for climbing plants like peas and beans. The arbor can be made from wood or metal and can be customized to the required size.

Sturdy trellis for heavy Veggies: For heavy veggies like squash, a sturdy trellis is required. The trellis should be made from a durable material like wood or metal and should be anchored firmly to the ground. The design can be adjusted to accommodate the height and weight of the plant.

Advantages of growing vertically on a trellis

Growing food vertically on a trellis offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for home gardeners and farmers alike. It’s an excellent way to maximize space, improve plant health, make harvesting easier, and create a beautiful garden. It is a sustainable and efficient way to grow food that is beneficial for both the environment and the gardener.

Maximizes space: Vertical gardening is an excellent way to grow more plants in a smaller area. With trellising, plants can grow up rather than out, which means you can plant more crops in a smaller garden plot or greenhouse. This is especially useful for urban or suburban gardeners who have limited space.

Improves plant health: By growing plants vertically on a trellis, you can increase air circulation around the plants, which can reduce the incidence of diseases and pests. Plants grown on a trellis also get more sunlight, which can help them produce more flowers and fruit.

Easier harvesting: Harvesting crops grown on a trellis is much easier than harvesting crops grown on the ground. The plants are at a more accessible height, and the fruit or vegetables are more visible, making it easier to see when they are ripe and ready to be picked.

Aesthetic appeal: Vertical gardening adds visual interest to your garden. Trellises can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or bamboo, and can be designed in many different shapes and sizes. This allows you to create a beautiful and functional garden that is also a focal point of your outdoor space.

Saves water: When plants are grown vertically, they require less water than plants grown on the ground. This is because the soil around the plants is shaded, which helps to retain moisture in the soil. As a result, you can conserve water and reduce your overall water usage.

Increased crop yield: Vertical gardening can lead to increased crop yields. By growing plants vertically, you can provide more growing space for each plant, which allows them to produce more fruit or vegetables. Additionally, trellising can help support the weight of heavy fruit, such as melons or pumpkins, which can prevent them from breaking off the vine prematurely.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Sign up for our newsletter

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Food Prices Surging in 2024

Inflation and other factors have been contributing to the rise in food prices more than other necessities in 2024 due to a complex interplay of global and domestic issues.

One of the primary reasons food prices have surged is due to supply chain  disruptions initially caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by  geopolitical tensions like the conflict in Ukraine. These events have  compounded with ongoing inflationary pressures, including high energy  costs, to significantly affect food prices​​​​.

The food sector has experienced price increases at a faster pace than  many other sectors. From 2019 to 2023, food prices rose by 25%, a higher  increase than the all-items Consumer Price Index (CPI), which grew 19.2%  over the same period. This rise was influenced by factors such as shifting  consumption patterns and supply chain disruptions during the pandemic,  and an avian influenza outbreak affecting egg and poultry prices. In 2022,  food prices increased faster than any other year since 1979, partly due to
these outbreaks and the conflict in Ukraine. However, food price growth  did slow in 2023 as wholesale food prices and other inflationary factors  eased from 2022​​.

Fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, has also been affected, but  their price increases have been more variable. For instance, fresh  vegetable prices increased by 2.9% in January 2024 but were actually  0.9% lower than in January 2023. These categories often experience  seasonal price fluctuations, which can make their price movements  distinct from other food items​​. Prices for fresh vegetables are predicted to  increase by 1.9% in 2024, showing a less dramatic increase compared to  some other food categories. This variability is partly due to the perishable  nature of fresh produce, which can be more immediately impacted by  changes in weather, supply chain disruptions, and other short-term  factors.

Furthermore, climate change has been identified as a significant factor  fueling global food price inflation and shortages. The changing climate  affects agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture industries, leading  to compromised crop yields and mismatches in biological events such as  flowering and pollinator emergence. Flooding and marine heatwaves also  create production losses and disturbances to fish resources. These  environmental changes, coupled with disruptions to supply chains and  increased food protectionism, have led to a dramatic rise in food prices  globally and have exacerbated food insecurity and malnutrition-related  risks for vulnerable populations across the world​​.

In conclusion, the increase in food prices, including fresh produce, over  other necessities in 2024, can be attributed to a combination of inflationary  pressures, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and  environmental factors like climate change. These influences have made  the food sector particularly vulnerable to price increases, affecting  everything from fresh produce to processed foods.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Create a Native Plant Garden

Converting a lawn to a native plant garden using cardboard to cover and kill the grass is an environmentally friendly and low-maintenance method. This process is called sheet mulching or lasagna gardening, and it involves layering materials to suppress grass and weeds, improve soil quality, and support the growth of native plants.

Why replace your lawn with native plants

Multiple benefits: As the cardboard and organic materials decompose, they will enrich the soil, making it more fertile and supporting the growth of your native plants. Over time, your native plant garden will become a low-maintenance, biodiverse, and sustainable landscape.

Environmental benefits: Native plants have evolved to thrive in the local climate and soil conditions, which means they require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than non-native plants. This can reduce water usage and pollution, as well as support local wildlife by providing food and habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Cost savings: Maintaining a traditional lawn can be expensive, as it requires regular mowing, fertilizing, and watering. Native plant gardens, on the other hand, require less maintenance and can help reduce water bills and other landscaping costs.

Aesthetics: Native plant gardens can be just as beautiful as traditional lawns, but they offer more variety in color, texture, and form. Additionally, native plants can be arranged in creative and artistic ways to create a unique and personalized landscape design.

Educational opportunities: Converting a lawn to a native plant garden can be a learning experience for children and adults alike, as it offers the opportunity to learn about local ecology, biodiversity, and conservation.

Community building: Creating a native plant garden can be a way to connect with neighbors and build a sense of community, as it can be a collaborative effort that involves sharing plants, knowledge, and resources.

Steps to transform lawn to natives garden

Plan your garden: Decide on the size and shape of your garden, the native plants you want to grow, and their locations. Research native plants suitable for your climate and soil conditions.

Mow and water the lawn: Mow the grass as short as possible without damaging the soil. Water the area thoroughly to promote decomposition and support microbial life.

Gather materials: Collect cardboard (preferably large, flattened pieces without any plastic, tape, or glossy print), compost, topsoil, leaf mulch or mold, and native plants or seeds.

Lay down the cardboard: Remove any plastic, tape, or glossy sections from the cardboard. Overlap the pieces to ensure there are no gaps, completely covering the lawn area. This will smother the grass and weeds beneath, eventually decomposing and adding nutrients to the soil.

Moisten the cardboard: Lightly water the cardboard to help it conform to the ground and speed up decomposition.

Soil and amendments: A blend of several ingredients is best for soil on top of the cardboard. Mix equal parts of topsoil, compost, and leaf mulch or mold. This blend will provide a balanced combination of nutrients, organic matter, and beneficial microorganisms to support native plant growth.

Add the soil mix: Spread a layer of the soil mix on top of the cardboard, making it at least 4-6 inches thick. A thicker layer (8-12 inches) is recommended if you want to plant larger plants or have particularly poor soil beneath the cardboard.

Plant your native plants: Dig holes through the soil mix and cardboard for each plant, ensuring that the holes are large enough for the root balls. Place the plants in the holes and fill in with the soil mix, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets. For seeds, follow the sowing instructions on the seed packet.

Mulch: Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, such as shredded bark, straw, or wood chips, around the plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Water and maintain: Water your new native plant garden thoroughly after planting, and keep it well-watered during the first growing season. After that, native plants typically require less water and maintenance than a traditional lawn. Monitor the garden for weeds and pests, and remove them as needed.

Native plants in Illinois (Zones 5 & 6)

This is not an exhaustive list. There are many more native plants that can grow in Illinois. It's always a good idea to check with your local nursery or garden center to see what native plants are available in your area.

Natives for attracting Butterflies and Pollinators:

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

• Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

• Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Sun Loving Natives:

• Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

• Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)

• Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

• Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

• New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

Shade Loving Natives:

• Wild ginger (Asarum canadense)

• Solomon's seal (Polygonatum biflorum)

• Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

• Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

• Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Sign up for our newsletter

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

Fast Growing Crops from Seed

One way to ensure a quick and bountiful harvest is planting fast-growing crops from seed directly in your outdoor beds. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, planting fast-growing crops can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only do these crops provide a quick return on your investment, but they also offer a variety of benefits, such as not waiting long for results. reducing the risk of pest and disease, making space to replant more diverse crops and increasing your harvest when space is limited. Fast-growing crops typically germinate quickly and will be ready for harvesting in just a few weeks.

Fast growing veggie benefits and tips

Learn more details about our Transformational Gardening method of planting seeds from our two blog posts Seeds and Seedlings - Beginners AND Seeds & Seedlings - Next Level. Keep in mind that our method of Biodiversity Planting helps reduce pests.

When planting your seeds it is important to follow the instructions on the seed packet closely. This will help to ensure that your seeds are planted at the correct depth and spaced appropriately. We recommend filling your seed furrows with our microbe-rich compost and worm castings.

Keep soil evenly moist: To help your seeds germinate and to help your seedlings grow strong and healthy, water them regularly and keep the soil evenly moist. Water everyday when it doesn’t rain until the seedlings are 2 weeks old. Don’t over water. Learn more about watering in our blog post moisture and mulch.

Organic or conventional seeds: It’s best to buy organic seeds. But conventional seeds are usually okay too if they are grown under organic conditions.

Soil: Ideally, we recommend you use our microbe-rich compost as your soil and microbe-rich worm castings as your fertilizer. We highly recommend using raised beds or containers, which can help to improve soil quality and provide better growing conditions for your crops. Use the “No till, No dig, No pull” method to build healthy soil microbes. Learn more about healthy soil in our blog post Transformational Gardening Basics.

Multiple harvests from a single planting: Plant a crop of radishes and harvest some small, leaving the remaining plants to mature for a later harvest.Plant multiple crops of lettuce, and other greens throughout the growing season to ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce. Crops like spinach and lettuce thrive in cool temperatures and don’t like the heat of summer. Plant new lettuce seeds in a shaded area during the summer.

Protect your crops from pests and diseases to maximize your harvest. It is important to practice good gardening techniques by following Environmental Pest Management. This includes using appropriate pest control measures, such as Biodiversity Planting, floating row cover fabric, or organic biological controls. Safe sprays include OMRI approved organic fungicides, BT (Bacillus thuringensis), neem oil and pyrethrum.

Choosing the right seeds is the first step. There are many different varieties of fast-growing crops available, each with their own unique set of characteristics. When choosing seeds, it is important to consider factors such as the growing conditions in your area, the time of year, and the amount of light and water that your plants will receive. Below is our list of popular fast-growing crops including radishes, lettuce, spinach, arugula, and beans.

Save time watering your seeds

Direct seeding outdoors is far less work during the rainy and cooler weather of spring in Zones 5 and 6.

Drip-Irrigation with sprinkler emitters that spray low over about a foot diameter area make it possible for busy people to apply proper regular moisture. to seeds

A hose with a sprinkler head propped up on a stake and controlled by a timer can moisten seeds all day.

Use mulch or organic matter to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. We prefer a layer of compost covered with a layer of cut-up straw. To grow your own straw plant one Miscanthus prairie grass with lots of room to expand. Don’t use hay which has weed seeds. Don’t use wood chips,

Spinach seed tips: Reduce watering by planting spinach seeds in mid to late November. They will germinate in early spring. Spinach seeds and plants are very cold tolerant. The plants and the harvest are much bigger than from seeds planted in spring.

Carrot seed tips: Place a board or tile over carrot seeds to prevent evaporation and to prevent the  rain from washing them away in a heavy rain. Check under the board daily. As soon as the first seed sprouts remove the board and regularly water gently.

Our favorite “short days to maturity” varieties

We recommend 13 fast growing veggies to direct seed outdoors: arugula, beets, broccolini, carrots, swiss chard, green onion, lettuce, greens, pea, pea shoots, radish, spinach. Blog posts are coming soon on growing tips for specific crops.

We provided links to Johnny’s Seeds company. Other seed companies we like are Bakers Creek and High Mowing. Search online for other seed companies and garden centers that sell varieties with shorter days to maturity.

Arugula: Arugula matures in about 40 days and is a great option for a fast and tasty green.

Beet: Babybeat (40 days to maturity) Fast maturing, scaled-down, but fully formed and full-flavored beet. Regular seed, not pelleted.

Beet Greens: Beet greens have a days to maturity of around 50 days and can be harvested just for their delicious and nutritious greens or allowed to mature for their root.

Broccolini: BC1611  (33 days to maturity) Fast maturing spring harvest mini-broccoli called “broccolini.

Carrot: Mokum  (34 days to maturity) Baby carrots during an early harvest can be left in the soil for another month for full-size harvest. Loosen the soil about 8 inches down with a narrow stick directly under where you place the seeds.

Swiss chard: Bright Lights  (55 days to maturity) Rainbow chard selection, develops all-season, just keep picking.

Green Onion: Guardsman  (50 days to maturity) A short season scallion.

Lettuce: Milagro (54 days to maturity) Butterhead lettuce type. Pick the largest leaves as the plant grows.

Pea: Sugar Ann (51 days to maturity) A fast maturing sweet spring pea. Sugar Ann is a string-less pea that was an All-American Selections winner in 1984. The pods are 3 inches long (7.5 cm.) and bright green. It is a vine type, but the vines are short and compact and rarely need staking. Snap peas are plumper and thicker than snow peas, with a pleasant bite.

Pea Shoots: Any type of pea will suffice, but sugar pod peas are the easiest types to grow for shoots and tendrils since they tend to shoot up faster and stay light and crisp. Oregon Sugar Pod seed is readily available and great for shoots and tendrils

Radish: Rover (21 days to maturity) Fastest of all crops. This one is a brilliant red.

Spinach: Bloomsdale (30 days to maturity) Reliable early crop, full-leaved spinach. Get a larger crop with much less work if you plant the seeds in November for germination in the spring. Harvest before the warm weather starts.

Blog posts are coming soon on growing tips for specific crops.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Sign up for our newsletter

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.

The Growing Health Revolution

According to Dr. Mark Hyman, 60% of Americans have a chronic disease,70% of world-wide deaths are caused by chronic disease, over the next 35 years we will spend $95 trillion dollars on chronic disease, we only have 60 years of harvests left in our quickly disappearing top soil, and our food system is the number one cause of climate change.

“The book “Food Fix: How to Save Our Health, Our Economy, Our Communities, and Our Planet--One Bite at a Time” is an indispensable guide to food, our most powerful tool to reverse the global epidemic of chronic disease, heal the environment, reform politics, and revive economies, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Mark Hyman, MD.”Read this book if you're ready to change the world.” –Timothy John Ryan served as a U.S. representative for Ohio from 2003 to 2023.

The industrialization of food production, encouraged by government policies and the consolidation of food industries, has led to a diet dominated by processed foods, contributing to the global epidemic of chronic diseases and resulting in profound health disparities and injustices. We need a shift towards regenerative agriculture to mitigate climate change and improve public health. The true costs of processed food and industrial food production are hidden.

Processed foods are changing our waistlines AND our world!

Welcome to the era where your dinner might have more frequent flier miles and artificial ingredients than your entire Instagram feed. It's no secret that the way we eat has changed dramatically, thanks to the industrialization of food production, fueled by government policies and big food industry players. This shift has left us with a plate full of processed foods, sidelining the real stars: fruits, veggies, whole grains, and the like. It's a shift that's not just changing our waistlines but our world, contributing to a host of chronic diseases and environmental issues.

The Standard American Diet (SAD)

Enter Dr. Mark Hyman, a pioneer in functional medicine, who's not just talking the talk but walking the walk with his book "Food Fix." He's here to give us the lowdown on why the Standard American Diet (SAD) is, well, pretty sad. It's a concoction of ultra-processed foods, added sugars, fats, and sodium – a far cry from the wholesome, natural foods our bodies crave.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is a modern dietary pattern afflicting American adults and children across the United States with long-term, damaging health consequences. By definition, the Standard American Diet consists of ultra-processed foods, added sugar, fat, and sodium. Wholesome foods such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are largely forgotten. 

According to the Department of Agriculture, processed food are any raw agricultural commodities that have been washed, cleaned, milled, cut, chopped, heated, pasteurized, blanched, cooked, canned, frozen, dried, dehydrated, mixed or packaged — anything done to them that alters their natural state. The top 10 unhealthy foods extremely harmful for your health are refined carbohydrates, alcohol, potato crisps, margarine, canned soups, doughnuts, processed meat, and instant noodles.

The Food Fix Campaign

In “Food Fix” Dr. Hyman uncovers the bitter truth behind our food systems. These systems are making us sick, hurting our planet, and costing us more than just a pretty penny. He points out the main culprits – refined carbs, alcohol, and a parade of processed foods that sound more like a chemistry experiment than a meal.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Dr. Hyman is on a mission with the Food Fix Campaign to turn the tables on these food giants, advocating for a world where agriculture heals the planet instead of harming it. He's talking about regenerative farming – a way of growing food that puts health and environment first. It restores health soils destroyed by tilling and chemicals used by industrial agriculture. Many soil scientists say we only have 60 harvests left.

Root causes of most disease is a destructive food system

After decades of treating chronic diseases, Dr. Hyman realized the root causes stem from a destructive food system, influenced heavily by food policies shaped by the food industry. This industry, according to Dr. Hyman, manipulates science, spreads misinformation, and drives the consumption of toxic food, leading to widespread chronic diseases, environmental degradation, and significant economic burdens in all areas of life.

Highlighting the historical progression towards the current food system, Dr. Hyman pointed out the shift post-World War II towards industrial agriculture, which, while solving immediate hunger issues, laid the foundation for today's health and environmental crises. The industrialization of food production, encouraged by government policies and the consolidation of food industries, has led to a diet dominated by processed foods, contributing to the global epidemic of chronic diseases.

Dr. Hyman criticized the existing food policies for supporting unhealthy food production and distribution practices, resulting in profound health disparities and injustices. He called for a comprehensive understanding of the interconnections between food systems and global challenges, advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes.

Food as medicine

Dr Hyman says the role of healthcare practitioners should be promoting food as medicine. Also needed is policy changes to support farmers in adopting regenerative practices that restores healthy soils, and the gradual shift of some large food companies towards sustainable practices. Dr. Hyman highlights the link between poor dietary habits and chronic diseases, including their impact on COVID-19 outcomes, underscoring the urgency of addressing the food system for better health and environmental outcomes.

This isn't just about eating your greens. It’s a call to action.

Dr. Hyman is rallying everyone from farmers to policymakers to rethink how we produce and consume food. Imagine a world where food is medicine, where policies support sustainable farming, and where big food companies prioritize the planet and our health over their profits.

So, what's the takeaway? It's time to get clued up and speak up. Our health, our economy, and our environment are all on the line. Let's push for a food revolution that brings us back to basics, champions regenerative agriculture, and makes the planet a healthier place for future generations.

Ready to join the movement?

Dr. Hyman's message through "Food Fix" and his advocacy work is a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to recognize and act on the interconnectedness of food systems, health, and the environment. By understanding these connections and advocating for systemic changes, there is hope for reversing the negative impacts of current food practices on global health and the planet.

“Grow Your Own Food” blog posts

See the full list of our Grow Your Own Food blog posts. Each post is assigned ”tags” which are under the post title. If you need a quick answer to a gardening question give us a call or send a text to our customer support team – support[at]deep-roots-project.org AND 708-655-5299.

Deep Roots online store

See our online store for details about prices, ordering and delivery of raised beds, planter boxes, microbe-rich compost, worm castings, leaf mulch and more. We don’t sell traditional soil, since we use 100% compost as our growing medium. Our online store has 2 sections – (1) raised beds and planter boxes and (2) compost, worm castings, fertilizer.

Please contact our customer support team before placing an order online so we can assist you with the details and answer your gardening questions. You can pay by credit card in the store or by check.

(708) 655-5299 and support[at]deep-roots-project.org

Please leave your cell phone number when you sign up for our eNewsletter, if you want text message announcements now and then.

Donations help us provide organic kitchen gardening education to individuals, organizations, and entire communities. Thank you in advance for contributing to our community and for sharing our website and blog with friends and family.