'World Vegetarian Day was founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) and was endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978. October 1st is the annual kick-off of Vegetarian Awareness Month. Make a difference this October by informing others about the benefits of vegetarianism. You will be helping to create a better world because vegetarian diet have proven health benefits, save animals’ lives and help to preserve the Earth.'
Irrespective of whether you are a meat eater, a vegetarian or vegan and for whatever reasons; we are all encouraged to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Growing your own fruit and vegetables holds many benefits including a more active lifestyle working your plot or garden, saving money on groceries; as well as having fresh produce grown organically, which is more flavoursome and packed with nutrients as opposed to chemicals.
If timed correctly and in the right growing conditions, we can grow crops practically all year round and if stored correctly - always have a supply until the next yield is ready for harvest.
Fruit and vegetable plants can be grown wherever you have the space from pots on a balcony, terrace or patio to an allotment plot or field as well as under cover in a polytunnel or greenhouse.
Growing your own food encourages us to make healthier choices at meal times; the satisfaction of successfully growing and the sense of achievement will also encourage family; children and friends to try healthy alternatives.
In particular, allotment sites and community gardens are very sociable and helps with otherwise social isolation and mental health. There is always help at hand with advice from the more experienced growers as well as group initiatives, such as seed swapping, plot and growing competitions, information sessions with guest speakers and other social gatherings.
Growers who are less mobile can also benefit from community gardens that are accessible with raised beds and paths suitable for wheelchair users.