Backyard gardening is growing of crops and rearing of animals, usually in smaller quantities, to support the home. They are usually sited close to a person’s place of abode, it is not necessarily at the back of the house. It could be at the side, in front of or a walking distance from one’s house.
Early maturing plants especially vegetables such as okra, pepper, onions, ginger, tumeric, tomatoes, garden eggs are cultivated. Other plants that could be planted are cocoyam, cowpea, sweet potato, maize, citrus, cassava, plantain, guavas, coconuts, etc.
Ornamental plants such as Pride of Barbados, Hibiscus, Queen of the night, Duranta, and Lady in the boat could be planted as hedges and for beautification.
Some benefits of backyard gardening is that it is less expensive because the size is usually manageable and work is done during one’s leisure. It becomes a form of physical exercise for the body which involves the psychological and emotional aspects since it involves activities such as clearing weeds, digging, planting, watering, mulching, pruning and harvesting.
Some animals that are usually raised in backyard gardens include poultry such as turkeys, chicken, ducks, guinea fowls, etc. Other animals that can be reared by households include snails, rabbits, pigs, sheep, and goats. Some people also practice fish farming in their yards.
Some benefits of backyard gardening is that it is less expensive because the size is usually manageable and work is done during one’s leisure. It becomes a form of physical exercise for the body which involves the psychological and emotional aspects since it involves activities such as clearing weeds, digging, planting, watering, mulching, pruning and harvesting.
There is always a fresh supply of food, that is in the particular aspect one is cultivating, and being sure of the source of one’s meal, that is they are free of toxic substances. Wastes in the home are made use of, that is kitchen wastes are used as manure in the garden, animal droppings can also be used to improve the soil’s fertility. Sometimes, the feed of the animals are gotten from the garden.
Some plants such as Aloe Vera, pawpaw and mango have medicinal values for both man and livestock, for example pawpaw seeds are used for deworming.
There is the economic benefit where the home’s expenditure on buying of food items is reduced.
There comes a time when one gives gifts to family and friends from the backyard gardens. Examples are fruits, vegetables, fowls and eggs.
It is also a way of training children about virtues such as tender loving care, waiting, labour, what is sown is reaped, patience, compassion, etc.
There is also a sure increase of the production of atmospheric oxygen, that is fresh air which is very good for humans.
It is advised that individuals practice backyard gardens, if it is within their means. Without a parcel of land, one can use pots and sacks and still realize harvests. It could be inside the compound or wall of a house.
The challenges may be stray animals or thieves in the neighbourhood. Fencing and early harvesting of fruits could reduce the action of stray animals and thieves respectively. Watch Dog Committees could also be helpful in such situations.
Backyard gardening is a fulfilling aspect of life that is fruitful and beneficial to humanity. Do not allow that space or land continue to lie idle, embark on backyard gardening, it is a good investment. A viable seed is sure to yield many more fruits than expected, equally, reared poultry and livestock produce many of their kind.
Why not start a backyard if you have the space and some time?
Give backyard gardening a try and enjoy the experience. You will never regret owning a backyard garden.
By Enyonam Adjorlolo, enyomedia, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana.
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