Vegetable growing can satisfy many different appetites. Gourmet cooks may choose to grow a specific herb that is hard to find at the supermarket or too expensive to let wilt in the fridge. Enviro's who want to reduce the miles their food has travelled to get to their plate love saying they get their groceries from the back yard. Politico's who are concerned with food security and globalization feel proud they can take control of one element of their food supply and know the true costs associated with their meal. Gardeners and plant lovers also often enjoy the wonder of nuturing a plant from seed and revel in the final reward of eating their beloved crop.

Satisfying your taste buds is a very common reason people choose to grow at least some of their food. Tomatoes from the garden taste so much better than from the supermarket. Most of this has to do with the fact that you are picking your own veggies at the exact time they are at their peak of ripeness. Food that travels miles often needs to be picked early to survive the journey to the warehouse, the store and finally your plate. Commercial growers also choose varieties for their suitability for transport. Thick skin doesn't add to the flavour so home growers choose taste over toughness.

Many vegetable gardeners grow heritage seeds and help keep the diversity of our food species open so we don't all fall into the monoculture trap that commercial farming has often relied on.

There is something special about growing your own food and sharing it with your friends and family. You know you are sharing something that is good for the health of us all.