About two years ago, I started my young daughter on a special diet to try to control her autoimmune illnesses. She was on several medications and her doctors were talking about surgery and further medications. Thanks to the dietary changes, she is off all medications except one and is doing pretty well though we still have a ways to go to get her health under control.
As a result of the dietary changes, I learned to cook from scratch with minimal ingredients. The more I researched the diet and visited blogs, the more convinced I became that I could grow some produce for my family's use. A year ago, I built two raised beds and set up some containers in the small patch of sun in our tiny backyard. I tried growing a variety of items, but with the summer drought, I wasn't too successful. I had success with herbs, lettuce, spinach and chard, as well as one tomato plant. Everything else died. I plan to try again this year.
I also made some rain barrels, set up a backyard compost bin, and have a worm compost bin in the kitchen. I still have a lot to learn, but have enjoyed it so far.
Susan
