The psychological benefits of growing your own vegetables to feed your family, far outweigh the initial financial outlay to buy the seed, according to Ger McGaugh, of McGaughs Gardening Complex.
He made the comments while launching the new season of seed propagation and sowing at the complex on the Curragh Line.
"As it is now mid January and we have well and truly put the cranberry sauce and mistletoe behind us, it is time to look forward to the coming season of seed propagation and sowing. The reality of this struck me as I walked through our section which hosts 24 different seed stands full to the brim of new and old types of flower seeds as well as an array of peas, beans and vegetable seeds.
“While walking through this corner I couldn’t help but think, who wouldn’t want to grow, harvest and cook their own five a day? Soon after, I was informed that the seed trays, propagators, vermiculite, perlite, seed compost, fleece and the specialised heaters, suitable for greenhouses and tunnels, had all just arrived. Proof that, yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
"I will admit that it is true most people believe it is not financially viable to grow your own flowers and vegetables. However, I would argue that the psychological rewards that can be gained by someone who has time to do it as a hobby or even someone who genuinely wants to independently feed their family, far outweighs the initial financial investment. '
“At the risk of showing my age I still believe, despite an influx of new varieties of seed potatoes onto the market in recent years, that the old reliables and ever popular first-early seed potatoes, such as Duke of York and Sharpes Express are hard to beat. I
"I feel that looking forward to the coming season with a positive attitude is made much easier by the fact that I am now sure there is a little stretch in the evenings.”
