Ask any kitchen gardener and they will tell you that their veggie plots and apple trees bring more pleasure than any other part of their landscape.

There’s nothing better than fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs picked just before eating. Kitchen Gardens invite an opportunity for fresh healthy food and a chance for the family to make smart choices together.

Edible gardens don’t have to take up a large space. Plants, trees and shrubs can be incorporated into any part of a landscape. Many herbs and vegetables happily grow in containers offering a wide variety of color contrast, textures, shapes, and unusual habits that add a unique touch.

When considering edibles in gardens, include berries and seed heads we may not eat but are happily foraged on by birds and other wildlife.

Your backyard foodscape is much bigger than just a fun healthy hobby. The agricultural system is accountable for high energy costs from the transportation of foodstuffs, a journey of 1500 miles for the average forkful.

Energy used to transport food is greatly decreased by buying locally-grown food, or better yet, growing it yourself .It’s been estimated that our industrialized food system in the US requires 10 calories of fossil fuel energy to create 1 calorie of food energy.

To be part of the solution, if you are a gardener already, keep up the good work! This spring try to scale up your growing if your time and space allow. If you're not a gardener, this is the year to start. Superior Gardens has the guidance, plants and products you need!

If you can’t garden, make purchases at a farmer’s market, look for locally raised meat and poultry. Your support helps protect farmland from development and helps keep that farmer farming.