Gardeners can follow Obamas advice and go back to basics

In his inaugural speech as the 44th president of the United States of America, Barack Obama spoke of returning to old values and resurrecting forgotten practices.

One such practice is that of subsistence gardening – an exercise long since fallen from popularity but well and truly on its way back up.

A recent article on examiner.com recently extolled the virtues of growing your own food in the garden or greenhouse.

It suggested that food grown at home better tastes and has more nutritional value than food grown elsewhere and shipped over great distances.

It is also better for the environment as it cuts down on pesticides and saves the fuel needed to transport it from source to shop and on to the home.

However, according to the article, the biggest benefit is financial.

"During the spring and summer when I can throw some seeds (or seedlings) in a pot (or window box), put them out on my balcony and harvest at will, I barely have to go to the grocery store," writes gardener Theresa Cramer of the Hartford Green Living Examiner.

"Add a cherry tomato plant, and some cucumbers in a pot (throw a tomato cage around the cucumbers and youll be fine) and youve got salads for months on end."

While some areas are still battling the cold of winter, a report on Oklahomas News OK website suggested recently that gardeners start preparing their yards and greenhouses for spring.