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Grow Your Own Baby Food
May 25, 2010
Chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers-oh my! Not only can chemicals and pesticides used in much of the produce that is grown for grocery stores be harmful to the environment, but to you and your child as well. A healthier alternative is growing your own baby food. With the help of Julie Teske, a nurse from Columbia Center that often grows her own food, we address some of parents’ most common questions.
- Why should parents consider growing their own baby food? What are the positives?
The main reason is having the knowledge that no chemicals and no pesticides were used because you grew it yourself. The food is pure and whole and you know what you’re getting. Plus gardening is very fun and for many people, it can turn into an enjoyable hobby.
- What are the easiest foods to start out with if parents have never grown produce before?
Squash is a food that is very simple to start out with because it is easy to grow, however, it does need ample space in a garden as it develops. It is also an easy food for babies to eat because it is not difficult to puree. Potatoes, beats, carrots, strawberries and raspberries are other examples of produce that are easier to cultivate in a home garden and are also nutritious food for your baby.
- Where are the best places (i.e. stores and/or websites) to find seeds?
I think the answer to this depends on what types of seeds you’re looking for. In general, the best place that I have found quality seeds is at Jung’s Seeds in Sun Prairie, WI. Since they are farther away, I order the seeds I want through their catalog. On the other hand, I occasionally find seeds I want at my local Fleet and Farm and the Jewel Food Store in Mequon.
- What tips do you have for starting a garden?
Don’t be intimated. What many people don’t realize is how easy this can be. Basically, you’re just throwing some seeds in the ground, which means you can’t make any major mistakes. Also, a lot of space is not a requirement to start a garden. You have the option to plant in pots as well. Strawberries are an example of a plant that does very well in a pot.
- When is the best time of year to start a garden?
Depends on what you’re planning to plant in your garden. May is probably the best month to start most plants. Some things can be started earlier. For example, lettuce and spinach can be planted in April. When you’re browsing seeds and plants you would like to grow, you can check the package or research online to find out their typical growing season.
- What are some methods for turning fresh produce into food that babies can eat?
The most popular and simplest method I recommend is to puree the produce. You can put the puree into single serving ice cube trays so that you are able to save it for later. Freezing maintains the freshness of the food. It would also be difficult to make the food everyday so pureeing and freezing allows you to save time. Juicing is another method that can be used and can be very nutritious for kids to drink.
- Are there any rules for what types of food babies can and cannot eat from a garden?
One recommendation that I have is that I wouldn’t give a young toddler peas because of the size. Parents should be careful about serving whole foods. They shouldn’t just cut up food and feed it to their child, but should make sure it is mashed well. As for keeping an eye out for food allergies, parents should be cautious and introduce one food at a time. If there is no reaction, then they know the food is safe.
- What is the economic value for parents growing their own baby food?
Growing your own baby food provides a huge economic incentive for parents because it is a lot cheaper. You also know what you’re getting and what exactly is in your food. The trade off here is that it’s more labor intensive then simply dropping by the grocery store and picking up what you need.
- Pesticides and other chemicals are often used on produce bought from the store. Do these play a role in a home garden?
Whether or not these play a role in your home garden depends on what you grow. For example, potatoes can be susceptible to bugs and sometimes you have to dust them. However, I highly recommend trying to use little to no pesticides and not to use chemical fertilizers. The fertilizer I use is horse manure because it’s all-natural and works well for planting.
If you’re starting your plant in a pot, try to use natural fertilizer rather than a product like Miracle Grow. I’m not opposed to using different pesticides or chemical fertilizers for flowers, but my recommendation is to stick to natural fertilizers for food. My philosophy is that we get enough chemicals in our diet, so why should we add it when we are gardening.
- Besides the food itself, what are some other benefits people can gain from growing their own baby food?
If you have older kids, planting a family garden can be very fun for them too. Kids love to get their hands in the dirt and help. It can also be a great educational tool because most kids don’t think about where their food comes from.
While many parents may find the task of growing their own food daunting, it’s easy to see that the benefits can definitely outweigh the drawbacks. It’s also important to remember that starting to grow your own baby food doesn’t mean you have to stop going to the grocery store. Simply starting out with one or two types of produce can be a healthier supplement to your baby’s diet and your normal routine. So don’t be scared, take a chance, and try out the wholesomeness of homegrown!
