There’s Never Been A Better Time to Grow Your Own Food

Stephen Henderson and guests talk about the benefits of and obstacles to gardening in Southeast Michigan.

Jake Neher/WDET

It might not feel like it yet with snow in the forecast, but it will soon be gardening season here in Southeast Michigan! 

One in three American households grow food either at home or in a community garden. Thinking about planting a fruit tree? Maybe starting out with some potted herbs or tomatoes? But maybe you’re wondering, “what grows well in partial shade?” Or clay-heavy soil?

Tee Rushdan, co-director of Keep Growing Detroit, joins Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson to answer all of those questions. She also talks about the physical, mental and environmental benefits of gardening.

A study released earlier this month revealed that poor diet is killing more people globally than smoking. And the worst part is that we now know the dangers of smoking, and we’ve known for some time. But in this era of sodium-laden, preservative-heavy snacks, and mega sized fast food combos, we are constantly bombarded by poor diet choices that are so easy to slip into.

In the city of Detroit, much has been done in recent years to address food access issues, but there is still much work to do. A 2018 report from the Detroit Food Policy Council revealed that 30,000 Detroiters do not have access to a full-line grocer.

Winona Bynum, executive director of the Detroit Food Policy Council, has been working toward improving the region’s food system for years. She joins Detroit Today to talk about the obstacles and consequences we face when it comes to the food we put in our bodies.   

Click on the audio player above to hear those conversations.

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  • Detroit Today
    Dynamic and diverse voices. News, politics, community and the issues that define our region. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson, Detroit Today brings you fresh and perceptive views weekdays at 9 am and 7 pm.