Plant Pink in Support of Women's Breast Cancer Awareness

Sandy, Barbara, Jennie and Rita. Who are these women? They are my friends and colleagues. They are also avid gardeners. And, each one of these courageous ladies has battled and survived breast cancer. Braving radiation and chemotherapy treatments, mastectomies, hair loss these women continue to work in their gardens, proudly showing off their tomatoes, peppers, petunias and Impatiens. Their enthusiasm inspired me to do something in honor of their strength and fortitude. I decided to dedicate a section of my summer garden to support the fight against Breast Cancer.

If you are a vegetable gardener you may want to dedicate a portion of your garden to foods that help fight cancer. Here is a list of easy- to-grow vegetables and herbs: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cilantro, Collard Greens, Garlic, Leaf Lettuce, Swiss Chard and Tomatoes

If you prefer not to grow vegetables create a butterfly garden. Butterflies are attracted to bright and fragrant flowers like peonies, petunias, morning glories and impatiens. All three come in striking shades of pink. If you don't have room for a garden set up window flower boxes or a patio bucket garden.

You may need to research what vegetables and/or flowers grow best in your growing zone. The state of North Carolina is divided into three zones, 6B, 7A and 7B. Western North Carolina is in zone 7A which means we can begin planting our gardens in April and May. If you are an experienced gardener you may choose to start your gardens from seed. Beginners might choose to purchase starter plants from your local home and gardening store or farmers market.

All-in-all, the reason for growing your garden is to emphasize how important it is for women to be involved with their own breast health and remember to schedule their yearly mammograms. Outdoor gardening provides you with a natural source of vitamin D and is great exercise. Both of which are helpful in cancer prevention. So get out there, put on your gardening gear and go kick some grass in the fight against Breast Cancer. Do it for the Sandy, Barbara, Jennie or Rita in your life.

Source(s):
http://www.nbcam.org
http://www.garden.org/zipzone
http://www.aicr.org/site/PageServer?pagename=foodsthatfightcancer_leafy_vegetables
Personal Gardening Experience - Butterfly Gardens