Happy Earth Day! Today we celebrate our planet by sharing ways to protect, restore, and cherish it. At Sustainable Harvest International (SHI), one of the ways we care for the Earth is by partnering with family farmers in Central America to grow food organically and sustainably. Keep reading to learn how you can do the same—and make every day Earth Day.
The practices listed below are used daily by SHI farmers and rooted in a deep respect for the land. We hope they inspire you to change your own consumption habits—or go further still and help transform your local food system. Like SHI’s dedicated farmers, who care deeply for their families and the planet, you too can be an agent of change.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: HOW FARMING IMPACTS THE ENVIRONMENT
How we grow our food directly affects the health of our planet. Conventional farming often leads to deforestation and degrades the soil, stripping it of the nutrients plants need to thrive. Practices that rely on clearing forests and using synthetic chemicals overlook a fundamental truth: healthy crops need functioning ecosystems.
SHI partners with family farmers across Central America to implement regenerative farming techniques that restore biodiversity and revitalize the land. SHI farmers plant trees and care for the soil using organic methods. They also find creative ways to minimize waste—reusing nearly everything on their farms.
Growing your own food may seem intimidating, but it becomes easier when you follow steps used by SHI’s family farmers. Their tips can be adapted to your unique circumstances, space, and available resources. We recommend starting with one plant–or a few at a time–and one day, you may have a small farm of your own.
Earth-Friendly Gardening Tips by SHI Family Farmers
STEP #1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION
Most vegetables and fruits need at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Select a space in your yard, balcony, or windowsill that gets plenty of sunlight, and ensure that the area is sheltered from strong winds. Keep in mind that some plants can thrive in partial shade (3-6 hours of sun per day), including many root and leafy crops like lettuce, kale, carrots, green onions, and broccoli. If in doubt, look up how much sun your vegetables need to help you find just the right spot for planting. You can also use this free garden planner to get you started.
STEP #2: SELECT YOUR VEGETABLES AND HERBS
If you have a space for a garden bed, opt for tomatoes—an excellent choice for beginners. Other rewarding vegetables to grow include potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, onions, chilies, mushrooms, and lettuce. If you’re using smaller pots on a balcony or windowsill, try growing herbs like basil, mint, and parsley. Aromatic herbs are perfect for small spaces and can elevate your home-cooked meals.
Pro Tip from María Gonzáles, SHI farmer: María grows vegetables that thrive in small plots. She chooses vegetables she enjoys to eat and grows herbs to make her own spices. María gives the plants enough space to grow, but not so much space that they overcrowd the others.
María Gonzáles shows her cabbage harvest proudly, with an appropriate shirt that says YUM!
María Gonzáles plants turmeric, which she uses in powder form in her drinks and when cooking.
STEP #3: PREPARE YOUR SOIL
The key to successful gardening is rich, fertile soil. Mix in compost or other organic matter, like yard and food waste, to help your soil retain moisture and essential nutrients. You can also use a soil testing kit to test if your soil is ready for planting. If the pH is too acidic or alkaline, try adding natural amendments to balance it out. For example, lime can raise pH in overly acidic soils, while sulfur can help lower pH in alkaline soils. All of these can be found at your local farmer’s market or nursery.
Pro Tip from SHI partner farmers: Composting is better together. Many SHI communities build large compost piles using neighbors’ food scraps and yard waste. It’s a fun way to build community, reduce waste, and improve everyone’s soil.
SHI community Pueblo Nuevo, Honduras work together to mix compost, which will be distributed to the whole community.
STEP #4: TIME TO PLANT
Once your soil is ready and containers are filled, it's time to plant. If you're starting from seed, follow the instructions on the packet. Look for native or heirloom seeds from local nurseries or seed libraries to ensure they’re well-suited to your climate. If you're planting seedlings, gently place them into the soil, cover the roots, and lightly press down to keep them stable.
Pro Tip from Joaquin Hernández, SHI farmer: Joaquin houses seedlings in paper cones made out of old newspapers. Bonus Tip: when you repurpose items like Joaquin does, you’re bound to save money.
Joaquín Hernández in his family's greenhouse, where they grow a variety of vegetables.
STEP #5: MAINTAIN YOUR GARDEN
To keep your garden healthy, water your plants consistently, remove weeds, and inspect your garden for pests or diseases regularly. Certain plants can naturally repel pests or enhance growth when planted together. For example, marigolds can help deter plant-eating insects, while basil can protect tomatoes from mosquitoes and flies.
Pro Tip from SHI: You may not grow as much as you’d like your first try, but don’t give up! SHI’s program lasts about four to five years for a reason: growing food, healing the Earth, and building community takes time.
STEP #6: ENJOY YOUR HARVEST
When your vegetables or herbs are ready, harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Pro Tip from SHI partner farmers: Sometimes your garden produces more than you can eat. Your harvest might give you more than you can eat at once. Prevent food waste by dehydrating or drying produce, or turning the surplus into sauces or spices. You can also share the wealth with neighbors. Growing food is rewarding — and even more joyful when shared.
“I never thought I would grow vegetables [by] applying practices that conserve the soil, the water, and other natural resources. These practices have helped us survive.“”
