Walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week can boost your health and support the environment. So can growing a garden. During both World Wars, people all over America did something remarkable: They planted “victory gardens.” Communities, government, private industry, and individuals pitched in to grow food for themselves, their neighbors, and those serving in the military. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we took on this grassroots effort toward creating a sustainable public food supply today? It would reduce pollution and provide tasty, homegrown food at the same time.

Ready to put your green thumb to the test? Here are some tips:

• Keep it simple. You don’t need a farm to grow vegetables. Just a small plot of land will do. Or make a container garden with large pots and wood boxes on your patio, porch, or rooftop.

• Think local. Select seed varieties or seedlings known to do well in your climate and conditions. Try lettuces, carrots, spinach, onions, garlic, and tomatoes for a delicious salad harvest.

• Handle with care. Your garden won’t grow without care. Water it regularly and cover your tender sprouts if there’s a danger of frost.

• Be patient. You won’t harvest your salad tomorrow. A garden reminds us to slow down and appreciate the time it takes for something good to happen.

Growing your own vegetable garden isn’t only economical and nutritious — it’s also the best way to get the freshest, tastiest produce. If you can’t grow your own produce, get your produce at your local farmers market, such as a KP farmers market.