Spring has sprung and it’s the perfect time to start growing your own fruit and vegetables. Growing your own food holds many benefits, including the organic health aspect. A recent study by RMIT University found that after just one week of eating organic, adults could reduce their exposure to pesticides by an astonishing 90 percent. The study was published in the journal Environmental Research on April 29.

In addition, having an edible garden saves you money by cutting down on grocery bills. It also reduces your environmental footprint by cutting out food miles and gives you a greater appreciation of the importance of eating seasonal produce.

So how do you get started? All you have to do is clear a section of your garden, throw down some manure and get planting. Permaculture enthusiasts recommend trying corn, zucchini, cherry-tomatoes and lettuce. By Christmas, you should have a nice organic meal for the festive feast. Bon appétit!