There are many benefits to growing your own fruits and vegetables. Gardening provides access to affordable, healthy, locally grown foods; more control over whether chemical pesticides and fertilizers are used; and the opportunity for exercise and a chance to connect with nature. Gardeners are likely to eat more fruits and vegetables, which contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can reduce the risk of some types of cancer, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Gardening in some places may also increase your exposure to chemical contaminants in the soil. Soils in cities, for example, often have higher levels of metals and other contaminants than undisturbed rural soils. Even outside the city, some places can have higher levels of contaminants - for example, soil near buildings with lead-based paint can be contaminated with lead, and old apple orchards may have higher levels of lead and arsenic from pesticides that were used until the mid-1960s.

Through research and communication, the New York State Health Department's Center for Environmental Health works to support gardeners so that they may enjoy the rewards of growing their own healthy food while minimizing risks from exposure to contaminants.