Why? Because you can! And pickle, and jam, or otherwise celebrate the resurgence of the domestic arts our forebears held so dear. Put on your best apron and step into our kitchen, won't you?
There's lots you can grow in your garden that is essentially preservable for use later on in the year. Chamomile blossoms, cilantro seeds (coriander), garlic and onions are all things coming out of the garden now that you can dry! Here's some tips..
There are many benefits to raised bed gardens, including better draining soil & avoiding toxic chemicals in soil. Gardening in a concrete block bed offers these benefits, with the perks that it's cheaper & concrete blocks don't deteriorate over time!
If your basement is heated & you don't have a traditional "cellar", you can make an in-ground root cellar out of a 5 gallon plastic bucket! I used mine this winter, & I had carrots & potatoes from October until March! Cheap, simple, & effective.