Lose | Gain |
| needs lots of soil amendment to retain water | water collection system |
| dirt/soil/loam/hydroponics, etc. | better use of water |
| rodent issues from below | use of common building materials for raised bed frames |
| most large flying pests | use of renewable organic materials |
| weeding | use of organic fertilizers |
| back-breaking planting routines | use of organic pesticides |
| money spent on fertilizers, pesticide and insecticides | use of organic insect inhibitors |
| tilling of the soil | keeping critters out of your garden |
| watering several times a week | one-hand gardening |
| dealing with miscellaneous garden diseases | expanded growing season |
| being physically and emotionally drained from gardening effort | incredible-tasting food |
| listening to neighbors bragging about their gardens | less time working and more time enjoying your garden |
| relying on family or neighbors to water the garden when you are away | a green thumb the easy way |
| sharing your garden with rodents, birds and other mammals | ease of planting and harvesting |
| working with dangerous tools | ease of maintenance |
| spending every weekend doing garden maintenance | crop consistency every year |
| brown thumbs | teaching children how and why to garden |
| over- or under-watering issues | it can be done most anywhere |
| disappointments growing your own food | food safety |
