A couple of months ago we
planted a garden. We didn't take the time to do any research; we simply bought seeds for what we were interested in eating, and helped the kids put them in the ground. (Aside from our tomatoes, that is. We bought those already started; we grew some in pots the same way last summer and they were wildly successful.) I've found that, despite my generally organized and careful nature, sometimes it's better to just do certain things (that I'm likely not to do if I have to figure it all out first) when I have the impulse.
Already, we've learned a bit. Many of our seeds never even sprouted. Perhaps I should have taken a friend's advice and waited until Mother's Day to plant? Started the seeds inside? Who knows. Some of our greens were a casualty of slugs. We've done some re-planting, and bought a few things already started to supplement.
I love stepping outside each night after dinner to water. It slows me down, gets me breathing the fresh ocean air, acknowledging the connectedness of the universe that we're part of, and transitioning from day to night. I love that about having a garden.
So far, we've used our herbs to cook with, and are just starting to eat some of our lettuce. It shouldn't be long for the other vegetables, I think.
I've watered, tended and admired, and puttered a bit in this little garden of ours.
A couple of months ago we planted a garden. We didn't take the time to do any research; we simply bought seeds for what we were interested in eating, and helped the kids put them in the ground. (Aside from our tomatoes, that is. We bought those already started; we grew some in pots the same way last summer and they were wildly successful.) I've found that, despite my generally organized and careful nature, sometimes it's better to just do certain things (that I'm likely not to do if I have to figure it all out first) when I have the impulse. 
Already, we've learned a bit. Many of our seeds never even sprouted. Perhaps I should have taken a friend's advice and waited until Mother's Day to plant? Started the seeds inside? Who knows. Some of our greens were a casualty of slugs. We've done some re-planting, and bought a few things already started to supplement.
I love stepping outside each night after dinner to water. It slows me down, gets me breathing the fresh ocean air, acknowledging the connectedness of the universe that we're part of, and transitioning from day to night. I love that about having a garden.
So far, we've used our herbs to cook with, and are just starting to eat some of our lettuce. It shouldn't be long for the other vegetables, I think.
I've watered, tended and admired, and puttered a bit in this little garden of ours.
18 comments:
Wonderful.... I have beans, squash, maters, and some creature ate my cukes to the ground and the strawberries too,,, Wah...
Your garden looks lovely!
pve
My grandad has a vegetable garden, I love it, yesterday we triend some baby carrots they were delicious
Your garden looks so beautiful and green. I'm sure the boys like it too!
I'm totally intimidated by vegetable gardening, but these photos make it very compelling!
Cool, what a great way to bring kids closer to nature and the source of food...some kids think vegetables grow in plastic packaging!
Lecia, I think you would love Jamie Oliver's 'At Home' cookbook, which also gives gardening tips. Wonderful recipes and helpful inofrmation. The television series is also available on dvd, and it's an absolute joy to watch.
Lecia, if it is any consolation, my seeds that I started inside have been struggling outside. Yes I have had the problem with those little sluggers too. I didn't know how much a little thing could eat. Our whole backyard! Oh well I can still admire holes and all. xoxo
I've always wanted my very own vegetable garden! My dad used to always plant a huge one when I was little and my brothers and sisters and I would be forced to weed, which I thought was utter torture. Now I wish I had one of my own! Yours looks great--congrats!
Beautiful - you've done a wonderfull job.
Nina x
Hello Lecia! Great pictures! Do you know that you can eat that flowers (courgettes?)!!!!
Kisses!
i just took yet another tour photographing our garden as well and i make notes, so we can improve next year. your garden is lovely as was your approach!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
Nothing more delicious or satisfying than enjoying the bounty from your own garden!
Lookin' good! I love watering the garden in the evenings, too. It has a calming effect on me...
I know the joy. I also love the watering and I think learning by doing is the best when it comes to gardening. And also, growing is the best way to spend time with the kids in my opinion. We all love it equally. So nice to have a glimpse of your garden.
WE've our first official garden thsi year as well. My husband is in charge, and he reports that almost everything has failed...everything except for the tomatoes and peppers! I have a small herb container garden on the porch, and it's doing really well.
fun! sounds like your impulsive garden is doing pretty darn well! the year before we left seattle we dug out two raised beds and got them all ready to plant...but never got to. a newborn and then moving got in the way. i think next year i'll definitely have to at least do some container veggies.
Your garden looks fantastic :)
I relate to all of it, and I think what keeps me here in the middle of nowhere is my addiction to gardening, and to feasting on our very own produce!
Our garden looks almost the same as yours. The main mistake we made is to plant things too close to one another. They were so tiny when we put them + our lack of experience, it was hard to believe that one day they will become so big that our little raised bed would look like a jungle.
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