Big thanks to Jenny for helping me out in the back yard today! We dug up a place for a raspberry patch and then she rototilled it and another large patch by the house (go, Wonder Woman!). Ryan had a fabulous time digging around in the dirt and then helping Jen spread fertilizer. The babies both enjoyed the sunshine.
So, I really know nothing about gardening (although I have planted bulbs that have now come up successfully two years in a row). In fact, my track record is pretty bad when it comes to plants. But I've decided that the effort is still worth it. As Nate's mom says, nothing is impossible, so I figure I'll keep trying until I figure it out.
I also decided there are a lot of reasons that I want to garden:
- It's excellent exercise! I am definitely getting definition in my arms and legs from digging, squatting, etc.
- It is a great excuse to get me and the kids outside.
- I really want my kids to know where some of the food they eat comes from.
- I'd like to be able to grow and preserve some of my own food, partly for self-sufficiency and partly for the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from doing it (I'd assume).
- There is a lot of value in doing things that take time: they teach patience, perseverance, and planning.
- I'm trying to constantly learn how to do new things. I figure I am only going to grow a few things this year, and if I figure them out (at least enough to not kill them), then we'll add more next year. :D
4 comments:
I planted a garden last year for the first time and really enjoyed it. I got so many tomatoes I didn't know what to do with them all. Note to self: don't plant 6 tomatoes plants again!! You only need 2! But it did make for canned tomatoes which I am so proud to show off to whoever will look. :) Good for you, you will really love the end product. I hope everything grows good for you. Trial and error right?
Marie-I LOVE gardening. If you want I can bring over lots of starts for you so you don't have to pay for them. I have raspberry bushes, strawberry plants, flowers, bulbs, herbs, etc. Just tell me what you want and I will bring some over. It's so much cheaper to share! (It's how I got most of my own garden going)! I LOVE being in my garden. It is so therapeutic.
I agree that it's great to share. Thank you for offering, I'm sure Marie will love it.
And Heather.. I have to make a correction to your post.. in my mind you would only need one tomato plant. ;) (and even that's too much)
I'm really proud of Marie.. she said she wanted to do it, and she's learning! I look forward to sharing the "fruits" of her labors. ;)
Nate
Megan, I am totally going to take you up on your offer. We'll totally have to chat about what you have (and if I have anything that you want, I'm more than willing to share!).
I am so excited!! And terrified!! But that's okay. :D Heather and Megan, I was so impressed with both of you last year. Here's to hoping I too can achieve greatness. :D
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