Let me start by stating… I am NOT a gardener, yet.
Garden and Yard Tour
Over the years I haaaaave learned a thing or two about gardening, therefor I do know a few things like I know I:
- can do it
- have friends who teach me stuff about it
- get a LEGIT THRILL out of being part of the growing process
Let me tell ya, from the first little green sprouts that emerge, to the quiet (or podcast filled) moments watering (no sprinkler system), to the moments spent pulling dead leaves and trimming strays and pulling weeds… there is something particularly satisfying about raising a garden.
I don’t like the problem solving… like how to get rid of bugs or making the best decisions on how to fertilize organically, but I do adore the outcome.
Gardening calms me. It has great self-gratification potential as well. I don’t need anyone to tell me I am awesome, I can see it it the fruit and blooms.
Of course, I have LOADS of failure in the gardening department… like:
- Most of the bulbs I planted in the Fall must’ve nourished the bellies of squirrels
- I have no idea what to plant together
- or apart, for that matter
In my intermittent experience with gardening I have learned enough to know I like it and want to learn more.
Plus, it keeps my body moving.
And friends… AM I SORE.
Last year, I had a small garden area with some sun, but it was a mostly shady area. I crammed sweet peas and dahlias in the sunniest spots. I grew zucchini as well.
The dahlias were AMAZE.
The sweet peas did well. The little bugs were a pain in the butt.
I grew a few very big zucchini. The results were not prolific as I’ve had in prior efforts. I think the area was too shady.
Tomatoes. I grew those in containers. They took FOREVER to ripen. I am considering a little “greenhouse for containers” idea I saw to give those guys a little extra heat.
In order to create more of a growing area I spent A LOT of time clearing an area in my backyard over the fall and winter. It is mostly full sun and it was A LOT OF HARD WORK THAT I DON’T REGRET. Be sure to watch the video at the end of the post to see how much work it was!
LOOK AT ALL THE POTENTIAL!!!
These are the things (seeds and starts) I have on my grow list:
- tomatoes
- zucchini
- red onion
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- basil
- parsley
- carrots
- lettuces
- watermelon
- butternut squash
- potatoes
- pumpkins (need to clear a new space for those)
- dahlias, dahlias, dahlias
- sweet pea flowers
- sunflowers
- ranunculus
- daisies
- wildflowers (if there’s room)
- hostas (they thrive in shade, I have lots of that)
That’s quite a list!
I will update progress here weekly. Swing back by and enjoy the growing season with me! I am hoping to get to share lots of wins and tips as I learn more and more about how to grow stuff.
Thank you for your patience. I had to get that out. Here is that video tour of my garden and yard!
Having trouble watching? View here.
I would LOVE a watering system. The upside to having no family vacation this summer is I am around to baby/water my garden. It will have all my smothering attention. I do love heading out in the morning for a little coffee and plant watering…
Related: YES. I talk to my plants.
