Wicked Gardening - Part 1

I, in general, have always been somewhat of an indoor girl. I grew up on a river, so I did spent a lot of time on it while I was a kid but I love being in the air conditioning. It gets hot here in Texas after all! But recently, we've moved into a new house, with a really fabulous back yard. We were in an apartment, so it was really sort of cramped with nowhere to play outside. When I saw this yard we knew we had to put something in. So I've been out there, in the corner of the yard, really trying hard to get it going.

So far it's doing really, really well. I planted onions, carrots, lettuce (2 kinds with a third native wild variety), basil, dill, spinach, green peppers, tomatoes, watermelon, cantelope, okra, cucumbers, squash and green beans. I think there are few more things but I totally forgot what I put down. Lesson learned!

I've discovered that I LOVE it in general. For all those who have sat around, wondering if they could keep a garden, I say go for it. I have really benefited from doing it in many ways. For one, I'm outside more than I normally would be. My daughter is too. She's three and loves to trample the garden as much as she can, jumping in the water puddles I create twice a day typically. But she's doing it with me and she is getting nothing but pure thrill out of being involved. Tonight she came in COVERED in mud, all smiles. I'm also learning a lot of life and survival skills. I know that with just a small amount of good soil, basic tools, a little space and some seeds, I can make sure there is some food. It's been very easy to get it to the point it's at, which is totally sprouted and growing everyday for 3 weeks + now, with no pesticides or chemical fertilizers. I'm not saying that we won't have issues, but they can be treated with the most basic of household supplies, non-toxic and safe for you to eat right away! My grandpa and my dad both have gardens here without using harsh chemicals.

So in general, it's a good time and it's good for you and it's a good influence and dang it, it's just good. When I see those plants putting out fruit and veggies, it will be an awesome day. I thought I'd share a bit just for fun. I wonder if any of you garden either? Would love to hear anyone's thoughts, tips, etc. I'll share a few of mine along the way.

Tip of the day: Throw your leaves in a pile, leave 'em be! You don't even have to put them in a container. Just save a bit of them when you rake, toss in some soil and the bugs will do their job. They'll turn into fertilizer in 2 weeks and your plants will be so happy. ;)