Friday, February 27, 2009

Gardening

I have had in mind the last couple of Springs that I wanted to create and plant a vegetable garden in our backyard each year. For one reason or another it hasn't happened yet, but I'm feeling the urge once again as Spring is drawing closer. Having a new baby in the house may seem like a deterrent, but to me it's motivation. I worry that I may have a more difficult time getting my older toddler out of the house as often as I should with a new baby to tote along. My solution: a garden in the backyard to get us out there playing, working, and having outdoor fun.

My problem: I do not know the slightest bit about planting a garden. I take that back, I've read and researched quite a bit online. Unfortunately it seems there is just so much to know that it boggles my mind and scares me slightly. However, I hope to face those fears this year and see if I'm able to reap any rewards.

The previous owners of our home seem to have had something that resembles a garden along our fence. There are a few posts laid out to make a small 3 ft x 8 ft looking plot. This gives me some hope that it may be possible to actually grow something along there as I've wished. However, I believe we'll need to start from scratch.

I'm hoping to create a raised bed. Nothing huge. Maybe a 4 ft x 12 ft plot or something of similar size that I can expand in future years if I get comfortable enough with my gardening skills. Unfortunately being 9 months pregnant during a time that we should be starting to work the soil, build the bed, and bring in topsoil isn't in my favor. Hopefully my husband will have the same motivation as me once I show him my plans I've been working on.

The idea of having fresh grown produce is very enticing. I'm hoping to try out only some basic vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cucumbers this year. I may mix in a couple of other things, but I figure if I don't keep it simple I won't succeed. Plus, I'm hoping to leave some room for additional growth next year, right?

Has anybody else recently started their first garden? I'd love any advice. Especially timing wise - when to start my seeds, when to plant, etc. etc. It really seems overwhelming for a project that I know so many people love and enjoy. I want to be one of those people!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

You could also do a container garden. That way you don't have the hugeness of a full plot, but the fun in growing is still there. I am doing it this year since we will be moving. I will take my tomatoes with me!

Kristin said...

I was going to say container gardening too! I have NEVER had any inclination toward doing anything with gardening, but this year all of a sudden, it seems fun. Plus I love the idea of eating OUR OWN peppers, tomatoes, and onions. I have been researching container gardening, and plan on doing that. It seems like it would be much more manageable!