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“Too much sunlight, or too little?”
“What – you have to water this every day?!”
“Put cow poop in the soil – huh?!”
Yes, as you can tell, I need help in this category. But, I don’t think I’m alone! So, I’m happy to report that we newbie green thumbs are in this together!
WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU WANT TO DO THAT?!
So what’s your excuse? Every person has a reason for planting a garden. It isn’t that you just have nothing better to do than blaze energy and sweat buckets to produce an awesome veggie or fantabulous bouquet of flowers. Try to dig deep within and figure out what that end result needs to be. My sister, Susie, is a green gal to the core! She’s told me, “I love gardening because it is peaceful and it forces you to think about a long term plan. You also get in the dirt and see things in a new light. For example...bugs. Ew, right? But no, some of them are good. Bees? They have a real purpose besides getting in your pop and stinging your lip-pollination.”
Go help mom in the garden! Why not use gardening as some bonding time for your family? I know – immediately you’re cancelling that one out. The hubby couldn’t care less about growing baby’s breath – but he’ll be super proud of the “structure” you asked him to build for it or the gate to the garden or the foundation of the relaxing fountain. The kids, on the other hand, will be much easier to convince. They will be excited to try the new veggies and fruits that they helped grow! Give them their own space where you won’t freak out if they dig a hole to China! Let them plant seeds and learn the responsibility of caring for a living thing. Sounds cheesy, I know. But, imagine the fun they’ll have with just some dirt, water, and seeds. And I’ve even learned (in these early stages of horticulture) that sun flowers are one of the easiest for kids. They are large seeds and grow quite easily!
“Patience and fortitude conquer all things” – R.W. Emerson. Have time on your hands due to a deployment? Your mental and emotional strength will grow with your garden! Meaning: you won’t be bored out of your gourd while your soldier is gone. Do you need to learn patience? Gardening is the perfect set-up. You have to wait for what you are envisioning. You nurture something and it nurtures you. You are putting forth effort and hard work and in return you reap the benefits in veggies/fruits or gorgeous flowers!
I can’t do anything right! Having self-esteem issues? Depressed? There’s nothing better than picking yourself up with an “I did it!” moment. Even if it means starting with a vat of petunias from a home store and repotting them in a pretty display on the front porch. Or create a beautiful healing garden in your own back yard with colorful flowers, a sitting bench, statues, and a fountain. I plan on touching more on this topic in the future. I’m a firm believer that gardens such as this can uplift the spirit and heal the soul.
OH WAIT – YOU WERE SERIOUS?!
It’s easier said than done, eh? Now, ladies, we can’t be “all talk.” We newbies will not let fear get in our way. We’re Army wives – we CAN grow cucumbers and marigolds. It’s time to sit down now and map it all out – no excuses.
So, what do you want to grow? Are you into salads and healthy eating? A vegetable/fruit garden is perfect for you! Ask your local produce store, or the librarian, shoot – even ask your neighbor what veggies and fruits grow prosperous in your city. You should also “google” ™ until your heart is content with information. I came across the following web site that helps you find your city and gives suggestions on what grows best and when, http://local.garden.org/. The site can also help you choose the right flowers for your area.
Knowing your area’s capabilities is so important! Don’t be a schmuck like me, who bought mums on an El Paso summer morning and cried when they dried out and died by sunset. Wishful thinking does nothing for a dried up root! Make planting decisions on what effort you’re willing to give and the ambiance you’re wanting in your space. Make sure you’re growing foods and/or flowers that YOU like. No sense in growing something you won’t eat or not wanting to look at every day.
Green Acres or Green Square Feet? Before you start buying soil and seeds you’ve got to plot out where the garden is going – and how much space you’re going to need! Being a beginner, your best bet is to start out small. Don’t jump feet first into the deep end, when the shallow end is great for wading. We decided (over pizza at supper) that our family garden was going to consist of fruits and veggies we all like in small amounts. Perhaps a nice size of 4 feet x 8 feet will suit us just fine. If you’re a “renter” like me, a “raised garden” is perfect. You can find boxes online and at large warehouse stores or…you can call on the hubby to make you one! (See, I told you we could get him involved – he’s running for the hammer and saw as you speak).
FORWARD – MARCH!
So, we’ve done all the thinking, soul searching, and planning of this garden. It’s time to get started. Get your paper out and map out your future garden. You don’t have to be an artist by any means. Remember, to start out small. Plant a few carrots here, some strawberries over there…a row of tulips by the front walk, and some daisies around the tree. After you’ve mapped it out, make your shopping list. Talk to your home store specialist in the garden center. Tell them your plan with dimensions and ask, “How much soil would you suggest I get?” “Do I need a fertilizer right now?” “What tools are absolutely necessary?” And remember to ask if they offer a military discount-my local Lowe’s ® does! Or, if you know a garden enthusiast, learn from their wisdom! My sister has already pointed me in the right direction. It’s with many thanks that I launch my garden endeavors fearlessly – love you, Sue!
AND AWAY WE GO!
And so now the fun begins! Use your garden to heal your heart, search your soul, find your strength, fill your day, or to just have fun with your kids! Whatever the reason may be, it’s worth a shot. After all, what’s the worst that can happen? If life hands you a cucumber…make a pickle!
TM
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LIVING: Gardening
Gardening:
Planting a Seed for the Mind, Body, and Soul
by Liz McChesney posted April 2010
Army wives are on campaigns just as our soldiers are.
--Where ups and downs are a daily occurrence.
--Where our day is what we make of it. Where our mood is how we choose to set it.
--Where we can pay it forward and feel fulfilled. --Where we can learn something new, every day. I live by that last one faithfully! Albert Einstein is quoted, “He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” Well said Al!
With that quote in tow, I take my next expedition in hopes that you will join me.
I am not a gardener. I do not keep anything alive that cannot cry to me verbally for help. It is such a sad thing. Those poor plants and flowers that once were, are no longer. I’m not sure what the causes were – for there are so many:
coming...
Liz McChesney
Dep. Exec. Editor
Gardening/Mom's Corner
May 6, 2010
Great story! Can hardly wait to read more. I
affirm that husbands can help and, in fact, enjoy the tilling process once they
see the results the year before! There is a kid in all of us and
growing/managing a garden is rather like preparing us for the grand Easter Egg
Hunt in the end. Keep those gardens growing...
BGreene, IN
Comments (1)
Archives: Living-Gardening
