Um. . .
Didn't happen!
BUT! I know this is something I can do and I am determined to get it right!
We did have tomatoes and peppers, but that was about it, even though we planted much more. The kids had a blast watering and watching and waiting for the first tiny leaves to appear. "How long does it say for cucumbers?" They would rush to check the seed packet then look at the calendar to count the days. "What about carrots? Look! The beans are coming up!!" I can't possibly describe the joy it brought me to see my little ones so excited about something so simple. I just wish we had made the chicken wire covers to keep the darn squirrels out! Those bean and carrot sprouts didn't have a chance!
However, we approach the Spring season with much anticipation.
We are using a square foot gardening method, which you really must read about if you haven't already and are interested in learning to garden. I bought this book at Lowe's, but you can check out this website to find helpful tips and to chat with other gardeners. I wouldn't have had the courage, nor would I have known how to begin, without the simple instructions in this book.
I've also found a really great magazine that has wonderful tips on homesteading (which hubby and I are REALLY interested in), gardening, raising chickens, recipes, and much more.
They also have an incredible amount of information and helpful articles archived on their website.
There is also an app for gardening that you can download to your ipod or smartphone. They have tips on when to plant, where (start seedlings indoors or out), how soon to begin, etc. depending on what part of the country you live in. They also give detailed information on what varieties of fruits / vegetables grow best in the different regions. Believe me, I'm taking notes!
One of the goals I listed in my New Year's Resolutions was to be frugal, and that included gardening. I don't plan to give that up. I am still a beginner, but I know with prayer and perseverance, God can teach me anything! I am so thankful for the wisdom I am able to glean from those who have already succeeded. I hope to pass this wonderful skill on to my children, and in the process, to cherish every precious moment we are able to enjoy learning together.
What skills are you trying to learn right alongside your children? What traditions are you creating in your home? I would love to hear about them!
Thank you for linking up to Natural Living! I'm anxious to start out garden for this year... praying for fertile soil and lots of rain! ;)
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I, a little over a year ago, decided to do some things that would create some self sufficiency in our home. He bought some chicks that are now producing all our egg needs and hopefully one day provide all our chicken meat for cooking. We have been learning how to garden and preserve a variety of foods. My favorite is the strawberry jam. We had to buy our strawberries from a local strawberry farm (which my kids and I got to pick buckets of). We did manage to grow several vegetables in our own garden that we had plenty to put up (corn, okra, green beans, 3 varieties of peas, tomatoes, carrots, sauerkraut, onions, and potatoes). All of the things we do in this area is being learned right alongside of our kids. They get the benefits of seeing how you go about learning skills using the internet, books, and by good old fashioned trial and error. We hope to eventually raise rabbits and goats, but we are taking baby steps.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for visiting and commenting!! I have so much to learn, but it helps to know there are others working toward the same goals. I have found gardening to be so peaceful. As a child, I never wanted to help my mom, I kept my nose stuck in books. Which was good, except I think I could have learned a lot doing it alongside her. Now I call and get her advice over the phone . . . but I'm hoping to move close enough to her soon to dig in the dirt with her. My kids don't get an option - we all do it TOGETHER!!
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