Some of last year’s arugula-NomNom!
My first experience growing my own food happened in second grade. We grew alfalfa sprouts. I remember the sense of amazement as we watched those little sprouts grow. For a second grader those alfalfa sprouts were kind of…enthralling…but so were cardboard boxes.
Fast forward a thousand years and I decide to embrace growing food for the second time. I finally received a plot in a Community Garden last spring and embraced the process of growing my own food.
If you’re not familiar with a Community Garden it is exactly that, a small plot of land that an individual uses to grow their own food with in a community of other plots. I’ve always been intrigued and excited by the idea of growing my own food. I like the idea of becoming self-sufficient, of having a hand (literally) in feeding myself and knowing where my food was grown.
My first garden was comedy of errors. I had to plant it 2 days before jetting off to London. I was in such a rush I didn’t label what I planted! By the time everything grew there were certain plants that left me clueless. I could recognize the tomatillos, cucumbers, and arugula but I had no idea what anything else was…besides the 10 foot tall corn! The other problem was that the garden was clear across town from where I lived. So, it was exhausting getting there and back. I’m glad I took that plot but there was no way I wanted a repeat of last year’s drama.
This year I planned accordingly. I contacted the community garden administrators early! Or, so I thought. I contacted them mid-December and was still unable to get a garden in my immediate neighborhood. I was able to get a garden in the neighborhood next to mine. Score! I can walk to it or ride my bike over. I’m so, so happy. This year I have a plan. I will be making markers for each item that I plant and I’m going to plant according to grow times. Some vegetables/fruit take months to grow, others grow quite quickly. I also spoke with my Grandma who grew up on a farm. She has a lot great advice for me and I’m taking it! She continues to be amused by my efforts to grow a garden. I do think that she loves that I’m trying.
I’m trying to find a canning class so that I can “can” any items that I would like to preserve for the winter or to give away. I’m trying to learn some old-fashioned homemaking tasks in addition to canning. I also plan on learning how to sew, make good pickles, and maybe how to brew beer or wine.
I’m also looking forward to the savings on groceries in July/August/September as I eat my arugula, cucumbers, green onions, tomatillos, carrots, etc. Basically, I’ll be eating what I typically eat every summer. The difference is the food tastes so good when you grow it yourself! I could really taste the difference last year.
I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering getting a garden through a community garden program to get in touch with the program in your town THIS WEEK!!! It took me 3 years in a row to finally get a garden and I was pretty lucky to get it last year. This year I asked earlier and I almost didn’t get a garden again.
Even though it’s cold in most parts of the U.S. Spring is just around the corner. If you have kids they will enjoy working with you in your garden. If you’re single you’ll find gardening to be a restful and pleasant activity. It’s also possible to meet nice people in your garden community.
Do you garden? What do you grow?
Have you ever considered getting involved in a community garden?
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I’m going to try and maybe find a taskrabbit or someone more knowledgable than me to help me plant my garden this year. I’ve only been able to grow tomatoes in my small garden..and barely! 🙂
I am so excited to grow my garden this year and I am soooo happy that the garden is so close to my house. Last year was so stressful having the garden clear across town. I was just happy to have a plot.This year I’m going to ROCK IT!!
You’re making me hungry, arugula is great! It also took me 30 years to discover cilantro which is about the best thing ever!
We don’t need a community garden because we have a yard with some good, south facing land. This is making me think though. Right now, our yard is torn up due to construction. When we fix it back up, maybe we’ll take away some of the grass and devote it to garden-space. Would it be weird to have tomato plants in my front yard?
I’m down for the tile project too. It would have to be the latter half of 2014, but I can definitely help. A good salad and your help is all I ask in return!
Arugula was the one thing that never failed me last year! Cilantro is fantastic. I can never get enough. I do have a front yard, but I feel weird growing a garden on my front lawn. Don’t get me wrong I WOULD do it-a girl has to eat. Do your kiddos help with the garden? I’ve seen a lot of edible landscaping. I think the key is to stay away from corn-way too obvious! Oohh, I might take you up on the tile project. I would throw some beer in too. Will keep you posted.
The kiddos will help with the garden. I think it would be a great experience for them. They may complain at first, but I can see their faces when the stuff starts growing!
And do let me know about the tile!
I think you just have to keep it fun. I still remember growing alfalfa sprouts in 2nd grade. These things stick in the brain!
Thinking about ornamental peppers in the front yard, but negotiating with the Mrs. is going to be a challenge. Our own experience with a community garden was mixed, but best of luck with your plot. Next season is just around the corner, time to start thinking about seedlings.
This will be my second year having a garden. Last year was really challenging because the garden was clear across town-and I was lucky to get it! This year it’s down the street. I can’t wait. I think it will be really enjoyable. I’m hoping the tomatoes will grow this year. Last year I was able to grow tomatillos, arugula, cucumbers, and corn. This year I am going to plan my garden a lot better so that i can get more out of it.