Wednesday, March 7, 2012

new beginnings

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on tuesday, i spent most of my afternoon outside in the garden. pulling up weeds, sinking my hands into the cool soil, looking up at cheerful birds greeting me in the trees, & staring in amazement at the tiny seedlings popping up in our raised beds. our little plot of land is waking up from it's winter slumber as am i. i treasure the beginning of the gardening season.

this year's garden will be our first to tend for an entire year. we have always moved from one home to another throughout the summer months, carrying our many container plants with us. this year is very different- it is a beginning! i want to share some of our goals for this year's garden.

:: expand our garden by adding a field garden! we hope to till up most of our backyard (except for the plot where our chicken tractor moves) & amend the soil with local compost. we will grow tomatoes, zucchini, corn, cucumber & squash in that space.

:: sell starts! the local health foods market where i work is encouraging me to sell my garden starts this spring. i plan to sell two varieties of basil, chamomile, thyme, oregano, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers & more. they are already so healthy & will be ready in about a month.

:: save more! i hope to preserve even more from our garden this year. less jam, more vegetables. those frozen bell peppers came in such handy this year so we plan to add a deep freezer to our garage for more space.

:: educate! we hope to have garden parties & hands-on lessons at our home this year. i am also teaching a series on green living at the university & some canning classes at local churches. today, i have an appointment for gardening consultation & plan to add many more to our schedule. luke & i are excited to serve our community as others begin their gardens & thankful for the extra income from sharing our skill.

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& so it begins.

6 comments:

  1. exciting plans! can't wait to hear more as the season progresses.

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  2. You are getting me excited about getting into our garden....as soon as the mud goes away!

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  3. This is a great idea. I'm jealous of all the space you have to grow these things!

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  4. what great plans natalie! i'm especially inspired by all the classes you're teaching. i'm contemplating finding a space to teach a canning/preserving class later this season and i'll definitely be picking your brain if i move forward with that plan :)

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  5. Love the post and the photos, Natalie. I'm excited for what is to come this year! I can feel the momentum of Spring building... let's see where it takes us.

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  6. i wish i lived near you to buy your starts! i haven't really had much luck starting things from seed, indoor or out. but i am determined to give it another try this year. thanks for the inspiration!

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