This winter has been absolutely beautiful. We have had more consecutive snow (and ice) days than I can ever remember having. That being said, winter is my least favorite season. I stay cold constantly, my body just can’t seem to produce enough heat, my mind goes crazy staying indoors so much, and then the depression usually kicks in. This year has been no different other than I have pulled out all the stops to try to combat my blues. I invested in a light box which I sit by every morning as I wake up and work on the computer. I’ve made it a point to try to exercise at home more often to try to keep those pesky brain chemicals in line. I’ve even done cleanses, started antidepressants again, and attempted to eliminate all unnatural chemicals that I have control over from my home and body.
I’m not sure which of these has been effective or if it’s only effective as a combination of them all, but regardless, it seems to be working. I’m not quite my normal self but I am certainly better than I was a month ago. Now if only spring would get here… I terribly miss the sunshine and being outdoors. More than anything though, I think I miss my garden and access to fresh fruit and veggies whenever I please.
Last year was the first year I had a home with a yard that I was able to garden in. We started all of our seeds indoors until they were strong enough and the weather was cooperative enough to move them outside.
At first we started the seeds in the plastic containers you can buy at any hardware or outdoors store. After several weeks they were large enough to move into a small pot on their own.
And then finally, outside.
Graham worked so hard on setting up the outdoor plots for us. He built the beds and shoveled about 50 bags of organic dirt and compost (into each!) bed. Our front yard received amazing sunlight and we were lucky enough to get plenty of rain just when we needed it last summer. By late summer we had huge amounts of lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, onion, sweet potatoes, squash, strawberries, and broccoli.
We planted some marigolds in with the garden to keep bugs away and only had to spray with Neem Oil once to prevent green worms from devouring our broccoli leaves. I don’t think I have ever been more proud of something. It is truly a great feeling to start something from scratch and watch it grow into real food on your dinner plate. I guess I am just having a little gardening nostalgia this morning. Is that normal?!
What are you all planning to grow this year and when do you typically begin? Do you use a raised bed or not? Even if you don’t have time to do a large garden, I highly recommend trying something small. Even just a tomato plant or two may make you discover a new love for nature and food. And if you see her, please, please tell spring to hurry up!
The Shimmering Strawberry 