Gardening on the Go
By An Irish Southern Mama
I have never been much of a gardener. It seemed sort of confusing and mildly disappointing to me. But lately, my family has been going through a depressing and stressful time so I have decided to start a small container garden. Why a garden, you ask? Because I have heard that gardening is a healing activity and my family needs some healing. Why a container garden, you ask? Because my husband is in the U.S. Navy and containers can move. 😁
I started thinking about a garden when I watched the Netflix show “Big Dreams, Small Spaces”. The Brits know how to do a garden, whether edible or just for the beauty of a garden. Several of the episodes involved gardens for children or for families with children. I would love my daughter to grow up outside, enjoying the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. So here we go. This blog will be my journey learning and growing in my garden.
The first step is to do some research. This is the perfect time since it’s December and growing season won’t start for awhile... I think. (Who knows... maybe I’m too late, but that’s one of the things I need to find out) I have questions that need answering. Questions like: What kind of pots/containers do I need? Should I start composting? What do i want to grow? What is the purpose of my garden? What safety measures do I need to take for my 10 month old? How do I get my daughter involved? How do I care for my plants? How do I keep out urban thieves (squirrels, chipmunks, etc)? Can I even do this... I do have an infant at home and we are between houses, living with family. So let’s get started!
Question #1: What is the purpose of my garden?
I’ve been reflecting on this one for a couple of days. I think my “garden” should serve several purposes. First, it should be a place for my baby to learn and grow outside safely. Secondly, I want it should be a place to worship Jesus, a sanctuary for anyone who enters. Finally, if I get “crops” to feed my family, that’s a bonus.
Question #2: What do I want to grow?
Generally speaking, this one was easy. I want to grow a few fruits, vegetables and flowers. I think the British call this a cottage garden. Specifically, this is a wee bit harder. I want to start out small and manageable since I am a complete novice. I’m thinking two vegetables, one fruit and one flower. Maybe two vegetables and two flowers. Maybe even a few herbs. More on this to come.
Question #3: What safety measures do I need to take for my 10 month old?
This is where I could really use some help. Since the plants will be in pots, I think some things are already safer. I’m considering doing things “organically” (or my version of organically) because I think it will make things safer. For instance, I don’t have to fret if she eats produce straight off the plant... unless of course they aren’t ripe. Thoughts?
Question #4: How do I get my daughter involved?
I’ve done a little research on this (mostly on Pinterest) and it seems that most activities will still be too old for her, even next spring. There are two things I’ve found that should be age appropriate. Other suggestions are welcome. I think a dirt box (like a sandbox only with dirt) and a mud pie station are both workable when you are less than 2. A good resource I found at the library is “the Book of Gardening Projects for Kids” by Whitney Cohen & John Fisher. It is very good!
Question #5: How do I care for my plants?
Refer to question 2. I will be looking at “Alabama Vegetable Gardening” by Walter Reeves & Felder Rushing. (FYI, we currently live in North Alabama. 😁)
Question #6: Should I start composting?
I think so. I think I’ve figured out how to do it and once I acquire a good composting container, we will get going. Woo hoo!
Question #7: What kinds of containers do I need?
Again, see question 2. I have a few terra cotta pots already but I’m not sure if they are the best options.
Question #8: Can I even do this?
This is my biggest and most daunting question. I’m doing good to cook dinner, shower and stay on top of laundry with a little one under foot. I usually don’t get time with Jesus or for personal projects and time with my husband is limited. So can I be disciplined enough to keep the garden up? Will this add some much needed structure to my daily routine (currently, my routine is centered around feedings and naps)? “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37, ESV)
Suggested Reading: “the Book of Gardening Projects for Kids” by Whitney Cohen & John Fisher & “Alabama Vegetable Gardening” by Walter Reeves & Felder Rushing
