I do garden as well. Last year we expanded our garden into something of my (realistic) ideal version and it really is an investment to get things up and going but I look at it as a hobby bc it does bring me much joy! I enjoy the hopeful practice of planting and the meditation in tending plants and the pleasure of seeing the literal fruits of the labor.
You're off to a great start! My husband has a very small tomato garden (5 plants); we also have basil, mint, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. I take part in the watering and harvesting (then cooking and eating), but mostly, it's all him.
We’re doing a complete revamp of our garden fencing this spring - ten years and a few times when the bear bent a section or two meant that it was time. We’re not done yet, but here in Vermont I don’t generally plant anything out until the beginning of June. So my seedlings are still under the plant light. I’m a fiend for sweet peppers, so I have my favorite going (Jimmy Nardello - a frying type that reliably ripens in our climate), plus some tomatoes and this year’s experiment - chickpeas! They’ll go in the greenhouse, to give them enough time to fully grow and (hopefully) produce. I’ll direct seed cucumbers and pumpkins once it’s warm enough.
I’m so glad I finally opened up substack again after avoiding anything social-media like for weeks because this was the first thing I saw, yay🌻 We moved from NYC to a house on the NH Seacoast 5 years ago, so I was finally able to start my garden. Every year is different. This year we’ve had gloom and rain for seemingly months on end and my raised beds are covered in tiny grey insects I can’t identify. But I planted my “cool crop” bed a few weeks ago and will eat the first radishes tonight with dinner. My potatoes are in and they are so fun to grow, maybe something for you to try next year? I also have cut-flower seedlings in and my herbs were fantastic last year, so I’m excited to try more this year. I’ve been searching out old books like Recipes from a French Herb Garden by Geraldene Holt, and my daughter gave me the 25th anniversary edition of The Cook and the Gardener by Amanda Hesser for Mother’s Day, which I’m loving. It’s so fun to see your garden journal! I’ve been looking for gardening substacks that are in colder climates, so I’m excited you’re sharing!
I love hearing about what you’re growing! I tried gardening for the first time last fall and did not have success. I think this time around, I’ll ask a friend for help. My dream is to read on the back deck with a view of blooming flowers!
Yay! I love hearing about gardens!
I do garden as well. Last year we expanded our garden into something of my (realistic) ideal version and it really is an investment to get things up and going but I look at it as a hobby bc it does bring me much joy! I enjoy the hopeful practice of planting and the meditation in tending plants and the pleasure of seeing the literal fruits of the labor.
Yes to all of this! I love leaning into the seasons in this way, too.
You're off to a great start! My husband has a very small tomato garden (5 plants); we also have basil, mint, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. I take part in the watering and harvesting (then cooking and eating), but mostly, it's all him.
I have wondered if I'm missing out not having any herbs this year! Maybe next time.
I love the garden journal! I am thinking about revitalizing our beds this year.
We’re doing a complete revamp of our garden fencing this spring - ten years and a few times when the bear bent a section or two meant that it was time. We’re not done yet, but here in Vermont I don’t generally plant anything out until the beginning of June. So my seedlings are still under the plant light. I’m a fiend for sweet peppers, so I have my favorite going (Jimmy Nardello - a frying type that reliably ripens in our climate), plus some tomatoes and this year’s experiment - chickpeas! They’ll go in the greenhouse, to give them enough time to fully grow and (hopefully) produce. I’ll direct seed cucumbers and pumpkins once it’s warm enough.
I loved having pumpkins last year! So curious to know how your chickpea experiment goes.
I’m so glad I finally opened up substack again after avoiding anything social-media like for weeks because this was the first thing I saw, yay🌻 We moved from NYC to a house on the NH Seacoast 5 years ago, so I was finally able to start my garden. Every year is different. This year we’ve had gloom and rain for seemingly months on end and my raised beds are covered in tiny grey insects I can’t identify. But I planted my “cool crop” bed a few weeks ago and will eat the first radishes tonight with dinner. My potatoes are in and they are so fun to grow, maybe something for you to try next year? I also have cut-flower seedlings in and my herbs were fantastic last year, so I’m excited to try more this year. I’ve been searching out old books like Recipes from a French Herb Garden by Geraldene Holt, and my daughter gave me the 25th anniversary edition of The Cook and the Gardener by Amanda Hesser for Mother’s Day, which I’m loving. It’s so fun to see your garden journal! I’ve been looking for gardening substacks that are in colder climates, so I’m excited you’re sharing!
I'm totally going to hunt for old gardening books at the used bookstore!! Cheers to cool climates (we get some of the best summers).
I love hearing about what you’re growing! I tried gardening for the first time last fall and did not have success. I think this time around, I’ll ask a friend for help. My dream is to read on the back deck with a view of blooming flowers!
Between weather, bugs, and little creatures, gardening is more fraught than expected! I hope you find the right plants for your space to enjoy!