Growing Inspiration

Could Sunday have been anymore perfect?  I personally think not. Not only was it a Mother's Day spent with my favorite guys, but it was the most beautiful day to plant our annual gardens.  

On our block, our Peeps (as we call them), all have veggie gardens. We talk about what we are going to plant all winter, and we share our harvests throughout the summer and into the fall. We get the kids involved and my son even has his own little garden this year. Who cares if he decided to plant only pineapple mint, lettuce and flowers. It is his, he takes care of it and he is so proud.

My family has had much success, but we have also had many failures. I am the first to admit that I, up until recent years, have had a black thumb when it comes to gardening. I used to kill anything I put into the earth, almost immediately.

Two years ago, I found my secret weapon to the ultimate green thumb.  Mushroom Compost. Who would have known? The veggies we have grown, in this genius mixture, come out as if they have been given steroids! I am one that does not use pesticides or chemicals to enhance growth. It's not healthy. I like to buy organic groceries and try my hardest to cook from scratch for the family. I have not had to use anything with this compost, everything just grows — really big.

This year we expanded our garden. The old veggie garden has been turned into an herb garden. Oh so many flavors in there! The veggie garden  is now in six raised garden beds. This gives them freedom to spread out and not choke each other to death. My yellow squash, zucchini and cucumbers have always taken over, killing anything it their path. So this year, these guys have their own space, away from everything else. 

Thankfully, the Hubs is handy with tools and wood. We have heard of people paying thousands of dollars to have these beds made for them. It takes a bit of time, and some muscles, but how rewarding is it to use something you have made? I think very.

Now I have to be patient and wait or these seeds and plants to grow. I cannot wait to make my own pico with the tomatoes, jalapenos, onions and cilantro that I have grown! I would like to share some recipes as we have our harvest. Nothing tastes better than a meal that has been made with fresh ingredients and shared with friends. For now, I will enjoy the beautiful flowers that are popping with color, the sent of fresh lilacs blooming and the warm breeze that is finally passing through town.

Grow veggies, grow! I am getting hungry.