Gardening: Beyond Just Food
Growing up in Iowa, I was kind of an in-between kid. We didn’t live in the city and we didn’t own a farm. We lived in a ranch home on 10 acres. There was a period of time where we raised chickens and rabbits but that’s as much “farm” stuff as we did. Other than that, we had a beautiful garden filled with all kinds of produce that kids aren’t supposed to like. What kid loves rhubarb cobbler, cauliflower or raw asparagus? How many kids do you know that will gladly pluck a tomato off a vine and eat it right there or stalk the peas and beans to be able to eat them too? The memories of fresh produce always make me smile.
When I moved away from home, I didn’t have a garden. For several years I lived in an apartment and after that, the home we purchased was in a desert area and you can’t grow asparagus, corn and green beans in desert soil. When we relocated to Arcadia, California, I was thrilled to finally have produce in my back yard. While not a garden, we had fruit trees – a plum, Saturn peach, apple and pomegranate just to name a few. The neighbors had avocado, lemon and lime. Alas, it wasn’t until I moved back to Iowa that I had room in the yard to create a small version of the garden I grew up with. Seemed kind of odd to be trying to grow corn in our city back yard but tomatoes, carrots, onions and peppers were fair game. Hubby built some raised beds and we were on our way. I was so happy to finally have a garden to call my own. The newness and excitement of the garden is what encouraged me to blog about it way back then.
Every year since then, we have planted a garden. Not only does it provide fresh produce for our meals but also has been instrumental in teaching the kids the importance of eating well. However, I’ve never really sat down and shared on SahmReviews.com my feelings about gardening. There really hasn’t been anything that ignited the passion to share about it… until I read an article on the P&Geveryday website. It was the most unlikely place for me to find articles on gardening yet there they were: tips on watering (which we struggle with each year as we travel), creating your own DIY seed tape and even why you need a garden in the first place. Yes, yes and yes. Great information! It’s just the inspiration I needed to want to share about my lovely garden!
It kind of surprised me to find gardening information on P&Geveryday. I mean, the brands are all household and cleaners and whatnot. Yet their site is all about everyday stuff (hence the name, I guess) and not only includes the obvious – cleaning – but also some pretty delicious-looking recipes, tips on food preparation, crafts, health/wellness, COUPONS and much, much, MUCH more.
Regardless of whether you want or need a garden, there’s plenty of information at P&Geveryday and their Facebook page to make your everyday life happier. Just like my garden has made mine.
I love gardening and have been learning more and more every year. I love the feeling of being able to walk outside and pick everything needed to make a healthy salad to go with a meal. I didn’t realize P&G had that sort of information, that is great.
Oh how I love to garden! I was so excited to pick two green beans today:0) Ha! Will have to mix them up with some carrots! There’s just something about growing our own food!
I love how many great resources there are on the P&G site. I have found a lot of craft ideas.
There are no gardens here for me. Our soil doesn’t really grow anything. Even my lawn refuses to thrive. Will have to visit P&G to find out more.
I think all families should have access to and keep a garden. It teaches so much appreciation for the time, effort, and true value of food. Good for you!
Love gardening ideas and it seems like P&G has some great resources.
Your gardening ideas are wonderful! I really want to start a beautiful garden like yours!
I cannot wait to have my own garden. I love your raised garden beds.
I love gardening! Thanks for the recommending P&G site. They gave you some great ideas.
Love gardening. I wish I had more time to do it. I find it so calming and a stress reliever. It is hard to grow anything good down here in South Florida. I want to move up North so it is cooler and I can have some type of garden.
Your garden boxes look like they are doing great. I need to try gardening in boxes next year. Looks better than the way I am doing it.
That is so awesome – I dream of having a garden
I have lived in an apartment my entire life. My grandparents had a house with gardenS where we stayed every summer. As a toddler I used to go into the garden and pick string beans and eat them–raspberries also. There were also a couple of fruit trees, a rock garden and a large flower garden. Do I miss fresher then fresh produce-yes, to this day I still miss it.
Wow! that’s great to know that P&G has this. Gardening is such a great way to get your family outside.
The only thing we can grow here are grubs and thick clay….but a home garden isn’t a bad idea.
I have a friend who gardens and she fed me from her garden. It was the coolest thing! I loved picking things and then eating them. I am inspired to start growing my own things.
Hi Nicole ,
I like your article.
In my Opinion everybody should grow at least a little bit something .
even in an condo people could at least grow herbs in flowerpots ,
it makes happy to see things grow and you raised beds are a great
way to grow things even in small backyards.
Thank you for sharing.
I couldn’t see my life with out a garden. Even a 4 by 4 spot can produce quite a bit.
Coffee is on
I’m not a massive fan of gardening, all I really do it water the plants!
I love to garden as well. It’s hard at times growing fresh veggies here in Florida. Since we have sand for dirt it makes it difficult. Soil is a must. My tomatoes are finally growing which I am happy about. Great pictures.
Gardening is my passion!! I would feel lost if I ever couldn`t grow a garden.I love reaping the rewards.
as soon as I get the space I want to start gardening again we did when I was a kid an I loved it
I wish I had more of a green thumb for growing vegetables. I do fine with flowers but have found it is better for me to get my vegetables from the local farmers market.