"Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes"

  I began my gardening journey at the beginning of last summer. I must say, for a city girl, I did pretty well! To my surprise, I have green thumb after all. However, I must give credit where it is due- If it wasn't for my good friend Molly, who gave me all the gardening tips and tricks, my garden wouldn't have turned out the same. There is something so therapeutic about gardening, I began to crave it every day. It was so easy to get lost among my thoughts and completely lose track of time. It was extremely peaceful and so exhilarating to feel the dirt between my toes.
    I first decided I wanted to plant my own vegetable garden when I started to learn more about nutrition and healthy foods to fuel your body with. I then started doing research on many chemicals, pesticides, GMO's, and hormones that a majority of us consume and the effects it has on our bodies. With that being said, I wasn't actually able to keep my garden completely chemical free, but it was kept to a very minimal level. Other natural fertilizers and pesticides used were seaweed around the plants, coffee grounds, and egg shells. Even though it was my first time having my own garden, I got a little carried away with the amount of veggies I wanted to plant. Go big or go home, right? My beautiful vegetable garden consisted of Basil, Thyme, Parsley, Chamomile, Green peppers, Mammoth Sunflowers, Cherry Tomatoes, Sunsugar Cherry Tomatoes, Tomatoes, Kale, Romaine Lettuce, Cucumbers, Spinach, Beets, Carrots, Pumpkins, and a Butternut Squash. Having this garden was probably the most effort and time I've ever put into something. Which is kind of embarrassing to say...
    I simply can't wait for these cold winter months to pass so that I can start planting the seeds in my garden again. There are a few things I have in mind that I would like to do differently, but overall I will continue the things that worked out the best. The spinach, beets and red peppers didn't make it last time, so I may decide to try something new instead. I always remind myself that there are no grading mistakes, only experiments. I am planning to have most of the same veggies, but this time I am going to be a bit more prepared. Pretty soon I'll have my face buried in every gardening book I come across. There is literally nothing that compares to the taste of fresh vegetables- my mouth waters just thinking about it. Hurry up, Spring!

    My new found love for gardening doesn't surprise me at all, considering I always watched my dad weeding for hours, planting new roses, or watering his gardens around the house. No one ever really gives the man credit- so I dedicate this post to him to do just that. Thanks for always showing me Earth's beauty that surrounds us. 

"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need."

Love always, 
Jacqueline