A few weeks ago I decided to start a garden this year. I've tried this before, but my halfhearted efforts never produced all that much, and frankly, it seemed more trouble than it was worth. But this year, I've embraced a new gardening attitude. I am trying my thumb at gardening for the sole purpose of feeding myself and my husband - and any lucky guests who happen along at the right time of year. My prior attempts have been in an effort to take up a new hobby or create the secret garden of my dreams. Not this time. No delusions of grandeur. I'm just growing food. Eat well, save money, and get the satisfaction of being productive. Literally.
After doing a small amount of research and gaining most of my inspiration from a truly excellent memoir by Jenna Woginrich, Made from Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life, I purchased a bunch of seeds and a domed seeding tray, careful to choose only vegetables and herbs I knew we would truly enjoy in plentiful amounts. As I shopped, I actually thought I had potting soil in my shed at home in which to sow my seeds. However, it turned out that it was gone, so I improvised by using soil created from our compost pile - and I think it might be a very happy accident. How much more homegrown can you get?
I was surprised at how quickly my butter lettuce started sprouting, and the Walla Walla onions and parsley were soon to follow. I've included a few photos of my summer salads in their infancy. More vegetable are to come as the next batch goes into seeding pots next week!
