The Garden Variety

Gardening's always intrigued me . . .but just as Bette Midler once said, "From a distance." Growing up, I was more or less all about the end result.

Nah, I kid. I mean, it was fun to watch everything grow, but as far as taking care of the microcrop (and plants in general), that was risky. Survival was never guaranteed. My mother might be to blame for this one. (Sorry, Mom!)  We had nary a live green in the house during our childhood due to extreme neglect. Which is to be understood as we, the children, were the ones who had her full attention. (Good recovery?) 

Nevertheless, I must credit my husband for influencing and getting me turned on to green thumbery.  Since we've moved and settled into our home I am really enjoying the process, and learning each year how to improve.  

I just planted this pot of basil (or is it cilantro or parsley?!), along with four other pots of said herbs. This one sprouted first after three days. Pretty cool!

We've dubbed the above section our "green edibles."  We've got everything from kale to swiss chard to spinach and dandelions. (And other weeds.) All we need to do is pick, wash and throw in the blender or salad bowl.  

There's even a raspberry bush toward the end over there. Though, we'll be lucky if we see one berry this year. 

It was an experiment, really.  This section used to be for decorative plants and flowers. Instead of ripping it out and grass seeding it like my hubs wanted to, I suggested we try to make use of it. 

But unfortunately since this area only gets about 4 hours of sun, it isn't doing as well as we'd hoped.  So, we might reevaluate to relocate the greens elsewhere (in more direct sunlight) for next year.  

Here's our main garden. Four beefsteak tomato plants are coming along nicely, along with some basil sprouting in between.  

Behind the tomatoes, that "U" shape around the center aisle, we've got summer squash, carrots, peas, butternut squash, and spaghetti squash. 

Our far right aisle, this is one of the squashes, I believe, along with cucumbers and, you're never gonna guess, more squash. 

(I really don't know what's what as far as the squash goes since the leaves all look very similar.)

Our center aisle is a mix of broccoli, lettuce, beets and kale. 

Here's a pot of cilantro I planted over a month ago. Too slow and not enough room.

Hence trying with another pot. Hey, I'm learning! 

I might have to get more serious about cilantro for next year. Whether it's a Mexican, Indian or Asian dish, I love me some cilantro in the salsas, curries, sauces and broths.  

Here are six avocado pits we're trying to sprout.  They won't bear fruit for another 2 to 3 years, but they are hearty trees and can be kept indoors in the winter.  

My plan is to gift a few of these to my family once they've successfully sprouted.  

Lest our home become "The DeGroot Conservatory." 

But I guess there are worse things. 

(The show "Hoarders suddenly comes to mind!)

And since I'm a sucker (in general, but especially) for books and bargains, I found this at the American Veterans Thrift store yesterday.  

"Practical Gardening Encyclopedia"

Copyright 1977 . . .

B.C.

(Ha, but wouldn't that be awesome?)  

"Learn agro techniques from Cain and Able . . .though the former might just sacrifice his crop and bolt."

Ahh, gardening (and Bible) humor. 

So how about you guys? How're your lovely gardens doing? 

Any suggestions, too, are welcome!

A Consumer (Me) Reports

Have you written us off as crazy, quack-job moms yet? (C'mon, I would if this were me two years ago.)  Some of you might be thinking it's impossible to carry on as we do when you're on a budget. And have a family. And an appetite. And...insert blank.

Hopefully by now we've explained how slow a process this has been for us. Not only enjoying a more plant based diet, but learning how to maximize purchasing live plant-based food (as in, where to get them CHEAP) is our aim.

So what does that look like?

First, for us, this means forgoing the "organic"quality of food for now (To be explained later). Also, starting up our own gardens, and finally, buying only what we need for the week.

Much thanks to my in-laws for sending me a Consumer Reports subscription, since I just received this month's in the mail today. Coincidentally, the cover article talks about "Paying too much" for food. Here's a list of 11 grocers who are ranked as the most affordable.

1. Trader Joe's
2. Fareway Stores
3. Costco
4. Market Basket
5. Stater Bros.
6. WinCo Foods
7. Aldi
8. ShopRite
9. Sam's Club
10. BJ's Wholesale Club
11. Walmart Supercenter

I hope at least one of those are in your areas.

I frequent Aldi's and PriceRite (not listed) for their produce.  They have an excellent selection, and I make a point not to spend over $100/week.  In fact, I believe there was one week I spent under $70.  For a family of three, that's not too shabby.

It should be no surprise that Whole Foods ranked on the very expensive side.  And if money were no object--and if Whole Foods were around here--I'd go.

But back to our other strategies: I'm hoping our garden has a good yield this year as we're planting more than the last: kale, swiss chard, lettuce, cilantro, parsley, basil, beets, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, butternut and spaghetti squash, peas, carrots, and cucumbers.  This will hopefully off set the GMO (genetically modified organisms) that we consume through the non-organic produce.

But let's face it. If you're anything like how I used to be, implementing significantly more fruits and vegetables into the diet is going to be a good thing, whether they're organic or not. A swathe of greasy french fries versus a genetically modified apple is a no brainer. Don't get me wrong, getting into the nitty gritty (especially on a cellular level) about what you're consuming and how it affects the body is important, but unless someone has another suggestion within the budget that we're operating from, we're making due. And it seems to be working well health-wise.

I'd love to hear our readers' insights about Agricultural Co-Op's ...what the cost/benefit ratios are, the marked differences are on how it feels eating more organically, etc. We have a couple Co-Ops in our area, but I just can't justify the cost at this stage. Maybe you can convert me!

Blessed Holy Week!

The eyes of all look to you, o Lord

And you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand, 

and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 

Psalm 145: 15-16