So many people think gardening has to be expensive, that it's too hard, or that they have a black thumb. That isn't true. Gardening can be affordable, even for those of us without a backyard, all the skills can be learned. And here's the thing- It's important.
Gardening is good for your health and your happiness.
Gardening costs money, yes, but it doesn't have to be expensive. That is a lie that marketing has sold us for years. Rather than learn how to feed your soil- just buy this fancy fertilizer! Want seeds? Just buy them every year from us! Planting in ground-that soil isn't good enough, get these super expensive raised beds.
Prior to World War Two most Americans had home gardens, and for generations before that most people had farms. Everyone grew something and smalltown market garden style farms kept everyone fed. Now less than 2% of the US population are farmers and ranchers (see for yourself here.)
With our modern busy chaotic lifestyles, it can feel like one more thing to have a garden, but it really takes some of that weight off your shoulders. Do I think everyone should own an acre and grow all they need to eat-no, I don't think that's feasible, but if it is in your budget to support a local farm; please do.
But if you simply get one small pot and put it on your patio, fill it with soil and grow a flower, or a pot of strawberries, that little ritual each day of watering your plant, and touching the soil, will help you drop your shoulders, breathe a little deeper, and feel a little better. Dr. Rachel Zoffness recently said in a podcast interview "just moving our bodies helps our muscles strengthen, it improves our circulation, it starts bumping endogenous chemicals in our brain that make us feel better-like serotonin and dopamine..." and getting out in your garden can do that for you (listen to that interview here).
I say this as someone who turned to gardening after the loss of my grandmother; and that grief amplified some chronic illnesses hiding in my body-my garden became my sanctuary. When you are out watering your plants, cutting flowers, harvesting food you are forced to be present, away from your phone, and connected with nature. I think we all need more of this in our lives regardless of our backgrounds, cultures, and different health situations. I think more gardening would make the world a better place. Is that cheesy to say? Yes, but I still think it's true.
So, if my rambling inspired you to garden, start simple:
Facebook Market Place is your friend-
you can find old pots to grow all you could imagine, you can also find them for free often at your local nursery.
They won't be pretty, but they will be practical.
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If you can plant in ground- do it, now you don't have to buy soil.
Check out this video to dive in with a soil health first mindset.
I highly recommend all of the Blossom and Branch Farm YouTube Videos.
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Seeds are free! At the beginning of Spring your local library will be offering seed swaps, and they will be highlighting their seed library-trust me. They have seeds for free. Towards the end of Summer, farm stores have to take "old" seeds off the shelf, and they often will give it away if you ask.
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