Gardening - Introduction

I have always been a city/beach girl, for as far back as I can remember – when I moved to the country (I’m talking about the one flashing traffic light, cows and farms, type of country) I could not quite appreciate the over abundance of bugs, how in two weeks the grass would be up to your knees, or how smoldering the sun was without the breeze on account of the ocean.

Ah, the ocean… a place where you can actually see the sun rise and set without hundreds of pine trees blocking your view…

Well, back to reality. So, here I am: an untrained mother beginning a fun new adventure of the domestic sort. I have been rural for just over a year now, and I can confidently say that the bulk of my existence is spent indoors. Why? Because every time I go outside the gnats swarm to my face and the mosquitoes attack – Ugh. Yes, I am that girl… the girl who does not want to get her nails dirty or sweat if she can help it. But something is gradually changing my perspective. This ‘change’ has his Daddy’s nose and my eyes. Why, oh why, do I now insist on buying only organic food?… using cloth diapers?… and prohibiting antibiotics in my house?... Because my son’s life is absolutely precious to me and these are the decisions I have made in order to give him the best lifestyle as I see fit.

Somewhere along the line I decided it eminent that I begin a garden. Oh boy.

gar•den

Pronunciation: (ˈgär-dən),
—noun: a location where bugs, snakes, humidity and the like congregate.

Okay, so that is not the honest definition; nonetheless, that is my initial view as to what a garden should be defined as. Next, I did what I do best, in my house slippers (anything that can be accomplished in house slippers is great!), I began an online inquiry as to how to begin my own organic garden. Alas, I was not able to find a tutorial for the outdoors apprehensive… or the lady with a baby in tow. Therefore, I decided to wing it – yep, Miss Priss is building a garden all by herself – I have come up with my own rules, and I am going to share each and every step.

If I can do it, anyone can!


Gardening Pt. 2:
A step-by-step guide for incorporating gardening into your 'busy mom' lifestyle, the free equipment you can often find in your own back yard, and measuring out your first garden plot... coming soon!