Every Spring I get the overwhelming feeling to dig my hands deep into the Earth, to plant some seeds, and to nourish them into life. My childhood memories include helping my grandmothers and my great-grandma in their gardens, where they would grow a wide variety of vegetables, sunflowers, and wildflower mixes. We would harvest the vegetables, clean them, can them, or use them immediately in salads, sauces, and side dishes. Definitely a better way of life: eating healthier, and having an appreciation for the natural, seasonal cycles.
Starting a garden may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. A small container garden may be the best option for those of us who live in small spaces. I don't have a plot of land to work with, but I do have a West-facing balcony off of my kitchen. Because it's West-facing, more resilient plants like begonias, cherry tomatoes, morning glory, hibiscus, and strawberries are ideal for my situation. It's important to learn about the plants themselves, as well as the quality of the soil, the current weather patterns, the seasonal weather patterns, and the temperature fluctuations prior to planting. I've actually been starting my container garden in my kitchen, because the overnight temperatures have dipped down to unseasonable lows. By the time of this publishing, I will probably be able to move the plants out onto my balcony area.
The City of San Jose has the option of renting space in one of their community gardens. It does take some time to be approved, but it's a great option for those who live in high rises but want to get their hands down into the Earth. And we here at San Jose Public Library have several locations that offer free seeds in their seed library. We also have some amazing books available in our Home & Garden section, present in all of our library locations!
Beginner's Gardening Booklist:
Beginner's Illustrated Guide to Gardening
Container Gardening:
The Vertical Veg Guide to Container Gardening
Container Gardening-the Permaculture Way
Final Thoughts:
- I miss living in a place where I can grow my own food and live according to the cycles of the Seasons. The Bay Area is very modern and progressive, but most of you have lost touch with nature and the traditional ways of earlier generations.
- Having knowledge of these older lifeways is beneficial and teaches you to appreciate the natural world around you. It also helps to know where, when, and how your food is planted, grown, and harvested.
- If you do have some space to grow, try to use non-GMO heirloom seeds and refrain from using herbicides and pesticides.
- My favorite lawn on my walking commute to work is beautifully overgrown with a variety of wildflowers, which act as pollinators for the bees.
- Check out my blog about Bees and Beekeeping from last year!
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