This past winter I started my very first garden! I've dabbled in succulents and herbs in the past but nothing of a scale of a true kitchen garden. Before even considering the types of plants, I spent time considering how I wanted the garden to look and feel.
Garden Goals:
I knew I wanted a little place to get my hands in the dirt and unplug. My mind can easily default to anxious thoughts, so connecting with the earth and God's creation is a proven antidote
I wanted to grow nourishing veggies and herbs that I could harvest for recipes and strengthen my connection to the food.
I wanted to include a few flowers as part of a companion planting strategy and to bring pure joy and color.
Connection to my family elders. Growing up both sets of my grandparents always had a garden. My wife's grandmother also had a huge garden. We have a beautiful ceramic watermelon shaped produce bowl that her grandmother made. My aunt is a master gardener and I'm inspired by how much joy and beauty is derived from tending to plants and flowers. Intentionally, creating a kitchen garden is a nostalgic practice that focuses on the 'roots' of family, food, and faith.
Organic whenever possible
Matthew 6:28-29 RSV
"And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Research
Starting in November when the leaves began to fall, I started to scope out the backyard. Watching how the sun rose and set, I settled on the southwest corner where I had a section that is slightly sloped and has plenty of full-sun. I raked and raked the leaves over the full length of the garden to create an easy composting base. As the leaves broke down, and at times were covered in snow the grass died underneath and it created a rich layer of soil.
Seed Starting
After a lot of research, I purchased a seed starter tray with 72 pockets, seed starting soil, a variety of seed packets and a couple of grow lights.
For the spring / summer garden here are the types of seed packets I selected
Lavender
Zinnias
Marigolds
Basil
Parsley
Oregano
Rosemary
Lacinato Kale
Cherry Tomatoes
Cantaloupe
Honeydew
I planted the seed starters in mid March. Every plant sprouted and did really well during the indoor stage. The oregano seeds are SO tiny, and did not survive the outdoor transition.
The marigolds, basil, zinnias, and parsley went absolutely crazy in the starters. I bought 4-6" starters and after a couple weeks had to replant to the larger size.
Cue my wife asking sweet questions each time we had a container that was making it's way to the recycle bin. She's the best and always supports my hobby adventures, asking each time, "Do you want this plastic lettuce tub for your garden?" The answer is almost always, YES!
Check-out Part 2 for an update on how the lazy composting turned out and migrating the starters to an outdoor greenhouse.