I’m not a gifted gardener, or even average one for that matter, but I’m always  inspired to grow my own food, nurture my body and connect with nature. 

As much as I’d love to tell you that I naturally have a green thumb and can grow just about anything, sadly, that’s just not the case. Just ask my mom — she will happily tell you that the green thumb gene mysteriously skipped a generation when I came around. My mom, on the other hand, is a natural with plants.

But that small detail, my lack of natural growing ability, sure isn’t going to stop me from doing my best to nurture my organic seedlings that I bought yesterday and will be happily planting in my backyard. In fact, I’m already envisioning the delicious bounty of fresh herbs and vegetables that I’ll be harvesting this summer.

Every year, I excitedly look forward to going to Common Ground’s organic seedling sale. Common Ground is an environmental high school in New Haven, where I’m proud to be a board member. This charter school boasts an organic garden that helps to feed the students as well as a curriculum focused on developing young environmental leaders and change agents. Each spring, they have a farm festival and seedling sale that I promise never to miss.

So when yesterday rolled around, gray and cool, I scampered over there with big ideas for what I was going to grow and ready to branch out from last year’s foray with kale, collard greens and sun gold tomatoes.  Mind you, I live in the city without space for a real garden, so my gardening efforts amount to planting in pots and competing with my fellow condo mates for our limited space.

What am I growing this year? In addition to a repeat of the kale, collards and tomatoes that were such a hit (I figure why mess with success), I’m going to try my hand at broccoli and a variety of baby lettuces.  I was really hot on the idea of growing cucumbers — such a perfect summer treat, cooling and refreshing — but the word is that they don’t do so well in pots. Ditto for the mini watermelons that I thought would be great. I’m also planting a series of my favorite herbs — basil, thyme, cilantro and parsley.

In the end, I’m enamored with growing my own food because it’s so empowering.  For only a small investment, I have the pleasure of being outside, tending to something that’s alive and full of energy, reaping the benefits by adding to a variety of dishes, and sharing the wealth with my friends and family.  And you know what else?  I know exactly what’s in my food — it’s all natural, no pesticides and super healthy. I love that!

What about you, have you tried your hand at growing your own food? What’s your favorite part about the experience and what do you find most rewarding?

Filed under: Gardening, Healthy Meals, High Quality Food, Locally Grown Food