My Not So Green Thumb and 5 Things I Learned About Gardening

Growing a garden takes time, effort, and commitment.  Earlier this month, my kids and I planted carrots and lettuce, utilizing the Kids Garden Starter set we received from Seeds of Change.  Knowing that I was going to be out of town much of the month, I put the hubby on garden duty, reminding him of the need to water and generally just keep an eye on the plants to monitor their growth.

Approximately 1 week after planting seeds

Approximately 2 weeks after planting seeds

After two weeks, we definitely have growth from the carrots, and since the seedlings are the right height (3 inches or more), we will be transplanting them to larger pots outside this week. Since it hasn’t been 30 days yet, I’m not giving up hope yet on the lettuce, although I will say that initially, I did see some sprouts.

Seeds of Change is working to help families grow their own gardens.  As a family, we are trying to eat more locally grown, organic foods.  Since we strive to eat fresh wholesome foods, organic produce comprises a large part of our grocery bill.  I dream of one day having an entire garden filled with fresh, organic produce that I can pick fresh from our backyard. For families looking to begin gardening, I highly recommend their kits because everything you would need to get started is included.  For example, I never know what kind of soil to buy and the kits include organic planting mix.  I also like the fact that the pots are designed to biodegrade into the grown (how’s that for minimizing our carbon footprint?).

Here are some of the other things we’ve been planting:

Over the past few weeks, I learned a few things about gardening and now know what I’ll do differently as we continue to grow our garden.

1. Growing a garden takes time and commitment.

2. Too much or too little water will determine whether or not seeds will grow.

3. Most plants need plenty of sun, so be sure to plant during optimal seasons.

4. The type of pot the seeds are planted in is as important as the soil.

5.  It may take more than one attempt to be successful.

Seeds of Change offers these tips for those of us who are just beginning to garden:

Plant outdoors with at least six hours of direct sun, easy access to water, and sufficient drainage

Plant during a season when there is no danger of frost at night, no variable temperature swings from day to day, and daytime temperatures of at least 70 degrees

When you water, be sure the soil is moist (you’ll know because it will crumble into small pieces).  If you can squeeze the water out, it’s too wet and if it’s dusty and falls apart, it’s too dry.

For more information about Seeds of Change or to begin your own organic garden, just visit Walmart.

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Caryn Bailey

Caryn is a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night and mom 24/7. She savors the warm Southern California sun and loves to travel, shopping, baking, reading and frequenting her local tea room. Caryn created the column Lavishly Green for Peekaboo Picks Magazine to share her best tips for going green in style, she is the Former editor for Family Review Network, former OC Family Magazine online contributor, former Orange County Moms Blog contributor, former Evenflo Savvy Parent contributor, former member of the Totsy Advisory Board and former freelance writer for CBS Los Angeles.

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