You always see “Try something new” in people’s resolutions.. but do we really do it? Sometimes with how busy we are we can’t see how we can fit anything into our schedule – this year I’m glad I actually did try something new. And no, not just trying a new restaurant or a new cuisine – an actual new activity that quite frankly, I’ve grown to really love and enjoy.
For the first time ever, I tried my hand at gardening. My mom must’ve been ecstatic to find out I even ventured into it since she’s so good at it – having grown orchids and whatever else back home. I did try buying a few herbs a couple of years ago but they all ended up dying and I figured that was because of our tropical climate. Now, with my recent experience, I believe the herbs died because I didn’t pay attention to them – I literally bought some basil (and I think thyme and oregano) and just put it out in a shaded spot in the garden. I assumed nature will take care of them – it rained regularly and if it didn’t I knew mom would water some of the plants. I expected the young herbs to be hardy by themselves as well.. how naive of me. A few weeks after I saw them looking sad, practically dead, and just gave up.
Why did I try gardening?
I got into it because I didn’t want to pay $2 for a bell pepper. Seriously, they’re in a lot of asian and mexican dishes I cook but they cost so much especially during winter! I also cook a lot of pasta and though tomato sauce can get pretty cheap – I wanted to try and make my own sauces, not from a can.
Also, when we got a new house and moved into it last Spring I didn’t want to be the homeowner that let the plants die. We’ve got really nice established plants and flower beds! (And yes, I didn’t want to pay someone else to do the gardening either).
Choosing the plants
I wanted to plant herbs and vegetables that I will actually work with. So off the bat I knew for sure that I needed tomatoes, bell peppers, and basil.
Other plants: I got a rosemary from a realtor, a parade rose bush from my in-laws, and an oregano from a plant swap group.
Around the house I’ve also discovered we have: azaleas, lilac, lilies, yucca, dog rose, vetch, columbine, violets, and the deadly nightshade. As for trees, I’ve only identified two: a maple tree at the backyard and a pine tree near the driveway.
Timing it right
I didn’t have much time to really research the planting seasons but I realized people were kicking off their gardening here in Massachusetts in the Spring. I went to the local garden centers near me for the first few plants I wanted to start with and transplanted the seedlings into containers (pots) on Memorial Day.
Support
I first got into local community workshops and talks about composting and gardening. I’ve attended a few workshops at Home Depot and some talks at local libraries.
Facebook groups are amazing support groups – I’ve joined beginner groups, vegetable and herb groups, as well as local gardening groups so I can read about experiences in my planting zone.
YouTube is great, although admittedly I haven’t watched a lot. I read a lot more articles online than watching videos.
Mobile apps have helped me identify plants AND bugs.
I honestly didn’t realize how fulfilling it was going to be – seeing the plants grow and bear fruit. The fact that nothing died in my first try has given me courage – I can do this! I love the fact that I am learning something new, and looking forward to every day – seeing the changes, learning how to fix and rescue plants having issues, and quite frankly – can be downright meditative. I am still not fond of dirt – but that’s what gardening gloves are for! And yes, I am still freaked out when I see bugs, and I am terrified of the thought of seeing a garden snake (I haven’t yet, thank God!). So if you see me having lots of plants on my Instagram feed – now you know why.