Disclosure: This post has been compensated by Monsanto Co. and the “Hey Let’s Grow Monsanto Home Garden Program”. All opinions are mine alone. #HeyLetsGrow
While growing you I saw my parents work on the land and plant many vegetables and herbs. My father would leave the house while it was still very dark outside and sell to the farmer’s market vendors. It was hard work, but he enjoyed it a lot. It was a feeling of accomplishment. The vendors waited patiently for his crop to be ready, he had some of the best produce in the area and they all wanted to be the first in line.
My parents would also share with our neighbors and family. I remember seeing them share the best ones and I always wondered why. One day my mom said to me; “If you are going to share, give the best you have”. I like to believe I have a giving heart like my parents do.
That’s why during this growing season I wanted to start a home garden in my own backyard. I want to grow vegetables and herbs, not only for us to enjoy in our home, but also to be able to share with our neighbors. Maybe we can make a nice BBQ one beautiful summer evening and eat together. I can see it already!
It was a nice mail day when I received a package from Monsanto with some veggie seeds, pollinator seeds, basic gardening tools and a cute bag. If you know me you know I love bags. I have joined the “Hey Let’s Grow Monsanto Home Garden Program”; it’s the first year they do this and it will be so much fun! What I love most about this program is that I (as an amateur gardener) can learn how to grow a vegetable and herbs garden in my home knowing that all my questions will be answered by experts as soon as I have them. Some of the things I will be learning are:
- Planning what you want to grow
- Thinking through buying plant or starting from seed
- Different types of garden possibilities (i.e. raised bed, containers and growing directly in the soil) and how to make these different growing environments successful for plants
- Soil health and how to handle it for varying planting conditions
I will be sharing with you what I learn along the way and if you have any questions of your own just leave them in the comment section below. We all learning together.
I decided to start with a container garden, because it felt the easiest for me. One thing I have learned is to start slow and once I feel more confident with my gardening skills I can upgrade (graduate) into a larger growing zone in my backyard. It is also a great way to introduce gardening to my girls. They love chopping vegetables in the kitchen with me and I believe that when they see what we have grown together they will enjoy eating veggies even more. Now, I wonder which fruits I can grow in my back yard as well.
While deciding which plants to grow from seeds vs which ones to buy I went with purchasing a tomato plant, basil, mixed peppers and parsley. These I planted in the container. For the ones started in seeds I chose cucumber, green peppers and sweet peppers. Lots of peppers, but remember that I want to share. Plus, I have heard peppers are a great beginners veggie to grow. Fingers crossed.
The rest of the seeds will be saved and started during August/September. Since I am in Florida and we have warm weather year round I can grow year round. One tip I have for you is to search online for a planting schedule or calendar for your area (State) and you can have a better idea of what grows best and when. Another tip is, if you have questions feel free to ask. You can leave your questions here and I’ll help you with the answers as best as possible.
Come on join me and lets grow a home garden together. It can be veggies, herbs or both.
Hi there! I’m Wanda – the creator and author at My Sweet Zepol a healthy food, travel, and lifestyle blog. Passionate about food photography, food styling, entertaining and advocate about creating memories around the kitchen table. With a mission to create easy-to-make meals for the busy family.
Omg I need this, I was trying to grow some plant and they always die, thanks for the recommendations
I hear you, I’m crossing my fingers for this garden. I’m sure the journey will be fun either way.
Thank you for the recommendations. I will love to have a veggie garden.
Yes, my mom was the best at growing in our back yard. While we lived in Boston she grew tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, cilantro, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. I’m hoping my thumb inherits some of that green thumb of hers. Hope you start your veggie garden.
I love your parents quote about giving always the best. Need to get something like this for my garden!
Thank you. They learned at a young age to share with the neighbors and when my mom told me those words it always stayed with me. Hope you give a container garden a try, it’s super easy to care for.
My daughter wants to do this! She would love to have her own garden.
Thanks for these tips!
I love it when younger people get involved in growing their own home garden. She can try a large container and start with herbs. They are great for beginners. Keep me posted with her progress, we can do this together. It will be fun!
Lucen muy bellas las plantas de tu jardin.
Gracias, Diana.
No hay nada más gratificante que cocinar con lo que hemos cosechado nosotros mismos, mucha suerte con tu jardín y gracias por los tips.
Si, Monica, es muy gratificante poder cocinar con lo cosechado en casa. No ha sido facil, pero ha sido una experiencia muy interesante. Ya mismo les comparto un update de mi jardin.
Cuando me cambie a una casa voy a poner un jardín así.. Me encanto leer tu post porque me hace mucha ilusión de poner en práctica esta idea.
Gracias Teresa por tu comentario. Espero puedas cambiar de casa pronto para que tengas tu jardin casero! Aunque te digo que mi jardin es completamente en tiestos. Perfecto para apartamentos y casa alquiladas.
I love gardening and even more if it is for edible plants =)
I am so glad you do, because I learn so much from you. Thank you for always having an answer for my gardening questions.
Muchas gracias por la información, justo lo que necesitaba, saludos!
Me alegra escuchar esto. Ya pronto estare compartiendo un update de mi jardin y todo lo que he aprendido hasta el momento.
Well that is a beautiful reason to start a garden! I want to move next to you now 🙂
Aw, I wish we were neighbors. You are such a sweetheart.