I wish I had someone (in person) who could give me direction. I have huge anxiety problems when I try something new, so I feel better with someone that knows what's going on directing me.
I totally understand that Bandit. Start small. There are some great books out there on starting a vegetable garden and also a lot of videos as well (those can be a bit iffy though because if they are in Alaska and the person watching is in Florida they aren't as relevant). I had someone reach out to me last year and all they did was dig up a 3' x 3' spot so they could try growing a tomato plant. They bought a seedling from a nursery and it grew and they were happy and it boosted their confidence! My sister hasn't ever been a gardener, but I've been pestering her over the last 30 years. Haha. She finally took the plunge this year and grew some peppers and cucumbers (she purchased seedlings). She's so excited she can't wait for next year because things grew for her. She didn't think she could do it, but now her confidence is improving. Thanks, as always, for stopping by. :)
Start. Any step. Any plant. Just give one (or a few) a try. That is the right direction.
Our first garden was in pots on the deck.
Our second garden was bigger.
Our only significant challenge has been squirrel dissuasion, or eradication. Other than that it is a fun challenge, even when the squirrels eat ALL of your strawberries, onions, asparagus, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, squash .... yeah, I don't appreciate "cute squirrels" anymore.
Get a friend or a neighbor to start a garden with you and learn together.
Great advice John! Yeah, I'm fortunate that the squirrels haven't found me. We do have them in my area, but I'm lucky that they seem to stay in the woods for whatever reason. Instead, I have to battle voles and flea beetles! ARGH! Thanks for contributing to the post John. :)
I always look forward to your harvest posts. This year was my first attempt at any kind of garden and I had a tiny bit of success and a bit more failure. I cannot believe how much I learned just by growing a few plants.
Firstly, you will never find in the store, the flavor you get from something you grow yourself. I think part of that flavor is the love and care you put into it.
Secondly, I figured some things out, like how loosening soil is important, especially in a place like Tennessee where the clay is so compacted. Spacing is important, and pruning. The thing I had the most luck with was jalapeños. and that was grown by accident. Those were seedlings and I got a surprise of about 30 very hot ones lol. Good for winter soups. This year, I will be doing container gardening in 4 foot long containers.
Lastly, gosh am I excited for next spring. I will using seeds this time, and I will find a way to keep those pesky armadillos and opossums from munching them. My few failures turned into more confidence to do better next year, adding in a few more varieties of plants. Can you tell I am excited lol
Try and try again! I'm so happy you had some successes! The critters can be challenging for sure. Maybe some chicken wire cages to put over the plants or something? I'm looking forward to hearing about next year's successes! Thanks for contributing to the harvest banter on The Rumble Strip! :)
Beautiful!!! Wow, I wish I DID do it-- I need to grow food on wheels, lol.
I DO have an african violet riding with me, and she gets a whole lot of the front passenger seat.
But now things are looking up, and hoping to be out of my car before Xmas...
Next spring, Almighty Dog willing, I can maybe start a garden? I am a desperately bad gardener, but I want to get better. Your post is inspiring! GOOD JOB, FARMER ROB D. ^_^
You have inspired me Word Herder! I always talk about growing in a kitchen window, a balcony, etc. But now I will be adding (for those living in their cars) growing violets and herbs on their dash! ;-) I'm so glad you are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for being a long-time and faithful participant here on The Rumble Strip! :)
It all looks yummy!
I wish I had someone (in person) who could give me direction. I have huge anxiety problems when I try something new, so I feel better with someone that knows what's going on directing me.
I totally understand that Bandit. Start small. There are some great books out there on starting a vegetable garden and also a lot of videos as well (those can be a bit iffy though because if they are in Alaska and the person watching is in Florida they aren't as relevant). I had someone reach out to me last year and all they did was dig up a 3' x 3' spot so they could try growing a tomato plant. They bought a seedling from a nursery and it grew and they were happy and it boosted their confidence! My sister hasn't ever been a gardener, but I've been pestering her over the last 30 years. Haha. She finally took the plunge this year and grew some peppers and cucumbers (she purchased seedlings). She's so excited she can't wait for next year because things grew for her. She didn't think she could do it, but now her confidence is improving. Thanks, as always, for stopping by. :)
Start. Any step. Any plant. Just give one (or a few) a try. That is the right direction.
Our first garden was in pots on the deck.
Our second garden was bigger.
Our only significant challenge has been squirrel dissuasion, or eradication. Other than that it is a fun challenge, even when the squirrels eat ALL of your strawberries, onions, asparagus, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, squash .... yeah, I don't appreciate "cute squirrels" anymore.
Get a friend or a neighbor to start a garden with you and learn together.
Just, get your hands dirty.
Great advice John! Yeah, I'm fortunate that the squirrels haven't found me. We do have them in my area, but I'm lucky that they seem to stay in the woods for whatever reason. Instead, I have to battle voles and flea beetles! ARGH! Thanks for contributing to the post John. :)
Yes, squirrels are a pain! There was a volunteer red raspberry plant in the backyard, I was excited, so were the squirrels and the birds. 🙄😒
*chases squirrels for NO reason*
There's ALWAYS a reason to chase squirrels! 😉😊😋😂
😂
I always look forward to your harvest posts. This year was my first attempt at any kind of garden and I had a tiny bit of success and a bit more failure. I cannot believe how much I learned just by growing a few plants.
Firstly, you will never find in the store, the flavor you get from something you grow yourself. I think part of that flavor is the love and care you put into it.
Secondly, I figured some things out, like how loosening soil is important, especially in a place like Tennessee where the clay is so compacted. Spacing is important, and pruning. The thing I had the most luck with was jalapeños. and that was grown by accident. Those were seedlings and I got a surprise of about 30 very hot ones lol. Good for winter soups. This year, I will be doing container gardening in 4 foot long containers.
Lastly, gosh am I excited for next spring. I will using seeds this time, and I will find a way to keep those pesky armadillos and opossums from munching them. My few failures turned into more confidence to do better next year, adding in a few more varieties of plants. Can you tell I am excited lol
Try and try again! I'm so happy you had some successes! The critters can be challenging for sure. Maybe some chicken wire cages to put over the plants or something? I'm looking forward to hearing about next year's successes! Thanks for contributing to the harvest banter on The Rumble Strip! :)
Beautiful!!! Wow, I wish I DID do it-- I need to grow food on wheels, lol.
I DO have an african violet riding with me, and she gets a whole lot of the front passenger seat.
But now things are looking up, and hoping to be out of my car before Xmas...
Next spring, Almighty Dog willing, I can maybe start a garden? I am a desperately bad gardener, but I want to get better. Your post is inspiring! GOOD JOB, FARMER ROB D. ^_^
You have inspired me Word Herder! I always talk about growing in a kitchen window, a balcony, etc. But now I will be adding (for those living in their cars) growing violets and herbs on their dash! ;-) I'm so glad you are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for being a long-time and faithful participant here on The Rumble Strip! :)
The only time I can't see just a LITTLE bit of light is when I shut my eyes... and then I see cartoons. ;)
Cheers!
Beautiful and bountiful harvest!