Spring is almost here and I am going to be ready when it arrives. I just ordered my seeds and plants for my vegetable and herb garden. The seeds and plants will arrive in a week or so. That will give me just enough time to get my seeds started indoors for a head-start on the growing season. You may be thinking what do seeds and plants have to do with TLCinthekitchen?
Seeds and plants have a lot to do with my kitchen. Over the years I have stopped trying to grow pretty flowers and ornamentals for the yard. Now, my gardening is concentrated on growing delicious, nutritious food for my family and friends. We eat as much as we can fresh, but I also make pickles, salsas, bottled tomatoes, jams and jellies to enjoy throughout the year.
I have learned what will grow in my Zone 9 garden and what will not. I plant things that I know will yield a nice crop. Zucchini and summer squash always do well. Until recently, not everyone was loving the squash, but last year we found some great new recipes and we ate almost every bite of the squash we grew. We shared the rest with friends.
I also try to focus on the things my family loves the most. I always plant sweet peas, but they never seem to make it into the house. My younger children and grandchildren love to pick and eat them right in the garden. Every morning while I am watering, little feet pitter patter through the garden paths while little hands pick strawberries, cherry tomatoes and sweet peas and little mouths gobble them up. The pea pods are tossed to the potbelly pigs, so they are pretty happy, too.
So, if you have ever wanted to try your hand at gardening, give it a try this year! See my post on Spring Fever for some of my favorite seed sites. Check out The Old Farmer’s Almanac for great information on planting dates. Even if you only have room for a few pots on your patio, you can grow the tastiest tomatoes and some delicious fresh basil. Nothing tastes better than something you have grown at home!
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