Interested in gardening advice!
Return to DiscussionsSadly, I am separated (unexpected and hoping it is short term) but my wife was the gardener in the family. I am hoping to get some good gardening advice here either for myself or to help both of us (preferably) when planting season come along again. I definitely do not have a green thumb!
When it comes to a green thumb, our family has tons of gardening in its present and past, and the quote below reminds me that I've never asked my mother if she knows how long that goes back, generationally. I know her parents were very strapped for cash and that typically forces people to use every resource around - like if there's dirt that will support it, toss some seeds in that! Mom is 91 and still enjoys her fingers in the dirt and heading to her favorite nursery to see what's new to try. I didn't grow up with Dad but his yard was always impeccably kempt. My parents may not have gardened bare like we do, but the joys of bringing bloom and nutrition straight from one's own yard can only be enhanced knowing the gardener was doing it naturally! That said, just like another of our loves, good food from the kitchen, certain things are best done with care (aka put on an apron when frying bacon) when nudism is involved - with little need to elaborate on that subject.
So do ask! Strength can be gotten from the communal connection of bare tending, bringing the tender into direct contact with the soil and rocks and plants. If your health permits, get your skin in it, literally. The toes in the dirt, even sitting your ass cheeks right in that cool Arkansas soil. Hell yeah, I'm serious! Make it a moment ~ the cool humus below you and the warm sun everywhere else. Close your eyes and feel the connection to the world you are part of, touch the strength of mother nature waiting there for your input - or her ignoring you and instead growing weeds if you don't take charge.
The cycle of life is right there at your fingertips, and without having the wait of many years (for most plants) to reap the reward (like for children), mistakes can often be remedied in a matter of days, weeks or months. Your sadness due to the loss of partner can be lightened if you partner yourself with a green thing! Make it personal, and read. Buy a real, paper book from a reputable source and learn what region you live in and what is realistic for that spot, meaning soil and climate. Start small and don't get discouraged if at first you don't succeed. Pay attention to what the plants are teaching you, notice when something happens before it takes over, and learn that you never really stop weeding until you learn how to use mulch. I say, don't wait for the growing season to start next spring -- get going inside if you can, this week. The first gardening book can be ordered right now, something from the Rodale Press is my suggestion, and find a nursery to visit, get right to talking to the locals about your desires. Other gardeners may become other green friends in time, and who knows, maybe naked friends if you hoe your row right! Without a single nude resort in your state, that might be an unrealistic expectation.
I used to kill houseplants regularly before I started paying attention to light, water and nutrients, pot sizes, etc. If you have no sun in your home, don't buy a plant that needs what you cannot supply. A green thumb can be learned if you focus on timing and stay realistic. Pride in your work makes the heart blossom just like a flower, whether through a bouquet given to a new neighbor or sinking your teeth into that first ripe tomato from your raised bed. Know this though - when harvest is over and the natural gardener sees everything dying back, it does feel depressing to have to pull out all the dried stalks and shriveled up things. If that worries you, maybe next year try some biennials or perennials that'll winter over; biennials typically live a two year life cycle and perennials become a more permanent addition to your life. Depending on your soil and light and luck, your very first plant may end up being a best friend for a very long time.Sadly, I am separated (unexpected and hoping it is short term) but my wife was the gardener in the family. I am hoping to get some good gardening advice here either for myself or to help both of us (preferably) when planting season come along again. I definitely do not have a green thumb!
As an adder to what Wildwilly said, go search for your local *home grown* nursery. The folks that are from the area and have been doing it, sometimes, for generations can give you great advice & information. I would not totally trust their judgement if their store resembles a small scale big box as those folks are more sales minded but can still help. Additionally, if you have a agricultural extension office in your area, they can get you appropriately started but thats about it. Dont be afraid to fail as its happened to all of us; just keep at it & youll improve. Good luck!!