This weekend was Mother's Day, and it was really lovely. Firstly, I want to say, Happy Mother's Day once again to all the mothers who have been in my life. I have been touched by each and every one of them and they have all taught me valuable lessons to follow. Mothers are unique, special and irreplaceable. My sister, who is a great mother to two amazing children, feels every day should be Mother's Day, and she's right about that. So, Happy Mother's Day today, and everyday.
This weekend was special not only because I spent so much time with my mom doing fun things, but because we have started our vegetable garden! My boyfriend has created vegetable beds and compost boxes so that he and I, and my parents can grow our own vegetables safely and organically.
To start our amazing garden, we went seed shopping at the Sun Valley Garden Center on Saturday and I won't even try to remember everything we got plant-wise. My mom and I also loved everything the nursery had to offer that wasn't alive! *Note to self: shop there for MDay next year!
We mostly purchased seeds because they're cheaper than seedlings (seeds that have already started growing) and because they came from Botanical Interests and Seeds of Change, both incredibly reputable seed companies. Also, instead of buying the plastic starter kits, (remember, PLASTIC IS EVIL!) we made our own! Because I'm an interior designer, I have a lot of project material, which includes heavy stock paper. It is perfect for seed starters! Cut some construction paper, which can be even more fun because it's colorful, into 2.25" x 5.75" strips and tape the seams together with Duct Tape. Because these are filled with an organic compost blend found at almost any store, ie dirt, I recommend using cookie trays. I managed to make about 120 of these little guys! They're very easy to make, and when it comes time to plant them in the vege beds, all we have to do is peel off the paper and Voilà! no irritated roots.
One of the seedlings we did buy though, were jalapeños. I have a habit of needing to name everything, so, I present to you, Gonzalez and Oscar (Gonzalez is on the left).
I know, I'm totally silly. Anyways, we are very excited for our first jalapeños to grow so we can make tacos and other delicious food!
On a serious note, we are very excited to be doing this. Essentially, we are creating life. We are growing generations of vegetables (did I mention that most of the seeds are Heirloom seeds, which means they come from 30 - 50 year old strains?) which are being grown with love, patience and most importantly, knowledge. We have taken the responsibility into our own hands, which is way more than I can say for most these days. We were tired of buying genetically modified foods that offered little to no nutrients, and instead of whining about it or even shelling out extra bucks for organic foods, we're doing it ourselves.
Wish us luck! :)
To start our amazing garden, we went seed shopping at the Sun Valley Garden Center on Saturday and I won't even try to remember everything we got plant-wise. My mom and I also loved everything the nursery had to offer that wasn't alive! *Note to self: shop there for MDay next year!
We mostly purchased seeds because they're cheaper than seedlings (seeds that have already started growing) and because they came from Botanical Interests and Seeds of Change, both incredibly reputable seed companies. Also, instead of buying the plastic starter kits, (remember, PLASTIC IS EVIL!) we made our own! Because I'm an interior designer, I have a lot of project material, which includes heavy stock paper. It is perfect for seed starters! Cut some construction paper, which can be even more fun because it's colorful, into 2.25" x 5.75" strips and tape the seams together with Duct Tape. Because these are filled with an organic compost blend found at almost any store, ie dirt, I recommend using cookie trays. I managed to make about 120 of these little guys! They're very easy to make, and when it comes time to plant them in the vege beds, all we have to do is peel off the paper and Voilà! no irritated roots.
One of the seedlings we did buy though, were jalapeños. I have a habit of needing to name everything, so, I present to you, Gonzalez and Oscar (Gonzalez is on the left).
I know, I'm totally silly. Anyways, we are very excited for our first jalapeños to grow so we can make tacos and other delicious food!On a serious note, we are very excited to be doing this. Essentially, we are creating life. We are growing generations of vegetables (did I mention that most of the seeds are Heirloom seeds, which means they come from 30 - 50 year old strains?) which are being grown with love, patience and most importantly, knowledge. We have taken the responsibility into our own hands, which is way more than I can say for most these days. We were tired of buying genetically modified foods that offered little to no nutrients, and instead of whining about it or even shelling out extra bucks for organic foods, we're doing it ourselves.
Wish us luck! :)
You're amazing!! We really really need to talk more. How fun! When you come visit you can teach me how to make those cook seed starter things from construction paper!!!
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