In My Garden

Anyone who has spent any time with me this spring, knows how excited I've been about the community garden space I've rented this summer. After 5 years of attempting to grow anything edible in our extra-shady yard, with only dismal results, I've finally went abroad to find a sunny spot. All the way to Milan (Illinois that is). I've got a photo album started documenting my progress, you can see here. I have one goal this summer: survive to want to do it again next year.

For a meager $35 for the summer, no water included, I rented a 25' x 30' parcel that has been tilled by the farmer who owns the property. Some of my neighbors have tilled their allotments even further. I'm anxious to see what the difference in the results will be. And of course to get to know my new neighbors.

So far I've planted 5 varieties of tomatoes, zuchini, summer squash, eggplant, cucumber, 4 varieties of peppers ('cuz we like it hot), 2 kinds of beans, kale, lettuce, spinach, arugula, carrots, parsnips, radishes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, cilantro, and taragon. I still want to pick up some oregano and dill. All things we regularly eat during the summer.

Right now it seems like there is a lot of free space I should be using by planting more, but I'm trying to hold back, and give my plants room to grow.

And I have a companion in my garden, Laurel. She likes to dig in the dirt, haul water, and she's curious about what I'm doing. I didn't take her with me tonight to finish my planting, but I'm sure she'll be with me often this summer.

So check back often to see how my garden grows. I wonder if my genetic heritage will come through and my green thumb will make an appearance?