Are You Planting a Garden This Spring?
When thinking about gardening I used to visualize this HUGE plot of space, HOURS of time consumed with watering, and weeding. The joy was lost in the perceived notion that a “good” garden was a “perfectly manicured” big garden. Nah… not now. I’ve found some ways to create a space for gardening that fits “my style”. My garden is part of my backyard landscape. I plant what I enjoy eating- tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, zucchini, butternut squash, asparagus. Each spring I try planting something I haven’t grown before. My trial with beets was somewhat of a flop! However, after a friend suggested growing butternut squash, it’s now become a permanent addition. This year I’ve added elderberries and blueberries!
What about planting Herbs? Common herbs address ailments, fight inflammation, add flavor, flair and aroma. The study of herbs is so interesting.
For information on herbs, The American Herbalists Guild or Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism are nice resources or… 😊 …check out the collection of articles on the message board and the publications on the table in the gym.
I am encouraging you to just plant something! Use a small space along the backyard fence, add vegetables to the flowers in your flower pots, or… give that big monster garden you’ve always wanted a try, 😊 just get outside and get your hands (and feet) in the dirt… I call it Prairie Bathing!
My grandma used to insist on following The Old Farmers Almanac! Here you go…
- Plant above ground crops- April 1,2, 27 and May 25,26
- Plant below ground crops April 9,10,18,19 and May 15,16
- Prune to encourage growth March 24, 25 and April 3,4,22
7 Benefits of Gardening That Prove It Helps Your Mind and Body Feeling stress or anxious? Try getting a little dirt under your nails. Article by: CAROLINE PICARD AND AMANDA HAWKINS BHG Apr 16, 2019 To summarize the article:
- Gardening burns a lot of calories
- It can lower your blood pressure
- Spending time outside is good for your bones
- Growing your own food can help you eat healthier
- Gardening can relieve stress
- It can provide a source of community
- Gardening can make you happier
My favorite benefit, of course is the absorption of what Richard Louv refers to as Vitamin N. The author of Last Child In the Woods , The Nature Principle, and Vitamin N, The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life: 500 Ways to Enrich The Health & Happiness of Your Family & Community, Louv has coined the term “nature deficit-disorder” and expresses the benefits of a strong nature connection.
Really – I call it Prairie Bathing! It’s my Northwest Kansas version of what others refer to as forest bathing, or simply walking in the woods… we have very few trees but beautiful prairie landscapes!
Again…Get Outside and get your hands and feet in the dirt!
Enjoy Your Day!