Why I Garden ~ The Homeschool Village's Garden Challenge 2011

Why do I garden? In a word ~ Nurture.

I am a nurturer by nature. I like to take care of things. Sure, I love the vegetables that come from the garden. But that's not even the real reason why I do it. There is just something about going out first thing in the morning and picking some weeds and watering and observing something growing that I have helped grow! And then, on that day, where I see a harvest from my hard work, I smile.

I am not the kind of gardener who plants a huge garden and then cans and freezes the harvest. I really just plant enough that we can enjoy all summer long. And when the season is over I'm ready to shut it down and wait for the next season.

I started gardening two summers ago. I just did a small container garden on my back porch with some herbs and tomatoes. I didn't get much from them, but I learned some things and it peaked my interest.

Last year I added a bed that runs along the back side of our garage. I planted sunflowers, green beans, peas, squash, blueberries, tomatoes and green peppers. I found what I liked and what I didn't like and made some decisions about what I would do differently. Again, it was a year of learning. But I sure did enjoy all the tomatoes!

This summer we added a new bed and I am going all out. I am planting squash, zucchini, spinach, lettuce, carrots, jalapenos, green peppers and corn in my new bed. In my old bed I am planting sunflowers, blueberries, strawberries, cucumbers, broccoli and tomatoes. On my back porch I will have all my herbs in containers.

We'll see what we get. But I do know that I can't wait to watch my little garden grow.

Here's to a bountiful and beautiful harvest!

Do you garden? If so, why do you do it?

Go to The Homeschool Village for other gardening inspiration. I'll be posting updates as things begin to grow.