Yesterday, I chose to embark on a journey doing something I never thought I’d do — gardening. And I was somewhat successful.
Although I appreciate nature, I would never consider myself outdoorsy by any means. When I think of the outdoors, I immediately think of getting down and dirty in a place where facing my fear of bugs is completely unavoidable. You can see how gardening has never particularly come to mind.
However, organic at-home gardening has huge environmental and financial benefits. You can save money on food, especially if you purchase perennial plants that can be harvested every year. It also helps the environment and your health by avoiding pesticides and harmful chemicals. You’ll also eliminate harmful emissions from the transportation of produce.
At Calloway’s Nursery, I decided to purchase seeds of plants I knew I would eat and could be planted in February. I chose strawberries, asparagus, carrots and spinach. Ann Mai, publicist of the Environmental Society and Shorthorn blogger, let me use the club’s plot at the UTA Community Garden to plant these seeds.
Once I began gardening, I immediately wished I had spent more time researching how to garden my seeds instead of researching where I could purchase a cute soil scoop. The seed packages had only vague directions on the back, which were intimidating for someone with no gardening experience. Then I discovered the fine print on the back of the asparagus packaging that said the asparagus won’t be ready for harvesting for two years. Being a junior, I will have graduated by then.
My gardening involved a lot of improvisation. I wasn’t entirely sure how many seeds to put in one hole for the carrots and the spinach, so I put in a few per hole and hoped for the best. I also didn’t bring a pitcher to water the seeds, so that didn’t happen. I hope it rains soon.
I also did not come prepared clothes-wise. My favorite pair of jeans immediately got covered in soil. I also forgot gardening gloves, which I regretted after about five seconds into the process.
However, my overall experience gardening was positive. I felt very peaceful at the community garden and grateful for a break from the usual Sunday homework-a-thon. I also enjoyed knowing I will have played an active role in the food I hope to one day eat. I felt productive and responsible, having accomplished something beneficial for the environment and myself.
Here are some important tips for anyone thinking about gardening that I learned from my experience this weekend:
1) Do some background research first on gardening the specific plants you will be planting
2) Wear gardening gloves and clothes you aren’t afraid to get dirty
3) Read the packaging of the seeds thoroughly
Check back for updates on my gardening adventures. I plan to go back tomorrow and actually water the seeds.
