Food Glorious Food

For those of you who love to garden (or aspire to) - raise your hands.
Gardening can take many forms. I started small; growing herbs in my window and throwing the odd seed in a pot when I lived in shared housing back in my college days.
I had little to be responsible for back then (compared to my days now as a mother). And I had something to watch grow. My education was less tangible it seemed, i guess ;)
This year I've planted my biggest edible garden yet. I feel so fortunate to have the space and the time (albeit not a lot!) Rather than have the token tomatoes, cucumbers, peas and beans and various herbs that I had last year, I have decided to go big.
This Summer I want to feed my family from the garden. I can always share any extras, right?
Then, my plan is to start making my move toward expanding into the fall and winter months and learn ways to extend the season. I've been learning much  from others who have been doing this for years. It's just about having a little know-how and taking the plunge. And making the best use of the space you have.

It's got to be one of the most gratifying things an individual can do - to grow your own food.  Not only is the process exhilarating - watching those tiny seed pods burst forth into seedling and then mature plants (all from a tiny seed!) - but the finished product pretty much blows your mind. Well, when things turn out, that is. There are never any guarantees with gardening but the risk of course is part of the excitement.

I lately been rather enthralled with the many ideas on the internet exploring vertical gardening. The ideas seem endless and so ingenious. It seems that folks want to grow wherever they are and no matter their space restrictions.  Good on them, I say!
I think that we all need to reconnect with our foods sources. So even if you live in a wee little north facing apartment with a black thumb. There is hope. You can grow - somehow.

Here's some links to get you started:http://www.windowfarms.org/
http://www.facebook.com/willemvancotthem
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/roof-wall-gardens-videos.html

Happy growing to you...