Gardening is a form of resistance. To plant a seed, nurture it, and watch it grow is to believe in tomorrow—and to reclaim the power to shape it.

When I started my garden last year, I wasn’t sure how successful it would be. Little did I know I had a natural talent, and that if I listened to nature, I would do well.

Last year I grew cherry tomatoes, broccoli, green onions and beets. I was surprised about how much I yielded and I want to share with you all what worked well.

Gardening 101

1. Figure out what you want to grow, for me I started with things I knew I would eat. I wasn’t sure if I would be successful, so I probably went a little overboard with the plants I started with.
2. After you have your list, figure out where and how you want to grow it. Almost all seeds have information listed about how much space is needed on the package. Here are a few things to consider:
   • Pick a growing location that fits the needs of the plants you are growing. Things to take note of:
     • Container size
     • Container drainage
     • Access to sun
     • Hydration needs
   • Time of year: When you plant matters, this can help you decide whether to plant seeds or to buy plants that have already started to bloom from a hardware store or local plant store. What to consider:
     • What is the total time that it takes from planting to harvest?
   • Dirt: Once you figure all of this out, you should pick a way to fertilize your garden and your soil. Here is what I did
     • I bought a compost and manure mix with a soil made specifically for raised garden beds.
     • I got a massive bag of worm castings from Costco and I mixed all of it together before I started planting.
       • They boost plant growth, improve soil structure, enhance water retention, and promote a healthier soil ecosystem.
   • Water: Figure out how you are going to keep up a consistent watering system.
     • Honestly, this was the hardest step for me, but once I figured it out it made life so much easier. I got a automatic solar powered watering system for my entire garden.
   • Harvest: The first time I harvested I was surprised at how much I was able to grow. It was overwhelming and I didn’t have a plan to do with any of the excess.
     • I made the mistake of planting 4 tomato plants and I was harvesting at least 1 pound of tomatoes a day. Which I was able to freeze and I ate fresh tomatoes all summer.
   • Celebrate

Here are a few pictures from my garden LY. This year, my goal is to be more strategic about what I grow, to get the most of my harvest.

One thing I learned is that not all plants play nicely next to each other. That said, I found a great resource to help me with my planning. This year I am planting a stir fry garden. This will be a 4×4 sectioning of my raised garden bed with each section dedicated to a veggie.

I got my plans from this website this year and last year: https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/garden-planner/garden-planner-home.html?srsltid=AfmBOoozxzLwantSba9_DtUnMVdhLIwCTY4cG5QapmBJYYFqPxovpkpu

• Bok Choy
• Broccoli
• Pepper
• Eggplant
• Scallions
• Carrots
• Bush Beans
• Tomatoes

If you are planning on starting your first garden this year, please let me know what you are doing, and how it goes!