Spring Inspiration 1

A Springtime inspiration

It’s springtime and time to start planting! Even though I grew up with a gardening family, my husband has traditionally been the gardener in this household. He has spoiled me rotten with the sweetest tomatoes, peppers, herbs, squashes and leafy greens, and now I have a really hard time buying veggies from the market. They just don’t taste the same. There is plenty of information out there about the benefits of supporting organic local farming and I do make special trips, but even then, it’s still not the same as picking from your own garden or swapping with some local gardening neighbors and friends. It’s a community thing that makes it more special.

With our pink weeping cherry tree in full bloom, Spring has inspired me to try a gardening option I’ve been thinking about for years! I’m growing a salad bowl! I know this is an old idea, but I’ve never done it and I’m so excited that I finally have.

I planted the small leaf lettuce in an antique wash basin with plenty of drainage on the bottom. There is no hole, so I had to put a good layer of rocks. I used plain old potting soil and will have to water it everyday, but I don’t mind. It’s right on the deck near the dogs water bowl, so it’s an easy task to remember. Since this is my first time and there is only two of us, I only planted nine plants. I used a simple design, choosing to bunch the colors together rather than mixing them up. This is an experiment and I hope I did everything right! I’m so looking forward to making that first salad with my very own lettuce. Maybe next year I’ll even start with seeds!

If you just don’t have time for gardening, but want to get fresh organic local foods that support your community while being the best tasting and healthiest options for you and your family, check out www.localharvest.org to find the places near you. You’ll taste the difference and feel better about making a small change that has a big impact!