I began gardening as a stress-reliever when I was in high school. A friend of mine would laugh at me as I saved my lunch money to buy plants on the way home from school. Since that time, I have gradually added a new plant here or there. At this point in my gardening “career” I have a good handle on the summer basics: tomatoes, beans, peas, squashes, cucumbers and berries.
Recently a friend mentioned she planted broccoli, brussel sprouts, swiss chard and beets. I was amazed at how intimidating those four plants sounded to me. Those “cool weather” plants are strangers to my world of gardening. The thought crossed my mind that I could plant them too. At first I dismissed the thought but then, after more consideration, I decided to not let a plant intimidate me. What’s the worst that could happen? The plants die and I wasted $4. So…today I bought four broccoli and four brussel sprout plants. (Lowe's is selling a nice, healthy four-pack for about $1.69.) This is my first year to grow these. Time will tell if we will be friends or foes. Perhaps next year: swiss chard and beets?
All that to say, we are never too old to try something new! If you have only grown tomatoes, this year plant a few bush beans. If you only grow yellow crook-neck squash, branch out this year with some carrots. You will not know unless you try! Walk on the wild side and plant something new! I did!
Happy Gardening!
John is the gardener in our family - tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, melons. Last year he tried corn with great success.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is a bad back so it is hard to do things floor level. A few years ago, John made me a waist high "raised" bed and I grew carrots, broccoli and lettuce. It was fun!