Thursday, May 27, 2010
Back and Forth from the Central Valley to the Bu
It has been a busy month. I am so lucky to be able to have the best of California in my life. The coastline, Sierra foothills and the orchards and farms of the Central Valley. I am more convinced than ever that it is important for everyone to plant a garden. It can be a few seeds in a pot or raised beds but the plants you grow that end up on your table are not only good for the body but good for the soul. Just to get you thinking here are a few pictures of my small garden in Malibu. Tomatoes, swiss Chard, a variety of herbs and peppers, lettuce and sugarsnap peas. Have to get the cucumbers in!
After hearing that some of Whole Foods organic produce (fresh and frozen) comes from China, really inspires me to keep going. Yes, it is a little more work to wash your veggies a couple of times to get the bugs off but the satisfaction you get from growing your own and understanding where the food comes from is well worth it.
Don't have time you say? Well try growing a few in pots. Here is a link to a great Sunset article to get you started. How to Grow Veggies in Pots a la Sunset magazine Or hire someone to help prepare the soil if you are doing raised beds - don't forget to lay some chicken wire about 12" down so the gophers don't get the crops first. You will have these beds for years now and only have to put in a little compost every spring to renew the soil. I use Sluggo for snails and soap and water to spray for bugs. Some say meditation decreases anxiety and stress and that is true but gardening is such a zen activity that it will truly make you feel calmer and more productive at the same time.
My mother gardened and so did both my grandmothers. I actually planted my meyer lemon tree in tribute to my Grandma Ahme. Her lemon meringue pie kicked butt! Still am working on perfecting my recipe to taste like hers.
Gardening is a way to stay in touch with your past and enrich the present . Don't miss trying planting a few vegetables - one of the great "domestic"arts.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment