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Start a garden? You mean be responsible for the lives and water intake of more than my family? How is THIS going to help me as a busy mom?
I know, I know. Sounds like just one more thing to remember, but trust me when I tell you how gardening has benefited my family and I am only two years into this with absolutely no prior experience. I shared a little bit about this over on my Instagram, so here’s a deeper dive.
#1 ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR KIDS
Gardening with your kids incorporates so many key life lessons and it can be super fun sensory playtime. Some lessons I am teaching my toddler are the importance of watering our plants and learning when to harvest certain plants. In toddler terms, we talk about the colors we see. For example, we pick the red tomatoes when we head out to our garden beds to either get ingredients for dinner or put together a basket for a friend./family member. These activities can be scaled according to the age group. Follow along on my blog as I intend to share more garden/outdoor activities for kids year-round.
#2 GROW WHAT YOU EAT
The convenience of just heading outside to pick tomatoes for a dinner salad or mint for a refreshing cold summer tea has been game changing as a busy mom. Starting a garden can have some cost upfront but eventually you are definitely saving money, especially with plants that grow back each year (perennials). You also have peace of mind knowing exactly where your food is coming from – talk about shopping local!
#3 SHARE THE HARVEST
Need an excuse for thrifting more cute baskets? Fill them with garden goods as a gift for a friend, neighbor, loved one, or party host! We had so much fun giving away tomatoes, cucumbers, and flower arrangements this summer. My teen also used flowers from our garden for her graduation party and she did a stellar job putting the arrangements together. This is such a special gesture and also a fun way to get creative with your family
#4 FEEL A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
Yes, some plants will die but as long as you have a good foundation, plenty of sun and water, many plants are hardy and you will get SOMETHING. You will be so excited even if you don’t start from seed. Last year was our first year growing with two garden beds and we started with seedlings. Between pregnancy fatigue and suddenly losing one of my brothers, I gave up toward the end of the summer. We still harvested plenty of herbs, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Here’s a list of my favorite low-maintenance plants if you want to start small next spring.
#5 IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL
Gardening has become an exciting, creative outlet for me right at home. Whether it’s arranging a flower pot during naptime or planting seeds, I love to see the beauty of God’s creation work together. It’s a shared project with me family but also 1:1 with our Creator as we rely on Him to give the increase and the harvest.
What other benefits would you add? Or maybe you’ve never gardened and I hope this article inspires you to start even if it’s just potting a few flowers next year or growing one tomato plant in your backyard! If you want to start next spring, download my First Time Gardener Blueprint. Happy planning and planting!