I started gardening out of the need for more fresh foods for my children due to food allergies and sensitivities. This was the push I needed as I’ve wanted to garden since I was a child watching my Aunt put out a big garden every year. I want to create my own homestead for our family and live a more down to earth life. We have started on that dream and the “Build It Up” program has helped me learn so much necessary information to start organic gardening.
I learn best in an in-person atmosphere, and I am so grateful for the hands on classes. I got to learn about gardening and cooking what I grow as well as how to preserve that food for later.
Growing cabbage was a new experience for me. “Build It Up” gave me starter plants, and it was a journey start to finish. Dealing with the cabbage bugs was particularly interesting. I wouldn’t have done as well as I did without all of the information they shared on prevention and care.
I have grown so many new things this year thanks to the program. I still have so much to learn and so many things to try growing. I love being in the garden; it’s my happy place. I have enjoyed teaching my kids more about garnering, my oldest has even gotten the chance to go to a few classes with me.
The hardest parts of gardening this year have been time management and weeds. I am hoping to have a better plan for weed control next year. I’m going to try to get wood chips down faster, have a better schedule written down to make it easier to hit my goals, and do better at balancing out life and gardening.
There’s still so much more to do this year, and I’m looking forward to conquering all the challenges to come. Another big thanks to “Build It Up” for all their help so far. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings.
