7 New Lessons from My Garden

Besides all of the physical and mental advantages to growing food, learning is also beneficial and this year I have learned quite a few things. It’s been very exciting to delve into books and videos to see how I can improve my growing skills. As a matter of fact, gardening skills teach many life skills, so it’s all a huge plus. I’m happy to share seven new things I’ve learned this gardening season. Let’s dive in!

7 New Lessons from My Garden

Lesson #1: Companion planting is a game changer. 

I have always heard of companion planting and I had a general idea but I never really took time to read and learn exactly how that plays out in the garden. Well, this year I did a thing. I read a book and some magazines and gathered ideas of how to implement companion planting into my garden practices. 

I learned about planting not only food in my garden but how to compliment them with flowers and herbs. This particular practice will most likely be a blog in and of itself. This change looks absolutely gorgeous in my garden. Prior to this I only knew of marigolds and I did plant them in my garden but basically for the color not with a full understanding of how marigolds work to both attract and deter. Companion planting is definitely a game changer that I plan to continue to incorporate.

Lesson #2: Pruning is a must. 

I had no idea of the importance of pruning in my garden. My mindset was to let nature do her thing. Afterall, if I’m trying to grow something, why would I want to cut it back? I want everything I grow, to grow. I sure had that all wrong and I’m not ashamed to own it, it’s all a learning process and learning I am. 

Pruning also affords its own blog as its pertinent in the growing process. I thought it was counterintuitive to cut anything off however cutting what needs to go is needed in order to clean things up and allow for new growth. By pruning off the dead, diseased and dying plants, healing and life springs forth. Pruning is amazing and I can gather many life lessons from this concept. 

Lesson #3: All tomatoes are not the same.

As funny as this sounds, it’s true. There are different types of tomatoes. We have grown tomatoes for over a decade and I had no idea. It’s pretty simple but good to know because now we have expectations that match the tomato. 

Determinate and indeterminate, yes these are the two kinds of tomatoes. Determinate tomatoes reach a mature phase and all the fruit grows at once and that’s it. The fruit will not continue to grow the whole growing season. You get your fruit all at once and then its over. Who knew? I was growing determinate tomatoes and wondering why they grew once and no more. I thought the failure was mine but they did their job and that was that. 

Indeterminate tomatoes continue growth through the season, as long as circumstances are correct. So, you harvest fruit and then they continue to grow so you can harvest them again all through the growing season. Did you know tomato was a fruit?  

Lesson #4: Herbs are not just for seasoning.

Although I had heard about the uses of herbs from friends, I never delved into it. In the back of my mind, I knew I wanted to know more. One of the things that got me started in learning about herbs was the fact that they are easy to grow and a great way to start small in terms of growing food. 

The thing I have learned this season is not only are herbs a great way to start growing food and they are fantastic as seasonings, they are also beautiful and medicinal. Herbs are an eye-catching addition coupled with aromas that make a kitchen smell like a wonderful home. 

Herbs are therapeutic and medicinal in so many ways. This is another post in the making. There is so much to be said about the many uses of herbs in your garden and kitchen. Using them in the garden just like flowers attract the good insects and repel the ones you don’t want pestering your garden. Herbs. Are. Fabulous. 

Lesson #5: Planting in small spaces is possible. 

This will be my first year planting on my deck and backyard. Most people think a ton of space and acreage is needed to grow food. Negative. You do need some space but there are too many options out here to stop anyone from having fresh foods and growing them yourself.    

For the first time I have used containers and planters of all types. It has been quite fun seeing food grow from places I never expected! I love the control over small container gardening. I have even put together small garden beds, an absolute first. Today having a small space is easier than ever to grow food. Take advantage and work what you have!

Lesson #6: Cover crops help.

Have you ever heard of something that just sounds like too much work? That would be me thinking about cover crops. This is the first year I will be incorporating cover crops into our winter garden because finally I understand the value of doing so. 

In my case, the soil is pretty doggone hard and clay like. This has been the case since we moved to this property. We thought that if we plant each year, it would get better but that’s not true.

I’ve come to learn that planting what’s known as cover crops in the fall helps to prepare your ground for spring. There are certain crops that can be planted that not only protects your soil from the harsh winter months but also feeds nutrients during the process. Cover crops really do help and I hope to write about this next spring. 

Lesson #7: It’s ok to experiment. 

By nature, I’m one who likes to use what I know already works. I’m not really into reinventing the wheel and I’m definitely a creative of habit. However, this year I broke out of that mindset and started experimenting a bit. This is one of the best things I’ve done, so far. I have tried things that worked and I’m so proud that I did.

I have learned more efficient ways of growing foods and been a bit creative. It has been totally invigorating. For me, getting results has been the focus hence I stick to what I know works. Now I’m learning to have fun along the way.

I’ve learned that taking calculated risks works with growing food as with life. What counts is that I learn something new and maybe improve. Disclaimer, I never go cheap on seeds or soil but I have found some cheap planters that work! Most of the lessons above came from me experimenting, as a matter of fact, they all came from me experimenting. 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, each lesson I’ve learned has been valuable and one that I wanted to share with you. Really, I couldn’t wait to share with you. None of these lessons may be needed as of yet depending on where you are in your growing journey but rest assured, you’ll need one or a few of them. Pruning most definitely will show up sooner than later. 

I certainly hope you’ve enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. Growing life is a most beautiful journey with many lessons to learn while you experience the joy of growing your own food for you and the ones you love. 

Produce not just consume.