A'Planting I Did Go

I went a little crazy at the garden center.

Again.

But it was my reward for clearing out my raised bed garden plot this morning and getting it ready for planting.

We started a Square Foot Garden last year, having gardened this way in years past at our old house and loved it.  It doesn't produce the huge amount that my family gleaned from a half-acre plot at my great uncle's house when I was a kid, but it's more than plenty for our little three-person family.

Plus, it's not that difficult to get started.

A huge benefit in my mind is that we get fresh, organic veggies picked right from our yard -- including fresh off the vine tomatoes in the summer.  But the best part is that The Peanut and I get to grow it together, and that I maybe get to sneak in a few extra veggies in her diet at the same time.

This morning, after clearing out our garden bed, I went to the local garden center and picked up a few starter packs of broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard and assorted types of lettuce and herbs.  And they have all been planted firmly in the ground.  Due to gray skies and a threat of rain, I just didn't want to wait.

Normally, I seed my lettuce and chard in from seed packages, but I was late getting them started this year because of our vacation timing.  So this year?  I'm a big, fat cheater, but my little garden looks great.

The Peanut and I will plant onion sets, radishes and carrots from seed, and sugar snap peas later this week, too.  And then our spring bounty should, hopefully, be good to grow.


As a treat, I picked up a copy of the new Square Foot Gardening Cookbook at the store.  So far?  I'm loving it, just for the harvest tips alone. But the recipes seem rather yummy, too.

Trying to eat more healthfully means we're trying to eat more veggies prepared in a healthy way with just about every meal and snack.  Will let folks know if there are particularly yummy recipes in the book as I try them out.

(Lucious greens photo via meganpru.)