PROJECT: Garden Variety
by Tawana Tannock
GARDEN TYPE:
My garden(s) can fit into a multitude of categories! I have a Fruit and Vegetable Garden, Vertical, Herb Garden, Raised Garden, Indoor, Outdoor and Container! As a novice, I wasn’t sure what type of garden I should aim for, or what would work, so attempting various methods of gardening was equal parts experimentation and adventure.
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART?
My lack of understanding of the upkeep required. Planting in a raised bed requires quite a lot of pruning, however planting directly in the soil requires constant weeding. I naively thought of gardening as a two-step process. (1) Plant the seeds/seedlings (2) Harvest the bounty! I was not aware of anything in between, that I realized I had to do! Such as inspecting and treating pests, pruning, weeding, building a trellis and daily watering where required.
WHAT WAS THE EASIEST PART?
The best part of the experience thus far has been going to the grocers and walking past the lettuce, kale and herbs, knowing that I have more than enough growing at home – and also to allow my mother and neighbor to do the same, and sharing the bounty!
