Field Trip to my garden

The other day I had a friend ask if she & the kids could come by to look at the garden and ask questions.  She homeschools her kids so it was considered a field trip!  They came over and asked alot of questions as they were getting ready to do their own garden. The kids were so cute and I loved their questions.  I really enjoyed my first field trip!!  Afterwards I stopped by their garden to see how it was going and contributed some plants.  Lots of fun!

They had some really great questions....here are some:

Why are your plants so big?  Great question.  Starts with the soil & sun.  Plants need 6+hrs of sun a day and also needs good organic soil.  Its also good every year to add some compost manure (how much you need is usually by square footage on the bag).  One year I added extra compost manure and ended up with over 12 pumpkins from one plant!  Plants love compost manure.  It also helps if you have had some rain in addition to sun to keep the plant from drying out.  If they look dry just check the soil a few inches.  If its dry then try to water them.  I also try to purchase good plants that are the biggest at the nursery.  It gives them a head start from seeds.  That way you get plants and veggies sooner.

What are some good plants to start a garden with?  These are my favorites that seem to be easy and are ready to eat faster.  Lettuce, carrots, onions (regular onions & green onions), parsley (and other herbs), spinach, beans, peppers, broccoli, kale, swiss chard, tomatoes.  I would plant things you enjoy eating in case you get a big crop then everyone will be eating it and you won't have to throw it out.  But you can always give to friends and neighbors!!  There are some plants that keep on giving most of the summer too even if you cut/eat them like parsley/herbs, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and more.

At our house we have been enjoying smoothies with kale and spinach lately -- good veggies from the garden.  My kids don't even know its in there!  sshh... don't tell them.   My kids actually tasted the lettuce and enjoy our lettuce much more than the stores.  I do too and will add the delicate lettuces to anything!

 

Dill, cilantro, lettuces

 

Kale

 

swiss chard

 

Yummy Kale Chips!

I can't get my kids to eat this yet but I will be working on them.  

Cut the stems off the kale and just use the leaves.  Tear them like a size of a chip.  Place them on a pan and drizzle with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), and sprinkle with sea salt.  Place in the oven at 350degrees and cook for 10 minutes.  Voila!  Yummy kale chips!

I am convinced the garden kale and lettuces taste so much better than store bought!

If you have questions let me know!  Love questions...

Hope the rains have made your garden thrive like mine!!  Its been so cool lately too so no real pests yet either. 
Happy Gardening!
Tara