Thoughts from a first time gardener

[newgardengirl]

Some of you know may already know that I only started growing things this year.

I still haven't got anything to eat out of it yet, apart from rocket leaves and a few herbs, but I can see it's all growing and I'm sure things will start to be ready in another month or so. I've got potatoes in a container and I'm planning to harvest them at some point this week or next week, which I'm really excited about as it will be my first "substantial" result.

I'm probably going off into hippy mode here but I've just been thinking about how amazing it can be, watching things grow and develop, and generally pondering upon the wonder of nature. I was so worried at the beginning that everything would die, but honestly about 90% of my plants have been successful. It feels like the plants really *want* to grow. I am particularly awestruck by the fact that a tiny little seed, only 2mm in diameter, can grow into an enormous cauliflower, for example. Out of something small comes an amazing plant.

I realise I probably sound overly gushy, but it really feels like I'm taking part in something amazing.

[Flummery]

We all are newgardengirl. It never stops being amazing either. It's funny how we worry over our little plants and you go for a walk in the country (did last night) and find raspberries and blackberries and even gooseberries growing in hedgerows in competition with HUGE nettles. No-one fusses about them but they just get on with it.
You always lose some to pests but what you harvest is SO good and so satisfying to serve up to your family and friends. 'I grew this myself' will become one of you favourite sayings.

Flum

[pigletwillie]

I suppose all seeds want to grow, we just want them to grow how and where we want them too. Its a great feeling when you see those seedlings appear or a juicy fat carrot coming out of the ground.

I never get over seeing our garden or plots after a holiday away. Istead of not really noticing things slowly grow, you come back to a fortnights growth and it just blows you away.

You are taking part in something amazing, its great that more and more people are realising so as well.

[JennieAtkinson]

Yes it really is amazing and this far north, anything that can brazen it out against the cold hard winds is a little gem and deserves my affection! It also gets you thinking about the wider issues too and how you can change your life in small ways.

[moggssue]

Growing my own has certainly made me think long and hard about other issues as well - and its such a great hobby which has a practical benefit as well. I too cant believe it when plants actually appear from a tiny seed I've put into some soil!

[shirlthegirl43]

It never fails to amaze me that I can (as I put it to Madmax a couple days ago) stick a pip in some mud and get something to eat!! He has just spent 6 weeks at home and found it really 'balancing' to plant his own seed spuds in a bin. He says they feel like his babies and he went out every morning to see them. I am about to phone him to wake him for his first day of a new contract (thankfully only four weeks) and I am wondering if the first thing I will be asked is how are the spuds!! He says it has been a real stress reliever and he can't wait for this contract to be over so he can plant more seeds! Hope everyone gets the same pleasure - I guess they do or they wouldn't be growing stuff!

[Seahorse]

newgardengirl, I'm shall join you in gushing! This is my first year trying to garden 'properly' and I too have 'felt the force'! I tour my garden and greenhouse multiple times a day just revelling in the thrill of it all!

Claire

[Headfry]

Please may I play too?....................
I want to gush..
Watching my little bees in and out of the hive all day long, Tiny tiny anounts of nectar.....lots more tiny tiny amounts and I get a jar of honey!
blinding
all those mile flown in one jar.....gush, gush and more gush...i'm in love! with my bees.........tee hee