Gardening 101

I had the idea of planting a small vegetable bed for Alia so she could start being "responsible" for something. I know at school, they water plants in the yard so I thought a small bed of flowers and vegetables would be perfect for her. She would be responsible for watering it everyday and be able to watch it grow as a reward system.

Tim and I have only planted herbs and have never attempted vegetables. Luckily, Grandpa Hsu was visiting and helped us with his gardening expertise. We cleared out these old cedar planters we had and took Alia on a trip to Home Depot. It was a great bonding experience with her and just grandpa. We picked out some of her favorite things, strawberries and "purple flowers" along with basil, rosemary, thyme, green peppers, red peppers, eggplants and two kinds of tomatoes, red and yellow.

Grandpa showed me how to plant them in the soil by loosening a portion of the soil, loosening the roots, and then packing the soil. We also got some fertilizer and he showed me how to dilute it every two week.

I got Alia her own watering can, gloves and spade and not a day goes by that she doesn't remind me we have to water her garden. It's been two weeks now and we're starting to see some strawberry buds growing! I hope we get something blooming, it would be really cool to point out to her.

I was so inspired by planting that the next time some of Alia's friends came over, I gave each of them a pot, soil and basil or lettuce plant and showed them how to plant their own. It was so cute to see the little kids get into it. Thanks Grandpa for showing us such a fun and educational activity!