Jr. Gardener In Training

I can't describe how nice it is to have my dad around. The last 6 years every time I spent time with my dad it was vacation or a quick trip home. It feels like ages since we've spent nice, long-term, comfortable time together. Just knowing he's been in the same state as me for the last month and a half has made a big difference. I'm not ready to let him go back to California any time soon! I've been trying to convince him to move here...my poor mom.

Dad and I get along really well. The nice thing about having him around a bit more long term is that we get to go run errands together, and talk about life, and he gets to teach me things. Last time he was here we bought a thrashed sewing table off Craigslist and refinished it so I would have a nice computer table.

Well, I've been talking to him this time about gardening. He is a terrific gardener and loves to raise (not grow) heirloom tomatoes. He also grows squash, lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, green beans, raspberries, and maintains an extensive herb garden. I myself, would like to live a bit closer to the food I eat (I was doing a better job at this several years ago...pre kid...pre triathlon). BUT, ONE BIG PROBLEM. I am a bad gardener (I've got to stop saying that). I lack experience in successful gardening (how's that?). Dad has been telling me that I can definitely grow an indoor herb garden and so today we took the first step.

We got everything from www.thetreecenter.com, I spent 30 minutes picking out the right pot...then another 45 minutes picking some herb plants (two kinds of Basil, Parsley, Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary, and Sage), then organic potting soil and fertilizer (Happy Frog), then chatted, then wandered, then picked out a different pot, then wandered some more, chatted some more, and finally checked out!

Dad helped me pot all my new herbs in this wonderful planter box that we picked out. It really wasn't as hard as I though, although I did have A LOT of questions. I think Troy is taking bets on how long I can keep them alive, but I'm staying positive. I learned how deep to put them, how much to pack the soil down (not much), and how much to water (not much). I learned which ones like more water than others. I also got the whole run down on how to grow the plants from seed, which I think will be my next endeavor, if (I mean when) I am successful with my garden.

It was great spending some time together, as well as being productive, and learning some new skills. I really want to join a community garden this summer, but I am scared to death that I won't know what I am doing. That, and I don't know HOW to join one...needs more research. Any tips? Recommendations? I also have a few emails into the lady who coordinates the CSA for Delaney farm.

So here are two pictures of my first garden. How do you like my trellis...it keeps the parsley from crowding the basil? :)