Garden boredom? This may seem like a strange topic in February, but as a "long-time" (20 year) gardener, sometimes the reality of garden work hits home. I remember years when seed catalogs would come in and I would quickly put them somewhere out of sight so I wouldn't stress out. Weird right? Not really.
It's not difficult to get burned out on the things we enjoy...especially when we feel like we HAVE to do them, anything can become a chore.
And this brings me to my post...one way I personally beat garden boredom. It starts now, in January/February, when I have time to think about what I liked growing last year and what I'm growing this year.
Because it's making gardening fun that keeps me coming back. Even having a large harvest can only satisfy me creatively for a short amount of time.
I need variety...and that's where my one boredom buster comes in...
Every year I plant different and unusual varieties of vegetables and flowers that draw me back to the soil and inspire me to explore the world of gardening again.
I know. It's not rocket science. Chances are you're already doing this. And if you're new to gardening, everything plant is new. But this principle has resurrected the love of gardening in me so many times I lost count.
So, here's a short list of some garden veggies I plan on growing this year. New and different to me, giving me alternative colors, sizes, flavors and textures that compel me to have fun and play in the garden.
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| Tumbling Tom Yellow Tomatoes |
1. Tumbling Toms: Okay. I admit I am fascinated by any weeping variety of plant. And to think I could eat from a hanging plant is even more exciting. Since I'm so cramped for space, this is a great way to grow a vegetable from a vertical space. I chose the yellow variety thinking the birds won't think these are strawberries and leave them alone...or something like that. I don't think these will blow me away in the taste department, but they'll do for roasting or throwing on a salad.
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| Sweet Pickle Pepper |
2. Sweet Pickle Peppers: These type of ornamental peppers have been around for awhile for sure, but I have always encountered the hot variety so this sweet one has reeled me in. It's colorful, compact and cute...in other words, this plant is perfect for my suburban yard. I read about these peppers from another person's blog and it convinced me to give these little beauties a try. These would be great if you have young children..they could eat these as a snack on their own. You can also pickle the leftovers...
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| Summer Green Tiger Zucchini and Small Wonder Hybrid Squash |
3. Space-saving Zucchini and Squash: Well, no need to go into detail here. These are pretty mainstream veggies but the fact that they can be grown in large containers or in a small garden space make these tempting to grow in my garden this year. The zucchini is described as having a "delicate, nutty flavor." Sounds amazing. The spaghetti squash is great because each squash can make one meal. I usually cut these in half and put them in a skillet filled with some water, cover, simmer gently until done.
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| Dragon Tongue Wax Bush Bean |
4. Fresh eating and Shell Bean: This plant just screams "Plant Me!!" You put this in your garden and all your friends will think you're a genius and gardener extraordinaire! Another way to keep me from being bored for sure. It's beautiful, it's an heirloom, and it's a dual purpose bean...love!
I am thinking that I will want to save some of these seeds for next year and maybe even gift some to other gardening friends...I think this one is going to be a winner!
Well, there you have it. These are just a few of the different plants I'll be growing this year. Some Asian greens will also be included as well. Plant your own unusual and exciting varieties of veggies and the garden "hum-drums" will be a thing of the past.
Colorful, flavorful and interesting... this year's garden promises to be very interesting indeed.
What are you doing to beat any garden blues? Growing anything different or exciting?
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