Garden Dreaming

As we transition to fall this week, I’m already planning my garden for next year. Since moving to Missouri, I’ve learned a lot about raised container planting and discovered what I’m really good at growing. Next year, I plan on expanding my garden for a bigger harvest, so there’s much to prepare for, and since I’m beginning to plan now, I thought I’d share my processes with you.

There are a few things I take into consideration when planning my garden’s design—harvesting my existing plants for seeds, creating a garden map, and researching proactive pest solutions and composting to fertilize my soil. I love the feeling of connecting to the earth and sustainably growing organic food that’s better for my family’s health and for the environment.

All season, I’ve been harvesting and storing the seeds from my veggies and herbs so I can have an even better garden next year—Cherokee tomatoes, basil, chives, mint and fennel. I let the seeds dry on paper towels and store them in my refrigerator until it’s time to plant again.

My garden was so successful that I’ve gained a lot of confidence, and I have a clear idea of what I want my garden to look like next year. Creating a garden map will help me know where to plant my veggies, how many plants I’ll need to sustain my family and what plants benefit from being around each other (companion planting).

I’m designing my master planned garden that includes raised beds, reflection areas and romantic arbors laced with climbing veggies like squash. I’m not exactly sure where everything is going right now, but I know I have the best man for building everything I need right here at my fingertips. Curtis is very meticulous and enjoys building things for me so, I’m putting him to work!

Growing organically is important to me, but, it’s also a romantic notion that takes a lot of work. So, I’m heeding that old English proverb, “A stitch in time saves nine.” By preparing my soil ahead of time in anticipation of those pests, it can save me a lot of frustration in the future. During this season, I took occasional breaks from my chores to walk around with clipboard in hand and take some notes on the pests that were hard to tackle.

I’ve researched my issues to fully understand how to protect my garden and much of what I’ll be doing to prevent pests also helps to fertilize the soil. I’ll cultivate my resting soil with compost and mulch, as well as making sure the garden beds are free of weeds that invite pests. And I’ll add Diatomaceous Earth, wood ash, and peroxide to my gardening routine so those little squash beetles won’t have a chance next year!

As I look back at this year, I can see how I’ve grown in making my garden successful and now sustainable. While I continue cultivating seeds from my garden, getting my garden plan together and taking care of my soil, I’ll be dreaming of tasting those yummy veggies next year. I’m so blessed that I can share my stories with you on this platform. I hope that you gain some ideas and inspiration to grow your own garden.

Until then, may your days be many and the sun smile brightly upon your fields.

Cheers! Amy