The Fallacy of the Green Thumb Some of our clients have expressed a desire to grow their own vegetable or
flower gardens, but believe they don't have a "green thumb". This is nonsense - a
green thumb is learned, just like other skills in life. The beginner's learning
process may produce a few failures, but each new lesson builds the knowledge
required for success. The joy and satisfaction of producing your own food or
beauty is well worth the effort to get started. (Actually, a "green" thumb should be
brown - go to work and get ALL your fingers dirty!)
The benefits of gardening are enormous; aside from personal satisfaction, the
gentle exercise helps to keep the body young. Walking, bending, kneeling and
stretching in the fresh air is not only good for us, but necessary in our sedentary
society. The sometimes vigorous operations of soil preparation are excellent
aerobic exercise.
(Farmers, as a group, suffer fewer serious illnesses than the rest of society).
Mental health is improved also - the hectic, often frustrating pace of our daily lives
can be tempered with the slower, rhythmic patterns of garden chores. The
lessons learned from observing and working with nature help to relieve the fears
and anxieties of modern society. It is interesting to note that gardening has
become a successful tool for the treatment of seriously ill mental patients.
Another major benefit of growing your own is quality; I challenge any supermarket
to sell produce that tastes as good as what we grow in our home garden. We've
noticed that our children readily consume homegrown vegetables, but often
leave much of the store bought produce for the compost pile. The healthy
exercise of gardening yields the healthy fiber, beta-carotene and minerals
necessary for the body...or for the ornamental gardener, the beauty, fragrance
and tranquility necessary for the soul.
The best advice for the novice gardener is to start small; a well prepared small
garden will yield plenty of produce or ornamental beauty. As skills and
confidence grow, gradually increase the garden's size to fit your time and energy
commitments.
Also, read one or two basic gardening books, but don't get overwhelmed with the
intellectual process - you will learn far more working with your soil and plants.
Consult with successful gardeners in your neighborhood; they have learned the
varieties and techniques which work in that specific microclimate. Most
gardeners are very happy to share knowledge.
Remember to take the time for casual observation. Much can be learned from
watching the progress of your garden over the months. Each specific site has its
own unique characteristics and requires the gardener to adapt accordingly.
Good luck with your gardening season! Be kind to the land, the plants and
yourself.
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