grow my own food

I’ve completely given up on this, the only thing I’ve managed not to kill, is the aloe plant I bought, which was already grown when I bought it.

I think I’m going to hold off on trying anymore until next year.

I think I’ve learned another valuable lesson, which my mother did in fact warn me about after telling me to buy this soil to begin with..

I used organic choice potting mix, and tried to grow herbs in an herb garden. Nothing came up, so I redid it using the pellets they provided for the kit. I do have things growing from that now. I don’t know how well they’ll grow, but so far they seem ok.

Through all of the lessons learned, I wish I had started with this one first. Use the right soil.

I don’t want to be a failure, so I’m not giving up yet, but so far this has not gone well for me. I don’t know exactly what happened..things were coming up, and then they suddenly seemed to have died? The poor little sprouts started to lean, and then eventually they fell asleep on the soil, and all remained in such a state until I decided they didn’t look too good, and plucked them out of the ground. I did eat some of these sprouts, so I guess I grew my own food HAH HAH. But joking aside, The basil is just starting to come up, so that may actually work, and the cilantro seems to be growing upwards instead of sideways, so that’s a good sign. I’m going to replant the lettuce and spinach and whatever else I’m missing.

So I decided to buy one of those “herb gardens”, and set that up yesterday, and also bought a “plant light” which I was told will help since my windows aren’t located in the right place for good lighting..

So yeah..starting all over with this one it seems, but I’m feeling a little bit more prepared. Even if I fail again, as long as I keep learning, I’m really not failing. heh heh

Well, everything except for the mint, tomato’s and green onion sprouted. Ok by me, I think I still have plenty to work with, and I’ll consider what I have, my “learner” veges or something hehe.

Basil was the last to come up, and is still making it’s way. I’m pretty sure the lack of direct sunlight is having an effect. They probably only get an hour or so of direct sunlight. I think I may end up buying a full spectrum light bulb. I can’t believe that I’ve considered moving on account of this lighting problem I’m having! I really don’t want to move just for that.

Oh, and the cilantro seems strong, but the spinach and red lettuce and “salad mix” are just like sprouts and they aren’t standing up very well. I put some more soil around them, but I’m not sure if they’re going to make it or what. My mother says I should remove some to give them room… a learning experience for sure.

I told my mother of my plan to grow food in my apartment yesterday, so we went shopping and picked up some things.

I hope there’s enough sunlight.. I’ve planted spinach, red leaf lettuce, cilantro, basil, mint, green onion, tomato, garlic, and some mixed lettuce mix..

The only thing that is “started” is the garlic because I started with the actual piece which was sprouting..my mother said if I fail to grow them, I can always buy pre-started vege’s at the store, and just continue to take care of them.. I like having a backup option.

I hope that my project works though, to grow it myself feels better.. And if all goes well, I may cut down on my shopping quite a bit, which would be lovely. :)

One of the only reasons I want my own land, is so that I can garden. Lately I’ve been having second thoughts about being a home owner, and would rather wait until I’m older. This shouldn’t stop me from growing my own food. My mother is coming down for the holiday weekend, and she has a garden. It’s outdoors, but at least she knows something, so I can ask her advice and maybe even get started today.

http://earthstar.newlibertyvillage.com/starburst.htm

http://www.gardengal.net/page44.html

http://ask.metafilter.com/38189/Apartment-vegetables

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-336/426-336.html

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/