Hey y’all,

It’s been a while since our last post, we have been busy preparing our eatable garden for a bountiful season. 

Spring is our favorite season after Christmas of course. Spring is here, and that means it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty in the garden! As the frost thaws and the days grow longer, there’s no better time to prepare our eatable gardens for a season of growth, flavor, and beauty. In this post we are hoping to inspire you to garden, whether you are a pro or just learning how to plant fruit, vegetables or simply flowers. You will soon find out our basics on how we care for our garden until harvest time.

Growing our own food free of pesticides in backyard gardens is not just a hobby; it’s a necessity driven by the alarming realities of modern food production. Our journey into self-sustaining gardening began over 15 years ago, but it truly took off when we settled in Laurel, MS, with ample space for gardening.The motivation behind our endeavor was a desire to understand how food is produced, and what we uncovered was alarming.

The widespread use of harmful chemicals, such as glyphosate and Roundup, in conventional agriculture poses significant health risks. Numerous medical studies have linked these chemicals to cancer and other adverse health effects. While many countries, including those in the European Union, have banned or heavily restricted their use, the United States continues to permit their widespread application.

To mitigate the risks associated with store-bought produce, we’ve resorted to soaking fruits and vegetables in white vinegar and baking soda to rid them of pesticides—a cumbersome and imperfect solution. However, the true antidote lies in taking control of our food supply by growing it ourselves.

This growing season, which commenced in mid-January with indoor seedling cultivation under controlled conditions, exemplifies our commitment to pesticide-free gardening. By nurturing our seedlings to maturity indoors before transplanting them outdoors, we ensure their robustness and resilience, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest free from harmful chemicals.

Before diving into planting, it’s essential to ensure that our soil is ready to nourish your plants. A rich dense soil, will feed your plants so you don’t have to. Start by removing any weeds or debris that may have accumulated over the winter months. Consider adding compost or organic fertilizer to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients for your plants. Creating a pollinator-friendly environment in your garden not only supports the ecosystem but also enhances the productivity of your edible plants. Choose a variety of flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, such as lavender, bee balm, and sunflowers. These flowers not only add color and beauty to your garden but also help increase the yield of your fruits and vegetables through cross-pollination.

The unique climate of Mississippi offers a plethora of tree blooms that add charm and character to any garden. Japanese magnolias, with their delicate pink petals, signal the arrival of spring in a spectacular fashion. Azaleas and camellias add vibrant splashes of color, while Bradford pears blanket the landscape with their fluffy white flowers. Incorporating these native blooms into your garden not only celebrates the beauty of the region but also attracts beneficial insects and birds. Maximize the space in your garden by practicing companion planting. Pairing compatible plants together can help deter pests, improve soil health, and increase yields. For example, planting basil alongside tomatoes can enhance the flavor of both plants and repel insects that may harm your crops. We research which plants complement each other well and experiment with different combinations to find what works best for our garden.

As stewards of the land, it’s essential to prioritize sustainability in our gardening practices. We incorporate mulch to conserve moisture, reduce weed growth, and improve soil structure. Collect rainwater in barrels to reduce water usage during the hot summers and invest in organic pest control methods to minimize harm to beneficial insects and wildlife. As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, let’s take the time to prepare our eatable gardens for a season of abundance and beauty. As a vertical gardening enthusiasts, trellises are invaluable for maximizing space and supporting climbing plants such as peas, cucumbers, and beans. Construct sturdy trellises using bamboo poles, wooden stakes, or wire mesh to provide stability and ensure your plants have ample support as they grow skyward. Raised beds offer several advantages, including improved soil drainage, better pest control, and easier access for planting and maintenance. Build raised beds using untreated lumber, bricks, or stone, and fill them with nutrient-rich soil for optimal plant growth. Dealing with hungry critters can be a gardener’s nightmare, but fear not—building an enclosed garden can provide protection from unwanted visitors. Construct a fence or enclosure using wire mesh, chicken wire, or deer netting to keep out rabbits, deer, and other animals that may view your garden as a buffet. Be sure to bury the bottom of the fence underground to prevent burrowing intruders from gaining access to your precious plants. Patience is key when it comes to planting in the spring garden. While it’s tempting to start planting as soon as the weather begins to warm up, it’s essential to wait until after the last frost date for your region. Planting too early can expose tender seedlings to the risk of frost damage, stunting their growth or even killing them outright. Consult a local gardening guide or the farmer’s almanac to determine the average last frost date for your area, and plan your planting schedule accordingly.

In our backyard gardens, we have the power to cultivate nutritious, pesticide-free produce while reconnecting with the land and the food we consume. By embracing this approach, we not only safeguard our health and well-being but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system. It all starts with a seed—a seed of change towards a healthier, pesticide-free future.

As we embark on the second part of our gardening journey, we will be reflecting on the successes and failures we’ve encountered in our backyard oasis. Despite the challenges, the joy of cultivating our own food and witnessing the fruits of our labor makes it all worthwhile.

One of our notable successes has been the abundance of fresh, pesticide-free produce harvested right from our backyard. From vibrant tomatoes bursting with flavor to crisp cucumbers and tender greens, each meal is enriched by the fruits of our labor.

However, it hasn’t been without its share of setbacks. Pest infestations and nutrient deficiencies have posed challenges along the way. Yet, we’ve learned to embrace these obstacles as opportunities for growth and innovation.

In our quest for pesticide-free gardening, we’ve turned to natural solutions for pest control and organic fertilizer. Products like neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and companion planting have proven effective in warding off pests while maintaining the integrity of our garden ecosystem. Additionally, compost tea and seaweed extract provide a nutrient-rich boost to our soil, promoting healthy plant growth and resilience.

As we welcome the arrival of spring, we’re filled with anticipation for another season of growth, learning, and discovery in our garden. Here’s to embracing the journey, celebrating successes, and learning from failures—all while nurturing our connection to the earth and the food it provides. Happy spring, indeed!