Oh man I still can’t believe I have a post titled that. Really? Me? A vegetable garden? And it’s thriving? Well it’s true. It’s always been a dream (one of those dreams you think will never happen) of mine to grow some of my own fruits and veggies. Since the weight loss, I still eat tons of vegetables and fruit, and if you follow me on Instagram (@decorchick1) you know I am part of an organic co-op where I get an awesome variety of fruits and veggies every 2 weeks. Going to pick up my “share” is a highlight to my weeks!
So remember when I told you all we were building this garden as part of The Gro Project? It was less than 30 days ago. We had our family over for a BBQ and I put everyone to work. Mostly my mom. She’s the best. We planted on May 24 and here’s the step by step. This is the raised bed that I told you all I ordered from Sam’s for $40 to get us started.
We put newspaper and some cardboard down before we laid the dirt to prevent weeds from popping up.
Then poured in all of the dirt. We used Scott’s Moisture Control Potting Mix and that’s the soil I use for most of my garden projects. I’ve had good luck with it.
Emma loved helping grandma.
Easy and fun child labor!
And where there’s dirt, there will be a kid in it.
Okay so the plants. We bought okra plants, a cherry tomato plant, 1 bell pepper, and 3 squash plants. Here’s what a few of them looked like the day we bought them.
Then the fun began and everyone planted and this is how the garden looked less than 30 days ago.
And then as of a few days ago (on June 10 when I took photos) this is what it looks like now.
Isn’t that nuts?
I still can’t believe I have real vegetables growing!! The okra above is doing great and I’ve picked off several pods already and just eat them raw. I can’t wait till the garden produces enough where we can make a meal out of it. I did pick off 3 in one day which I thought was pretty good!
The tomato bush is getting out of hand and I need to tame it somehow! But maybe it’s supposed to be like this. It’s a cherry tomato plant with lots on there already.
Bell pepper plant…
And then my squash plants which have gotten HUGE.
And I was SO excited because the other night I saw this growing!
Yes a squash! And yes I know it’s supposed to grow because well, it is a squash plant after all, but you know, doubt creeps in and you wonder if you will really have vegetables growing. Or maybe I’m just weird. I’m sure that’s it. Anyway, I’m quite proud of my little baby squash!
I sent my husband outside to help me and inspect to see if any weeds have popped up because I do want him to be involved in our garden.
He did help, but the next thing I knew this happened.
I know. Don’t ask. Never a dull moment around here.
I have the LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit and the Shake n’ Feed All Purpose Plant Food to use too when the time comes.
Updated: Although I have these products on hand, I can’t say that I am going to use them so I can keep my garden as close to organic as possible.
Follow for more tips on gardening and get inspired to start your own garden project.
The family did love getting involved though with our garden project and that makes me happy. Having a garden grow and seeing the kids get just as excited about it as us is all worth it. And it totally helps having a mom and sister know their stuff about gardening! :)
I’m a fan of Miracle-Gro products and have always had good luck with them. Follow these fun garden projects on their Pinterest page too and it’s also like a little forum for gardeners!
I’m so proud of our little garden and how far it’s come in less than 30 days!! If I can do it, I swear y’all can do it. What’s your favorite vegetable to grow? Do you have any extra tips for me so I can keep all of this up? I want to plant new things in the Fall too so I’m looking forward to that as well.
xxoo,
Decorchick!
Let’s Connect!
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.
Looks great! There is nothing better than going in the backyard to grab something to eat. And yours isn’t out of control (yet). You should see mine. I actually don’t like adding the miracle grow products on my produce. As a Dietitian, I actually like the idea of the things I grow being “organic”. From the looks of it, you probably won’t need it.
Cheryl what do you use on yours to keep it organic?
Honestly, I don’t use anything. I’ve found that vegetables have such a short growing season, peaking pretty quickly (unlike flowers), sunshine and water do the trick. However, I have really good soil. My home was built on previous farm land. If you think something is necessary, Lowes has a variety of orgainc fruit/vegetable plant foods. I think Miracle Gro also makes one.
Sorry, that reply was from me.
Great thanks so much for the info! I do want to keep it organic so I probably will not be using those products after all. (I updated my post to reflect that)
looks great! i started raised beds last year & used the ‘soil’ from mel’s square foot gardening. we do not use chemicals in our garden. we use compost to fertilize. just replenish the compost when replanting. we built ours from untreated cedar. enjoy your summer picking:)
I love it! Thanks for sharing your little corner of the world with all of us ~ your ideas and suggestions are priceless to someone like me that is craft, decor and garden challenged. :)
Maybe some cages for the tomatoes as well. Your squash might start growing out of the box, just extending onto the grass :D
Depending on the type of squash you are growing, they may grow out of the box. If you have a fish tank, the water makes great fertilizer for tomatoes. :)
Thanks for the info Kris! We used to have fish!
Fun! We have a vegetable and herb garden as well (and several blueberry bushes). We love being able to eat things fresh from the garden. I love adding fresh herbs to our meals on the grill. And, herbs are SUPER easy to grow. As far as veggies, we grow what we know we will use and everyone likes…so just a few tomatoes (cherry/roma/grape), squash, zucchini, cucumbers, a variety of peppers, strawberries (if we can keep the critters from eating them), and a variety of herbs (thyme, sage, parsley, rosemary, basil, lavendar, chives, etc). We use only organic soil mix and organic fertilizer, and a fish fertilizer that works fantastic (the difference just a couple days after applying is amazing). Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for the tips Lauren. Herbs are next! I updated my post since to reflect that I will try and keep my garden as close to organic as possible.
Amazing that it’s grown like this so quickly! Nothing better than fresh veggies and herbs ~ and so easy when you just walk outside. I like to use only organic products and they’re easy to find.
Keep us posted!
xo
Pat
Thanks Pat I’ll look into the organic products. I have updated my post since.
Great post…..I am confused why you are part of an organic co-op and use Miracle Gro in your own yard????….
Robyn I just updated my post to reflect that although I do have those miracle gro products on hand, I can’t say I am going to use them any longer so I can keep my garden as close to organic as possible. Thanks for the concern.
Wow! Such growth in little time! That’s fantastic! You’ll be making homegrown salads in no time!
It looks wonderful! I would be worried about critters around here. We have an army of pesky squirrels. They eat up my pears every year. Can’t figure out how to stop them.
If you have never grown okra before, be careful when the plant matures. The barbs will make you itch HORRIBLY so wear long sleeves when picking. I found that out the hard way last year!
I really like what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and reporting!
Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll.
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