What Has Grown in My Life Since I Started Gardening--You Can Grow That

I have been thinking this month about all the things that have grown in my life since I started gardening two years ago.

I knew I would buy less green beans, since I grow green beans. What I didn't know was that I would buy less hamburger meat.
I knew I would buy less canned green beans. I didn't know I wouldn't buy any frozen vegetables. Or cook any of the frozen vegetables I already had on hand. Instead, I would be trying to eat up the vegetables that came from the garden.
I didn't know that I would have to buy salad fixings in order to face yet another salad.
I didn't know that I would end up eating way more than "5 a day" just to keep up with the garden.
I didn't know I would coerce my family to eat vegetables "just so we can use it up. I have so many_____."
I didn't know that people would give me their garden excess, thinking that if I garden, I would actually eat it.





A bushel of pink eye purple hull peas brought to my door last week. 

I didn't know that some of the things planted on a whim would give the most joy. 





Mississippi Cream Peas make me smile every time I go to the
garden. 

I didn't know if my kids would actually eat more vegetables if we had a garden. But they do!
I was surprised to find out that my husband will eat more vegetables, too, if they are here in the house straight from the garden. 
• 
  
• The whole family has gained better health because of the increased amount of vegetables. 
• 
  
• I have gained better health because of the vegetables and the exercise.
• 
  
• My children and I have learned a great deal about nature. It is a fascinating science experiment to watch corn grow and discuss the parts of the corn plant, watch bees almost make themselves sick buzzing all over the pollen on the corn, try to fight aphids and much more. 
• Nature observation has also come in other forms. I am fond of watching hummingbirds flit in and out of my flowers, just in front of the house. 



Hummingbird on my gladiolus


You can find out about the 4 Words on the Fourth: You Can Grow That program by clicking on the link.

So what has grown in your life since you began gardening? 

(Forgive the formatting. Blogger is giving me trouble.)