Published via Ecency

I started a garden at home about 3 years ago. Some friends discouraged me because I live in the city. The argument was,
“Why have organic soil and seeds for a city garden.”
My response was “Why not!!”

I did well with house plants but had no clue about a vegetable garden. However, where there is a will there is always a way. I discovered that a friend had everything from the “Makkelijke Moestuin” - it translates to “easy home gardening”. I was enthusiastic - I bought soil, seeds, grows bags and a table garden. I had their app to guide me as well - so gardening seemed easy indeed. There was no going back.

I observed with excitement, after sewing seeds in the soil or placing seeds to germinate. The transformation only needed warmth or moist, some days and invisible powers.

seeds for germination

Soon the magic unfurled when the first sprouts began to grow in the table garden etc.

I also had planters with strawberry plants, hanging off the balcony. Soon enough it looked like a real garden.

I must admit that I was surprised at how well everything went. The first thing I harvested was radishes. It was very exciting.

All my visitors remarked on how healthy everything looked. I often joked that my garden is magical. I give it a lot of love but the rest I leave to Mother Nature.

The harvests have been amazing. It might sound cliche but I reaped what I sowed - literally.

From bright red peppers

and beets,

to daily sweet strawberries throughout the summer,

or oodles of cherry tomatoes

and potatoes.

My pride and joy has been those moments when I make a salad and everything came from my garden: lettuce leaves, tomatoes, cucumbers and sometimes red peppers and radishes.

In additional to the harvests, the bonus item which I did not anticipate were the awesome flower of the plants.

In this fascinating ecosystem, I also learnt to expect the expected, such as the visiting pollinators - the bees

bees

and pest eaters - the ladybugs.

ladybugs

As you can imagine, there were also unexpected visitors who wreaked havoc on the garden. Some came and saw this amazingly verdant garden and tried to conquer it - by outstaying their welcome. Holy moley - the snails

snail

and caterpillars operated like thieves in the night.

caterpillar

Take a look at the bok choi (pak soy).

This once peaceful environment became a war zone; the aphids arrived.

Then the powdery mildew - it truly wanted to take over.

As a result, it was not all hunky dordy in my little oasis. However, one learns fast and I became a warrior. My first weapon for counterattack was to remove the leaves that the culprits overran.

However, I've also made my own home-made pesticide of cayenne, garlic, onions and a bit organic soap.

If one starts early with this pesticide, then the battle will be won very swiftly.

I was the victor as I've harvested quite a lot of vegetables and also shared with neighbours.

veggie package for a neighbour

I also have the usual herbs - basil, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, mint etc. I am very proud of the plants I propagated myself such as these basil plants.

I must say as a relatively new gardener - it gives me much pleasure when these experiments are successful. I planted garlic and pumpkin last year.

This year I planted courgette (zucchinis).

Normally, if I could not be found my family knew that I was out with friends or walking. However, now I have a new hobby - my garden. They do not need to look too far. My time in the garden is time well spent. During the week, I am mostly harvesting and watering. At weekends, I have more time to remove weeds, inspect the plants, remove dead leaves or suckers, hunt for caterpilars etc.

a day's harvest

I have joy and contentment while tending my garden. Sometimes I get “lost” in this new world and time simply flies by. It has been a special journey of discovery and learning.