Starting My Journey in the Community Garden: A Bumpy but Exciting Start

Actually a little warted gourd sprout

Shelling peas

2 varieties of bush beans


It’s always a mix of excitement and nerves when starting something new, and joining my local community garden was no different. I had visions of vibrant, sprawling beds and a new group of garden-loving neighbors to connect with, but the journey didn’t exactly start as planned.


On the very day I was supposed to sign up, life threw a curveball. I ended up taking my 7-month-old to the hospital, which is never an easy experience as a parent. So, I had to send my partner to the garden in my place to handle the sign-up. He probably wasn't expecting to be my gardening ambassador that day, but he stepped up like a champ!


When I finally got to see the plots I’d be renting, I noticed a few challenges right off the bat. First, there’s a wild rabbit problem in the area. It turns out that bunnies are just as excited about community gardens as gardeners are! I’ll need to get creative with some natural deterrents or barriers to keep them from feasting on my hard work.


One of my plots was also particularly dry, which felt a bit discouraging at first. With a little extra care and frequent watering, though, I’ve managed to give it the boost it needs. I got to work planting my seedlings and am happy to share that, in just two weeks, I’ve set in a variety of veggies and plants: peas, bush beans, spaghetti squash, sugar pumpkin, white carrots, golden beets, purple cauliflower, turnips, warted gourds, winter squash, and amaranth. It’s already amazing to see a bit of green in each row.


Now, I’m watching and waiting for my luffa, watermelon, and bottle gourds to sprout. Every day, I’m eager to see if there’s a new little leaf or stem pushing its way through the soil. Gardening, I’m learning, is equal parts patience and persistence.


Starting at the community garden may have been bumpy, but I’m already feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. I’m so excited to see what the coming weeks bring as this new chapter unfolds.

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