Feeling the connection with the earth, digging in the dirt, watching things grow from little seeds to beautiful plants is one of my joys in life. Perhaps it is the farmer genes lingering in both myself and my husband. As soon as the ground warms up in the midwest, people are out working in their yards.

Lots of people I talk to are planting their own vegetable gardens this year. It is a way to assure that the vegetables are chemically free. One of the first things I researched is non GMO seeds. These are seeds that have not been genetically modified. I do not know if it is possible to not eat genetically modified foods, which can be found in corn products and soybeans. After reading some information on Cornell University’s web page which I found on the website “The Seeds of Deception” it sounds as though genetically modified seeds can cause food allergies. I do not really want to focus on the bad points, I just want to focus on finding organically raised fruits and vegetables.

There are several sites that sell non gmo seeds. I have not yet picked out my what it is that I want to grow. I have decided on a site to plant the garden. The next step is to prepare the site. That is a big job. My husband and I differ on how to prepare the bed. It would have been better to start the bed in the fall. He wants to apply a chemical to kill grass and I do not. I know grass will be coming up and it might be more work but I feel more comfortable with no chemicals.

After reading Lynne Twist’s book, “The Soul of Money”, I would like to make a conscious effort to spend my money in accordance with my values. For me that means buying non gmo whenever possible. In order to bring the change for healthier living, we must all be stewards of the land. I focus on recycling. Making food without additives as much as possible. Eating at restaurants and shopping at stores that provide those options.

I checked out organic gardening’s site. It had many ideas as well. I would really like to purchase a compost tumbler. Plants thrive in organic matter but it must be well composted otherwise it burns the plants. I did not know that my first year of gardening. I felt lucky to obtain some manure which was not completely composted. I could not understand why it was hurting my plants. Luckily, they did survive and I learned a valuable lesson. I am also going to purchase red wiggler worms. I have a spot for them, and I can decrease the amount of table scraps I put in the land fill. It also says you add junk mail which would be wonderful way to use it.

Let me know if you have any great garden ideas. I’d like to hear about your favorite plants.

blessings, Eileen