This past week our new project has been germinating seeds for our garden. Some of the things we planted were:
Tomatoes
Bell Peppers
Banana Peppers
Jalapeños
Carrots
Spinach
Brussels sprouts
Broccoli (pictured)
Basil
Peppermint
I have been watering these babies once a day and misting them multiple times a day, I put them in the back window so they get hours of sun a day, and I even give them fish fertilizer! Although I do all this stuff I still find myself doubting my abilities to keep them alive or if they’re even growing. I keep questioning if they’re getting enough or too much of something, are they warm enough, are they still seeds or can I just not see them rooting? 7 days, a full week of worrying about my plant babies.
And then today, day 8, they finally sprouted! All that time was worth it! My hard work is paying off slowly but steadily.
And then I realized, gardening is a lot like motherhood. You set your intentions, sometimes the same day you get the “seeds”. You do your best to prepare, buy all the stuff, read all the books, ask friends and family. You create the perfect environment for your lil one to grow and each day you put more and more energy into them. But still I find myself as mother questioning my mothering skills just as much as I question my gardening skills. But then there’s these moments where we see them “sprout”. Where they learn something new, when they become more of themselves. And it feels so fulfilling seeing your little human be HUMAN. Hearing him talk, and watching him climb, seeing him learn without even being taught. I am growing a beautiful human and a beautiful garden. Life is good.
... Read moreIt's funny how a simple term like 'garden mom' can spark so much curiosity! When I first heard it, I pictured someone covered in dirt, surrounded by lush plants, effortlessly juggling life. But after experiencing my own journey of germinating seeds and raising my little one, I’ve realized it's so much more. It's not just about what you grow, but how you grow as a person alongside your plants and kids, mirroring the powerful 'motherhood theme.'
You know, those moments captured in photos – like a tiny green seedling pushing through the soil in a biodegradable pot – are so symbolic. They represent hope, new beginnings, and the incredible power of patience. Just like watching my broccoli or spinach seeds finally sprout after days of anxious waiting, seeing my child learn something new, or finally master a skill, fills me with that same profound sense of accomplishment. It’s a constant reminder that growth, whether in a garden or in a child, is a process, often slow, but always worth the nurturing.
One thing I've definitely learned as a 'garden mom' is the importance of providing the right environment. For my plants, it’s about getting enough sun, the right amount of water, and good soil. For my child, it's about creating a loving, stimulating space where he feels safe to explore and make mistakes. I've found that involving him in the garden has been a game-changer. Even simple tasks like helping me water the growing strawberry plants or poking holes for seeds become adventures. It connects him to nature and teaches him responsibility, much like the 'motherhood theme' suggests. You can see the joy in his eyes, similar to the joy I feel when harvesting our first bell peppers or basil.
For anyone wondering 'what is a garden mom' or looking up 'garden mom meaning urban dictionary,' it's really about embracing a lifestyle where nurturing is at the heart of everything. It's about finding peace in the simple routines – misting delicate peppermint sprouts or reading a story to your little one. It's also about understanding that not everything goes according to plan. Some seeds won't germinate, some days are tougher with kids. But the beauty lies in adapting, learning, and never giving up on the potential for 'growth and nature.'
If you're thinking about diving into this 'garden mom' life, start small! You don't need acres of land. A few pots on a windowsill with easy-to-grow herbs like basil or some cherry tomatoes can provide immense satisfaction. Involve your kids from the start, letting them help plant or water. My little one loves watching the tiny green leaves emerge, and it’s a wonderful way to teach him about where food comes from. The image of a smiling woman with braided hair holding a young child truly captures this spirit – a blend of natural beauty and profound connection. This journey has not only given me beautiful plants but has also deepened my appreciation for the incredible, sometimes messy, always rewarding, journey of motherhood.