Garden Link-Up with The Homeschool Village!

I am so excited about the 2nd Annual Garden Challenge link-up that The Homeschool Village is doing.  I participated last year and had a lot of fun.  In the past we have never had any kind of unit study or book to go along with our garden.  We just helped dad get the soil/ground ready, helped get some seeds started in small containers, planted the seedlings, watered the plants and check for weeds.

This year, the kids and I are a little better prepared.  We have been using Apologia’s Botany book.  It has helped us a lot in knowing how the seeds actually sprout and what it takes to help plants grow.  It will be good to see the kids put to use what they have learned.  We are looking forward to getting our hands dirty!

We have cleaned out the one bed that we have.  My husband has plans to build at least one more this year.  We have bought more potting soil and peat moss for the plant bed and containers that we will be using.  We picked up brussels sprouts, crooked neck squash and cucumbers.  We haven’t gotten them in the ground yet, but plan too this next week.

 

We have already planted the onions, thyme, chives and oregano in the bed next to the steps.

Here is a picture of the broccoli that we planted.  I didn’t get a picture of the rosemary bush that we planted last year that is still growing strong.

 

We also have many containers that do not have anything in them yet.  We have seeds for tomatoes, bell peppers, okra, green beans and eggplant.  I also did not show pictures of the strawberries and asparagus that we have planted.  We are looking forward to eating fresh veggies and fruits soon.  I am hoping to do some canning this year.  I would love to put up some tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, soup, pickles and possible green beans.

Does your family have a garden?  What is your favorite vegetable/fruit?  I would love for you to share with me your garden secrets!

Be sure to stop by The Homeschool Village and join in the garden challenge this year.  They will be giving out a prize each month to someone who links up!