I’ve been wanting to plant a garden since I first moved to my new home. Nearly two years later and with help from some friends, I had a garden planted in less than 2 hours last Friday. My dear friends, who have quite a home garden of their own, brought Swiss chard, chives, cilantro, dill, several Roma tomato plants, and French marigolds to get us started.  We sowed zucchini, shallots, garlic, and corn for Ela (she loves elote).  On Saturday, my husband and I planted a blackberry plant. Yesterday, Ela & I sowed a few watermelon and cantaloupe seeds–we’ll see how they fair. We were so thrilled to see sprouts today! 

If you’re looking to start a garden I recommend: The Vegetable Gardener’s BIBLE by Edward C. Smith (Storey Books, $24.95)–a hefty book with proven methods for having a successful garden. He includes information for planning, starting, nurturing, protecting, and harvesting your vegetables. There are plenty of great photographs and illustrations to guide you, too. One of my favorite features of this book is the plant directory–plant specific information is outlined  including good and bad garden companions.

Once your garden is planted, get some inspiration for fun in your garden with your little one from Toad Cottages & Shooting Stars by Sharon Lovejoy (Workman Publishing, $14.95). Presented as “130-Wonder-Filled-Grandchild-Friendly Activities,” many of the activities can be adapted for parent and child, too. Activities aren’t limited to the garden, they include: creating faerie houses and hideouts, kid-friendly cooking, nature activities, crafts, and so much more.  Happy gardening!