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The Misconception Of The
Green Thumb
Some of our Fairfield County clients
have expressed a desire to grow their
own vegetable or flower gardens, but
believe they don't have a "green thumb".
This is nonsense - a green thumb is
learned, just like other skills in life.
The beginner's learning process may
produce a few failures, but each new
lesson builds the knowledge required for
success. The joy and satisfaction of
producing your own food or beauty is
well worth the effort to get started.
(Actually, a "green" thumb should be
brown - go to work and get ALL your
fingers dirty!)
The benefits of gardening are enormous;
aside from personal satisfaction, the
gentle exercise helps to keep the body
young. Walking, bending, kneeling and
stretching in the fresh air is not only
good for us, but necessary in our
sedentary society. The sometimes
vigorous operations of soil preparation
are excellent aerobic exercise.
Mental health is improved also - the
hectic, often frustrating pace of our
daily lives can be tempered with the
slower, rhythmic patterns of garden
chores. The lessons learned from
observing and working with nature help
to relieve the fears and anxieties of
modern society. It is interesting to
note that gardening has become
successful tool for the treatment of
seriously ill mental patients.
Another major benefit of growing your
own is quality; I challenge any
supermarket to sell produce that tastes
as good as what we grow in our home
garden. We've noticed that our children
readily consume homegrown vegetables,
but often leave much of the store bought
produce for the compost pile. The
healthy exercise of gardening yields the
healthy fiber, beta-carotene and
minerals necessary for the body...or for
the ornamental gardener, the beauty,
fragrance and tranquility necessary for
the soul.
The best advice for the novice gardener
is to start small; a well prepared small
garden will yield plenty of produce or
ornamental beauty. As skills and
confidence grow, gradually increase the
garden's size to fit your time and
energy commitments.
Also, read one or two basic gardening
books, but don't get overwhelmed with
the intellectual process - you will
learn far more working with your soil
and plants. Consult with successful
gardeners in your neighborhood; they
have learned the varieties and
techniques which work in that specific
microclimate. Most gardeners are very
happy to share knowledge.
Remember to take the time for casual
observation. Much can be learned from
watching the progress of your garden
over the months. Each specific site has
its own unique characteristics and
requires the gardener to adapt
accordingly.
Good luck with your gardening season! Be
kind to the land, the plants and
yourself.
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