Fallacy of a Green Thumb
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Some of our clients have expressed a desire to grow their 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 are 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, 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 exercises. As a group, farmers suffer fewer serious illnesses than the rest of society.
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 a 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 unique characteristics and requires the gardener to adapt accordingly.
Good luck with your gardening season! Be kind to the land, the plants, and yourself.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
88494 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
69974 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
69693 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
48375 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29059 Views
Latest Articles
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
The Rise of Co-Living Spaces in Asian Cities
Asia, home to 21 of the worlds 30 largest cities, is a significant player in the global economy, contributing 38% of the goods and services of the...
on Jan 5, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
The Advantages of a Concrete Patio
One of the biggest concerns for many homeowners is making the outside of their home just as aesthetically appealing as the inside. This can be...
3 Tips to Ensure a Successful Kitchen Remodel
Finishing a beautiful kitchen remodeling for your home can be a dream come true. If you do not plan things out properly, however, your dream can...
Patio Design Tips From The Pros
Unless you have a very flat roof, there is a good chance that a metal roof will be suitable for your property. It may not be something that you...
Commonly Asked Heating and Cooling System Questions
When it comes to heating and air conditioning, there are a multitude of questions that homeowners may have about their systems. This is especially...
How to Paint High Ceilings
The first thing to do is to get the right tools for the job. Start with the basics and move on to the more serious things you need- cloths to catch...