There is nothing quite like a warm, sunny spring day when the trees, flowers, bees, and birds are bursting out all over, the seeds are sprouting, and the air is sweet with blossoms blowing on the breeze. And no matter how many years pass by, each new spring brings with it the hope and optimism of a new garden. Seed packets are like candy to me- and I buy them impulsively and just because the wrapping makes me excited. I make lists of all the things I want to plant and eat and smell and just have around, like inviting the best sort of friends over for a party that will last all summer long.
What also makes me so happy is to see the resurgence in gardening that seems to be taking hold of America right now. I attribute it to three things:
The economy: It doesn't take a genius to realize that a pack of seeds for $3 will grow a lot of food that would cost a lot more if you bought it in the store or farmers market. And lots of things are not that hard to grow, either. And the stuff you grow yourself usually tastes a lot better than anything store bought.
Good food: Americans are finally starting to appreciate good food, and whether you come at it from health or hedonistic reasons, it all ultimately leads to one thing: the desire to grow your own. Glory, halleluiah.
Trust: If you can't trust your own backyard, who or what can you trust? What with arsenic in chicken, E.coli on spinach, Fast-Food Nation scare stories, MRSA, bizarre chemicals on everything, eating is an act of trust. Sometimes it's just good to relax and know that it's as good as it gets.
And sometimes the desire to garden is there, but perhaps you just need a bit of guidance, encouragement and basic facts. So in the spirit of spring, I have released my first ever, exclusive e-book called Maria Rodale's Organic Gardening Secrets: Spring. It's my collection of straightforward, easy-to-follow tips, and spring gardening secrets that will help anyone enjoy a beautiful, productive, organic garden.
And well, you can guess what's coming next...Summer! I'll be releasing an e-book for each season, so grab yourself a copy and let's garden!
For more from Maria Rodale, go to www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com