HOW TO DOWNSIZE A GARDEN
When homeowners talk about downsizing, it is usually tied to empty bedrooms on the upper level or a treadmill or a ping-pong table in the basement.
But nobody talks about downsizing a garden!
But how do you downsize your garden?
How do you choose what to plant?
DOWNSIZING A GARDEN
I love the idea of a garden, but I do not have the patience required.
Gardening is on my retirement goals list!
However, my dad is a gardener.
For thirty-plus years, my dad has grown tomatoes and zucchini.
When my dad told me he was not going to plant a garden this year, it was like saying goodbye to his spring tradition.
.Their side yard was too much to navigate to tend to the garden.
I have my own issues with gardening – keep reading!
And for those of us in the pre-downsizing stage, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
There is this concept of living in the middle.
I suggested he rethink an all-or-nothing mentality and just downsize his garden.
He could enjoy the garden from my parents’ deck (or balcony).
I am a huge fan of gardens on a balcony or deck because…
I am terrified of slithering critters.
So when my neighbor gave me her container potting bench, I knew it was the perfect solution for someone like me.
Someone who likes the idea of gardening, but doesn’t want surprises in the yard!
It turns out my dad and I both benefit from a downsized garden for different reasons.
Which is how I suggested he downsize a garden to his balcony/deck.
Their deck is conveniently located just steps away from their kitchen.
For Father’s Day, I surprised him with a few herbs. In all fairness, one of the herbs was on life support (in my care for 24 hours).
I found the herb starters at Kroger in the produce section.
Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, and the big box stores sell potted herbs.
TIP: They all go on sale after the 4th of July!
I wanted to show my dad that downsizing a garden can bring herbs, tomatoes, and joy to his love of gardening.
It’s not too late to grow pumpkins in Colorado.
The unexpected benefits of a balcony garden are that it offers:
- shade
- eliminates the deer snacking on a veggie buffet.
- the convenience of watering your garden just steps off the kitchen.
- time management
- tranquility in the downsizing.
My dad no longer has to haul a hose to the side of the house.
Instead, a watering can or a Simply Light Lemonade plastic bottle works just as well!
Have you downsized your garden? What is your favorite produce to plant?
Before you go, here is my dad’s garden tip:
GARDEN TIP FIND
My dad loves a garden. Water, moisture, thermometer similar to this plant moisture thermometer.
Thank you for stopping by today.
My big reason for downsizing my garden this year, besides the drought, was the fact that the deer ( bears, racoons, squirrels, rabbits) eat almost everything in our area. It is frustrating to say the least! I do have some success with herbs…their strong smell usually prevents animals from eating them and I grow them in pots so they don’t spread.