REAL Exclusive Magazine

Reaping What We Sow

By Tracy Eisnaugle

Getting your hands dirty and relying on the earth can be just the inspiration that one needs to realize that with some hard work, patience and a lot of love you too can reap the rewards from your own garden full of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Last February I decided to give gardening an honest try. As a certified over-planner and known germaphobe this was going to be a challenge for me, but I knew I had to get over all my internal dilemmas and just dig in. After some late fees on library books and endless online investigating I selected what I hoped to be the perfect spot in our backyard for the future garden. After researching the different planting techniques, fencing materials, soil compositions and plants that would prosper in our area I ended up with an accurately measured layout and a list of items I needed from our local garden center.
 
In our home my husband handles all the outside maintenance while I take care of the inside, which works great since I am an interior designer and he is a landscaper. Our roles are clear and have been respected for years, so for me to stake claim to a section of the yard and request plants and sod be removed was a test of our boundaries. Location, size, soil, and fencing were all debates I was prepared to argue and since Jeff does not come home with artwork or furniture or attempt to select paint colors, I knew I had to tread lightly.

Determining the location was easy I needed level, sunny land that had some wind protection and no roof runoff with the spring and summer showers on the way. With our sandy soil, which does not retain water or have any nutritional value, I decided to build raised plant beds and bring in organic soil.  I also took into consideration that I needed to be able to walk around each row of plants to water, feed, pick and give tender attention when needed. I had planned the size of the garden based on the fencing I found online, which was disagreed upon by my landscaper and had to be reselected. So out with my beautiful layout and off to the store we went.

Although my original design was adjusted multiple times it is finally in place and working. I planted beefsteak tomatoes, grape tomatoes, red peppers, green peppers, a mix of sweet and hot peppers, bi-colored sweet corn, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, herbs and two types of lettuce. Watering from my rain barrel every other day, keeping the tomatoes caged and in some sort of control, and staking up the green beans is a lot of work but it is very enjoyable and stress reducing. With the proper gloves, knee pad and boots my germaphobe self was able to get lost in the garden for awhile each week.

The garden was fully installed and underway by the last week of February and now many months later I am happy to report that we have enjoyed tons of tomatoes, fresh herbs, lettuce, green beans and peppers galore. The corn got flooded out with the summer rains and my cucumbers and carrots did not make it either, but it is rewarding to see things flourish and mature.

Many lessons were learned this year with my first garden, and during our brief winter I plan to make some adjustments. It’s true when you grow it, it taste better and as a result you actually eat better. Getting back to the basics and providing for ourselves seems to be a growing trend. So join me in getting dirty, enjoy the fruits of your labors and share your edible rewards with your neighbors.

Tracy L. Eisnaugle has practiced interior design in Sarasota since 1997 and is currently self employed providing design consultation services in the area. She is a graduate from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and continues her education by attending annual conferences. Her past experience includes, Design Center Manager for Lee Wetherington Homes, high-end residential design and model merchandising. Tracy may be reached at 941.232.3358 or by e-mail at tleisnaugle@msn.com.