A Little Sunshine: Gardening

Despite it being winter where I am from, plants have brought me sunshine. I have to admit that gardening brings that sunshine to my soul. Winter is always such a drag in a sense that I cannot use my green thumb and take care of plants. There is just something so special about gardening that I really connect with. Being able to see plants flourish is such a wonderful privilege.

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Gardening has taught me:

Gardening has taught me to understand the concepts of plants

The process of photosynthesis and the process of cellular respiration within animals

Carbon dioxide (CO2) cycle along with the Oxygen cycle

Understanding how bees pollinate certain plants

Not all plants are specifically pollinated by bees other insects and birds serve as pollinators

Amending the soil is very important and promotes growth of plants

Worms, nematodes, etc and their function within the soil

The deeper function of the sun, moon, and the stars

Everything within the environment is connected via relationships that can be either beneficial or harmful

Cycling of water throughout the environment and the surrounding areas

Our impact as human beings on the plants, animals, and the environment as a whole

The concept of soil and the concept of soil erosion

How Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are harmful for us, plants, animals, and the environment as a whole

There are so many different colors that our eyes can see

Protection of the environment is necessary to keep everything thriving

Gardening is therapy for the soul and the mind

Bonding with nature can bring happiness

Looking at the big picture is what is important

Observation is key for a bigger and better understanding

When we find nature, we find an amazing connection

Self reliance and a better understanding of being prepared

Problem solving

Patience and faith, especially when beginning seeds and waiting for a harvest

Finding what is most important

Where food comes from and the hardwork that goes into the whole farm to table concept

Knowing where food comes from is comforting

Organization skills and keeping a record with notes

Seek new opportunities, change, and try again

Crop rotations

Depletion of nutrients

After failing get back up and try again, or when something fails try it again

Caring for nouns

The importance of natural resources

A lot of things seem impossible, but turns out, they are more than possible

Bonding with the gardening community

Anatomy of plants

Companion planting and the benefits each plant has on another

Curation of nice layouts that make water easier

Responsibility for caring for the plants

The diverse species that make up the plant Domain

Building a healthy lifestyle with eating and daily activities

Science and the basic scientific principals

Germination, seed storage, germination rates, percentages, times, etc.

God is the real gardener that has put forth all of these amazing creations for each of us

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These are only some of the few things that gardening has brought me to understand. To me, gardening is more than 'raising' plants. Gardening is simply sunshine that keeps me motivated and keeps my green thumb happy. I hope that these mentioned things help others understand the importance of gardening. Gardening is such a positive, uplifting, and satisfying hobby to have. Practicing and learning is all a part of the process. I love gardening, as it is one of my top favorite hobbies.

"Gardening is simply sunshine that keeps me motivated and keeps my green thumb happy. "
-jettAV8R