A Start

I've considered my future for many years, and what was always at the front of my mind is what dictated what would happen. What was going through my mind each and ever time?

That's simple. The things I could not do.

I wanted to garden. To farm. To grow things. To plant, and harvest. To build something.

I didn't have the land. When I had the land, with my ex, I started, but it wasn't long before a small obstacle stopped me cold. Then, I didn't have the land anymore. I moved to an apartment, but didn't have a balcony, or the room. Had a balcony last year, but didn't have the time to start anything.

This year, I stopped myself. I know what I don't have. But what did I have? I have a balcony. Plenty of room for some seedlings, and tomato plants.

How would I grow them? I won't have any seedlings until the garden centers have them.

Stop! Stop right there! I have a table.

I don't have any seed pots. I need to go buy those.

STOP! I have empty containers from cottage cheese. In the recycling bag. Over a dozen.

I don't have soil. I need to buy peat pots to start the seeds, then put in the containers.

STOP, for the love of God, STOP!

What is the matter with me? Egg cartons make good peat pots. Just pressed paper. Not enough light? Turn on a damned light!

After kicking myself mentally, I started to see what I had, and not what I did not have. I had egg cartons, which after experimenting with, I recognize they cause mold and mildew to grow. Not trying those again. Direct seeding into the containers does work.

So, again, its not what I don't have, or need to buy. Its what I do have, what can I use, reuse, or recover, and - how will this help me in the future?

After a first attempt, I have several cucumber seedlings growing, five zucchini, a dozen non GMO plum tomato, and a dozen non GMO sweet red pepper plants. The cucumber was just to see what would happen, and I'm glad I did. I'll keep a few for myself, and give the rest away.

The tomato and pepper plants I will keep a couple and sell the rest, to put towards a down payment for an appropriate parcel of land to have a small garden/farm.

I've ordered seeds from Annapolis Seed in my own province, but they are still processing my order, nine calendar days after I placed it. I'll update this when I receive what I've paid for.

I will take a picture of my plans for the balcony as they take shape, and take account of everything I've spent so far, just so I can find out what it will cost me, and what I might save on the produce I will grow for myself. I'll put what I've saved into a down payment as well.

Its not about what I can not do. If I was to keep looking at what I can't do, I would never move off the couch. No, its about what I can do, and what I already have.

The rest is just patience, persistence, and proper motivation.

As I determine how to best accomplish my goals, I will update with new posts, pictures, and thoughts along the trail.

Any first hand knowledge is welcome, and may be posted so others can learn from your experience. Whether its a success or failure, there is always something to learn.