Hi, I'm Stacy....

...But today, you can call me Martha flippin Stewart.

Why, you ask?

Because this chick has planted herself her very first vegetable garden. #boom.

Growing up in the city, my mom would occassionally till some land in our backyard, and plant various vegetables. I loved it. She did all of the work, and all I had to do was go outside and pick a tomato here or a cucumber there if I was hungry. Talk about the life!

Since moving out, I've become familiar with apartment life. Window boxes, gardens, having immediate outdoor access from my dwelling...these were things I was fine living without, because that's the way life is for someone in an apartment (for the most part).

In the past year, there has been buzz around my apartment complex surrounding the start-up of a community garden. While I've never participated in such a thing, I was very intrigued (especially if the cost was FREE*).

This past Saturday, the buzz was turned into a reality. The complex tilled up a 30ft x 50ft section of land, purchased chicken wire fencing, and away we went. Close to 16 people will be participating in the garden. The fence has been placed, and the plots have been sectioned off. I managed to snag plot #7, (in honor of Joe Mauer, duh)....and on the very first day I planted three rows of lettuce (all different varieties), one scattered row of carrots which I'm sure will be a disaster, four rows of onions both sweet and savory, sugar snap peas, green beans, and even managed to sow some marigold seeds close to the fence to deter pesky rabbits.

So far, this has been an exciting adventure. Honestly, I'm not expecting ANYTHING that grows to be edible...but it sure would be fun if it was!

In a few weeks, it will be warm enough for me to plant a couple of tomato bushes, eggplant, jalapenos, and green peppers. I think I'll have an awesomely well rounded patch of veggies at my disposal come June and July...I couldn't be more excited!

*Things in life are never free...although I've only had to invest about $30 for supplies and seeds...I'd say I'm doing pretty well.