Three Feet Tall Cilantro and My Soul

This year I started a garden. It’s a small little plot in the local community garden. I had no idea what I was doing, but gleefully shopped with my friend for plants. I chose herbs that I regularly use, like mint and cilantro. I selected vegetables that I would be delighted to watch grow, like squash and corn. I even chose a fruit — watermelon!

I dug into the soil and first planted what I was most excited to nourish — all the herbs. I put them all in a row, giving them what seemed like appropriate space. I then planted one more row beside it.

I know there is all sorts of gardening tricks and tips — like planting certain plants next to each other to ward off pests. But I don’t actually know any of them, and I was too excited to get going to look them up.

Furthermore, I wanted this to be a digital-free event. I wanted my hands in the soil, not on my phone researching tips.

Photo by Sandie Clarke on Unsplash

I was also excited to learn for myself, to learn through experience.

I like to learn art skills the same way.

I want to experiment on my own. I want to see what the materials can do. I don’t want to take a class prior to getting my own hands dirty (though I often take classes later to enhance my skills or find inspiration).