Gardening So Natural That You Won't Care If Your Child Eats the Soil

I like to say I started going green before it was really a movement. Blame it on my allergies, but I began using natural cleaning products years before they became mainstream.

Parent Bloggers Network asked what people are doing to live more naturally. I think my answer would have to include gardening.

I've always loved the idea of gardening. With every apartment I rented, I squeezed as many pots as I could on my stoop, patio, or doorstep. I've grown tomatoes and all sorts of herbs over the years in the tiniest of garden plots.

One thing that I love about home ownership is that I have control of my landscape. I don't use any chemicals on the lawn or in my garden. Which is a good thing when your child decides that soil sounds like the perfect afternoon snack!

Last summer we built raised cedar beds and this year I am pushing for a rainbarrel.

I love that my daughter is gaining a connection to the land by raising her own crops in her own plot. Some of our society's problems stem from a disconnect between people and the land. Eating locally is great, but providing for your own family is even better. She's gaining an understanding of how from the tiniest beginnings, a seed grows until it becomes a delightful harvest.

She and I are already thinking about what we will plant this spring.

(Parent Bloggers Network is asking readers how they are living more naturally and is giving away an awesome prize compliments of SC Johnson's Nature's Source cleaning products.)