My sixteen year old son came up to us (my husband and I), shortly after moving into our new home six months ago. He asked if we could please allow him grow his own garden. I’m talking- his very own. He didn’t want the girls to help with this one. Nope. This was to be all his own and he just needed us to give him the answer he was hoping for. We were a little speechless at first, but happy at the same time because he seemed so determined to have one. I mean, how could you say no to a request like that?
About five weeks ago; dad took CJ out to the local green house so that “he” could shop around for something he’d be interested in growing. Little did I know; he’d favor the grape vine. So anyways, the next day Dad and CJ spent the day, in most of it’s entirety, outside cleaning up the plants that were already there and making room for the goodies he wanted to add to the garden.
This is what it looks like when a 16 year old boy has the determination to grow his very own garden:
As the little ones watched from a distance (he wanted no part of them outside that day); CJ worked diligently to get the most out of his gardening skills. When it was all said and done, he grabbed a water, sat back and “happily” admired a job well done.
Now, in the weeks to come his plants started growing (furiously). This is what they look like now (taken this morning):
Not bad for a first time garden grower, right?
Well, needless to say, I’m pretty thrilled. He comes home, talks to his plants (that’s very important you know) and waters them when needed. I’m so proud of him and I’m happy that the little ones are taking notice to what big brother’s doing. I’m also happy that they are more than willing to try the grapes when they finally arrive.
I’m sure you can tell where I’m going with this, right? Exactly. Triscuit sees the importance of this too (as well as how very rewarding it can be) so they’ve placed plant-able herb seed cards in four million boxes of Triscuit Crackers. Maybe some of you remember the launch back in mid-May on the Ellen Show? If not, click here to watch the video…or, you can just click play in the video below. Sorry guys. I guess the video isn’t available through the html code provided. Either way, I thought it was pretty inspirational and it just makes me want to go out and buy more Triscuit boxes to plant more!!! 
Anyways. Before I get a little carried away with myself, here’s my thoughts:
I love that Triscuit has taken a step towards helping Americans with their garden growing ventures. It’s a great concept and I know that my kids will agree. Oh, and speaking of kids- I now remember how it feels; getting a surprise in your favorite cereal/cracker box…this was so fun!!!
If any of you are interested in joining the movement; please consider heading to the this page and read up on how you too can get involved. I know that the girls and I are eager to see some spouting going on in the garden out back (along side of my sons grapes). We planted our little packet the day I received my box of Triscuit crackers, so, I’ll keep you posted on the growth as it happens.
Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Triscuit and received the product necessary to facilitate my candid review. In addition, I received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
Your son has the same determination about gardening as I did at his age. I had two grandparents that dearly loved to garden and I think the green thumb must have been passed down the blood line too me. I haven’t tried growing grapes, but I must admit I think CJ has a good start to having some very nice grape vines. I can’t think of a year that I haven’t planted a garden … as I write this the onions and red beets are pushing their way upward from the fertile garden soil. I have several different kinds of tomatoes and peppers started from seed that are currently waiting for the weather to become a bit warmer and they will placed in the garden as well. I am trying some cilantro this year as well … I think I will taste some homemade salsa this summer. I had heard about the Tiscuit Farming Movement some time ago and had joined up on their site. I feel they have done a fantastic job in giving the homeowner all the information they need to plant a home garden with video’s made by Paul James covering a wide variety of step-by-step plans so that you can be successful. I think many people are looking at home gardening due to the economy, but I have always enjoyed gardening as a hobby and there is something special about sinking your teeth into something that you grew from the garden.