Am I crazy?

[Lemoncello]

I started planning our summer veggie garden before I found out I was pregnant. But I still want to plant the garden and try to keep it up this summer. Am I completely out of my mind?

I'm at almost 10 wks now, still dealing w/ a bit of all-day sickness and general tiredness, but feeling better than I was a couple weeks ago. This being my first pregnancy, I have no idea how I'm going to feel throughout energy-wise, but I really, really want to have a nice garden this year. We built two 4x8 foot frames yesterday, and I'll be filling them with soil/compost/manure/etc. in a few days and starting to plant some seeds and seedlings this weekend. I am hoping that because I'm doing square foot gardening and bringing in "good" soil instead of using our weed-filled gummy clay soil, the whole gardening experience will be less work and more fun this year.

But I could still use some encouragement from mamas who've survived gardening while pregnant! Please tell me that I can indeed do this, and that I will be glad I did when I have a freezer full of beans and peas and jars of tomatoes to eat on all winter!

[JamieCatheryn]

I dug and planted and weeded mine in my last trimester, and harvested wearing my baby. I underwatered and let the weeds go sometimes, which reduced production some, but it was still worth it.

[Ruthiegirl]

I have planted, hoed, weeded, dug and harvested in various stages of pregnancy. As long as you feel good, I say go for it.

You may move a little slower and need a few more breaks, but that's all fine. I think my tendency to stay active during pregnancy is what has allowed me to have easier births. And there is nothing like feeling fertile while digging in the soil.

And congratulations!

[Ruthiegirl]

Oh, and if you do feel lousy and the garden goes to pot -- just let it go. Gardens come and go. You can always garden again next year with your new babe.

[Chicky2]

I have also gardened in various stages of pregnancy. It can be done. Make sure to give yourself LOTS of breaks. Lots and lots of water, and SHADE. You have to take extra precaution w/the heat and direct sun. Wear a hat, and do 10-15 minute spurts when it's the hottest and pay attention to your body when it says to take a break.

W/SFG you will have alot less work to do, so good for you for planning well. When we moved out to our little farm, we went overboard and tilled up a 3,000 sq ft plot. Yup. THAT was crazy, lol. The weeds win.

W/my last pregnancy it was the weeding and trying to bend and the heat that got me. Funny how we ended up w/a way better tomato crop when I finally ignored it all than we did this last year when I wasn't pregnant, didn't have a tiny babe, and was weeding every day.

[Lemoncello]

Thanks for the encouragement, ladies! I know I can do it, but just need a little pep talk every now and then. I will have to watch the heat (and humidity!), but I usually try to get my outside work done in the morning and evening anyway. I have to walk the dog when it's cool, too, since she's a collie w/ LOTS of fur! So, I see many early mornings and late evenings outdoors in my future...with lots of lemonade and lounging in the air conditioning during the daytime!

[Erinz]

I think you are smart for getting done what you can before you get huge and before next season when you have a babe to care for. It's easier to get that heavy stuff done w/o a person strapped to you ime

I have had a garden through both of my pregnancies and found it was great therapy and a real boon to get me out of my head when necessary.

(and congratulations!!!!!!)

[lmonter]

Yup, you're out of your mind, but hey, there's worse things.

If your garden's just two 4x8' beds, I'd say you're golden and do your thing.

If, however, you're insane like me (1200sf of garden space, plus fruit trees - and I aim to can/dehydrate a ton each year - had aimed for 200 jars of applesauce last year), it might be a bit of a struggle. I had zero energy this last pregnancy, and I'm still running behind - just barely getting around to starting my seeds since I have a 6 week old (plus the 6.5yo, almost 4yo and 21mo) and my hubby's only home a day, day and a half a week. I spent a fair amount of nights last canning season up until 4am getting things done (hard to mess around with applesauce napalm with kids underfoot), but eh. It is what it is.

[Smithie]

Having done both, I'd WAY rather garden while pregnant than garden with a baby in tow.

Rest, hydrate, dig in the earth and enjoy the solitude! Congratulations!

(But yes, if you feel poorly and the garden peters out, don't waste a thought on it. Listen to your body.)