The start of my seed collection with more on the way. Yes, I’m out of control.

Since the Winter Solstice, there’s an excitement building in me. The days are growing longer. Which means gardening season is right around the corner. Last year I really didn’t plan my garden. It was very willy-nilly.

Well this year the garden will have more structure and focus on growing (mostly) keto friendly vegetables and fruits. And I’ve even set a few goals for myself.

1. Have fun
The fun part is easy. From perusing the seed catalogs to building raised beds to starting seeds early, I love it all.  But will I feel the same when things don’t go right? I killed a few plants last year and I know I’ll kill more this year. But I’m learning from my mistakes. I just have to keep in mind that gardening is more about the process than the results.

2. Grow what I enjoy eating
Growing what I like to eat is just common sense. But last year I grew not one but two eggplants and quickly discovered that while I’ll eat eggplant, I don’t love it. So I’m really zeroing on those fruits and vegetables I use in cooking. Of course that means I need more recipes.

My grow “room.” One shelf for germination/small seedlings and a second for larger seedlings. I’m also wrapping 3 sides in a Mylar blanket to capture more light.

3. Don’t eat everything I’m growing
Most of the fruit and vegetables I’m growing are ketogenic, but not everything I’m growing is considered keto. Some items are better with a low carb diet, like carrots, beets and snow peas.

Then there are the potatoes.

Yes, I’m growing potatoes – Yukon Gold and Pontiac Reds. I’m growing potatoes to see if I can grow them. Remember, one of my goals is to have fun. Growing something like potatoes just sounds cool.

When I switch from carnivore to keto, I plant to stay below 20g of net carbs a day. Other than the potatoes, I can stay within my daily limit with everything I’m growing. I just need to measure and track my carbs. So some days I’ll have a ¼ cup of steamed rainbow carrots (2g of carbs) or ½ cup of roasted diced Detroit Dark Red beets (4.5g) with my rib-eye steak.

“What about those high-carb potatoes, Dot?”

An unseasonable warm winter is causing too much growth with my garlic. I have no idea what I’ll find inside come June.

I have a plan…just don’t tell my husband. The bulk of the potatoes will go to my sister. And yes, if I’m growing it, I’m going to sample. Besides the harvest, it’s the only other way to see if I got it right. Maybe I’ll try a small baked potato or make a mash. But it’s just for one meal followed immediately with a 24-hour fast.

Whether I’m thinking about my garden or doing the physical work, I feel happy and completely relaxed. It’s just an awesome hobby that boosts my mood. And, when it comes to losing weight, gardening keeps me too busy to think about food. Bonus!

What hobby do you turn to that takes away your stress? Does it keep you so engaged that you forget to eat? Write them in the comments below and let me know.