Over the years I’ve moved alot, so have had quite a few gardens. Some have been better than others. Most of the time I was pleased with my handiwork, but I remember killing frost, desert sunburn, hail and being mowed down by accident. My last garden was one of my best. After five years it was filled with my favorite vegetables and herbs. The flowers were gorgeous.
Well, I moved again and this season it’s a whole new garden spot. The soil is great and there’s a fine supply of earthworms. Worms are a gardener’s friend because they make even the best soil better. I already have lettuce, spinach and radishes. Later there will be tomatoes, cucumbers and great zucchini and yellow crook neck squash. The basil and parsley will become mouthwatering pesto to freeze for winter enjoyment.
No garden should be without herbs like dill, rosemary, cilentro, sage and of course the basil and parsley for cooking and even just enjoying. And every garden should have a least a few flowers. This first year mine has zinnias and calendula which will give me seeds for next year. I’ll have plenty to share too.
While munching on peppery radishes today (no relation to store-bought) I heard another news story about rising food prices. Stuff is going up so fast it’s getting pretty clear we are going to have to come to terms with it and consider our alternatives. Lucky for us, we can grow at least some of our own food. Fact is a few dollars worth of seed and a little effort can save hundreds of dollars on any food bill.
I don’t buy the “brown thumb” argument. Anyone can grow veggies and herbs that pack a ton of nutrition. A little planning and preparation go a long way. Learning a little about gardening is good too. Get acquainted with open-pollinated seeds, especially heirloom seeds. Read up on how to make rich soil, and the difference between annual and perennial plants. Learn about chemical-free gardening methods.
Gardening is facinating and nature is perfect and slow. Patience is golden. Few things in life are more interesting and miraculous than planting a single seed and watching it grow and produce a new seed of life for the next season. Our reward is beautiful nutritious food that sustains and heals us as well.
I guess I just love to garden. Can you tell?
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