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Of all the necessary components for a successful garden, the most important one can’t be bought or measured. You can’t borrow it, steal it, barter for it, or have it delivered. Yet without it, no garden would ever be planted. The most essential element every gardener must have is hope. When the gray of winter is interrupted by 4-color seed catalogs, hope spurs us to dream of golden sunny days filled with juicy red tomatoes and crisp green lettuce. Hope spurs us to grab a hoe and a pair of gloves and work up the first sweat of spring.
Through this program, I’ve learned the importance of patience and the joy of nurturing life from seed to harvest. Gardening has taught me about the intricate balance of nature, the importance of soil health, and the role of different plants in an ecosystem. Additionally, I’ve gained hands-on experience with sustainable farming practices and learning how to manage pests organically. The sense of community among fellow gardeners has also been incredibly rewarding, as we share tips, successes, and the occasional challenges. One of the most rewarding aspects has been the bonding experience with my mother-in-law. We’ve spent many days together in
In addition to setting up an irrigation system for the first time, I am also learning to can this year. A friend came over to help me with the first round of canning. The shelves are gradually filling up as I practice this new found skill.
This program taught us the importance of intentionality. These days our gardening looks much different. Our days are filled with our youngest son picking tomatoes off the vine. Our middle son in the kitchen frying up okra or cutting up vegetables from the garden for his salad with his dad. Our oldest cramming cucumbers in jars so he can make pickles. We are so thankful for this program for not only teaching us how to grow more food but also for instilling a love of gardening in our kids and helping us find something to bring us all together. I
Our family has started this adventure as an opportunity for our oldest to grow his interest in and knowledge about gardening. The greatest thing is that we can do this together and learn together. He has really done a great job with caring for the garden, even the hard parts. We love having healthy food available and learning to be more self-sustaining with our food sources. It’s great to know where your food has come from! We have also been able to share and trade items with neighbors and friends which has extended our access to our favorite garden goodies
Just as Frankenstein was put together with many different parts, so was my garden. It was an everchanging project that evolved from one row of plants to now 10 rows of a variety of companion plants, a small corn field with a perimeter of pole beans and two sets of mounds for melons and squashes. There is a staging area for my tools and supplies and the garden is surrounded by some naturally grown flowering plants like clover and chicory to attract the pollinators. I have used mainly things on my farm like used stakes, old wooden produce boxes, tobacco
At first, I thought it would make for a healthy hobby, but these days, I think it’s become more of an obsession. The more I learn, the more I want to learn. The cycle has snowballed and created a dirt-covered monster. Seriously, my nails are stained green. We started small, planning to slowly build each year until we have a micro-farm that will sustain us and hopefully begin providing fresh, local ingredients for our area as well.
I had no expectations for my first garden but I am so proud and filled with gratitude at the quality and quantity that is growing. (Who knew that butternut squash was soooo adorable!) I am already planning for my summer garden next year! Now on to my next challenge, learning how to preserve all of this produce…
The personal growth that arises through the cultivation of plants and the nurturing process contributes to a sense of accomplishment and self-reliance, and the opportunity to engage with this community fosters a sense of togetherness for those times in the garden when it helps to know you are not alone in the battles against the weekends and bugs.
Our family favorite crop to grow is popcorn. It looked cool hanging to dry during the fall, and the kids have fun taking the kernels off the cob and popping them. It is now a regular treat on our movie nights.
I am grateful that gardening restarts each year and the learning that comes from making mistakes and being able to build on that growth for the next year.
Having fresh, produce like kale and radishes right outside our door has changed the way we eat and feel. Knowing exactly what goes into growing these vegetables—free from unknown pesticides and mystery chemicals—gives us peace of mind.
This year marks the beginning of a concerted effort on our part to make a truly productive family garden.
Gardening is important to me and my family because it helps us know where most of our produce comes from.
