Or Invasion of the ……Cucumbers.
My fledging attempt at vegetable gardening was not a thing of beauty like the gardens in magazines but I loved planning it, planting it, nurturing it (though my maternal skills need some improvement), watching it and harvesting it.
This spring I took a leap and planted more than the usual tomatoes, basil and other herbs in pots. I pulled out some aging boxwoods which is the only good sun on our postage stamp sized lot and planted squash, eggplant, cabbage, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes.
Reap what you sow? Well, yes and no. You don’t always get what you wish for.
Squash: Me – L Squirrels – W
Cabbage Me – L Bugs – W
Heirloom Tomatoes Me – L Drought/ Lack of Nourishment – W
Sun Gold Tomatoes Me – W (if you count reaping enough to eat while I’m watering)
Roma Tomatoes Me – W see recipe above
Peppers Me – W (I guess I won but only green and purple, no red or yellow)
Potatoes TBD
Eggplant Me – W but seriously how much eggplant can you eat?
Cucumbers Me – W A total blow out victory.
Could I have done a better job? Weeded more? Watered more consistently? Of course, but I’m not discouraged. It was fun and rewarding; I’m thinking about a fall crop even though I have another month to enjoy what’s already planted.
Along the way, I learned about gardening, timing, food production, patience and the joy of eating locally, seasonally and organically. I don’t think I’ll ever eat another winter tomato or cucumber. There is nothing better than a cucumber right out of the garden sprinkled with sea salt.
I also learned that what I’m doing is really doable for everyone.
How much do you know about the World War II Victory Gardens?
Victory gardens were encouraged by the government to reduce the pressure on the public food supply. There were 20 million, yes 20 million, planted and they produced as much food as commercial production estimated at 9-10 million tons.
This is serious gardening. Gardens were planted in front and back yards, roof tops and empty lots. Neighbors pooled their resources and formed cooperatives.
As important as the food they produced, is the sense of community they produced, the sense of accomplishment and contribution and the boost of morale. Sounds like something we could all use a bit of.
Seed thoughts of peace, moistened by love, tilled by right action, weeds of discord pulled by diligent action. The harvest shall be abundant joy sustaining future generations. From Voices of Our Ancestors: Cherokee Teachings from the Wisdom Fire by Venerable Dhyani Ywahoo
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