Dirty Hands

We finally got the garden in.  Well, mostly in- the sweet potatoes need to wait for warmer weather.  We expanded quite a bit from last year.  We had tried out a sort of raised bed idea made with pallets.  It worked okay, but not spectacularly.  This year we added some soil amendments and tilled up about twice as big an area (maybe 5x30.)  Around Easter we put in cold stuff: broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, kale, collards, strawberries.  We already had chives (a plant I've had for 6 or 8 years, and which thrives on neglect.)  Later we added some herbs, tomatoes, carrots, leeks, garlic, and shallots.  Last week was the last big planting, with zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, and hot peppers.  We've had plenty of rain, and warm temperatures.
Gardening is probably genetic.  I remember my parents' garden, which seemed to take up half our backyard.  We always had corn and tomatoes, and I'm sure other veggies too.  My birthday party was almost a harvest celebration, with corn and brats.  My granddad had a garden out back, and there was one at the farm they shared with friends.  I can't say I have a green thumb, but I do okay, and as soon as Miss Mox and I moved in together we started planning a garden.  Well, it was second on the list, after the library.

We've had fun finding things to plant, and fun planting.  Weeding is never fun, but we'll get on it.  Some of the veggies will go in dog food.  Most we'll eat, hopefully all summer long.  There should be enough to give some to her parents; there are lots of kids to feed.

There are practical reasons for gardening, obviously.  And there are spiritual and historic ones.  It's a good feeling to plant a seed, or small plant, and see how with a little care and a lot of natural miracles, the earth brings forth new life, food for us, beauty and color for the world.  Knowing how much my brother loved plants means I think of him while doing it, and feel like I am continuing his legacy.  And in this structured, built-up high-tech world it is good to remember how our ancestors fed themselves.

A little beauty is nice, too, so we have small flower beds out front.  They are for us more than the neighborhood, though I hope they appreciate the way things look.  Let's hope it's a good summer and everyone's gardens do well.