Monday, June 09, 2008

thoughts on gardening

I am helping my mom with her garden, with hopes that our combined effort will produce enough produce for us to eat pretty good all year. Here are some things I've discovered:

1. Gardening is hard work.

2. Ants like mulch.

3. Ants like people too.

4. Fish emollient stuff (fertilizer) smells terrible--like dead fish. But reminds me of going camping/fishing when I was a kid. That and the smell of gasoline.

5. Compost is very disgusting but very good for the garden.

6. Gardening is hard work.

7. But it is worth it.

8. It is hot in June in the summertime.

9. Working at 6 a.m. is early. But not hot.

10. Trying to teach your child the value of a hard-earned dollar at 6 a.m. is difficult, if not completely impossible.

11. Older children usually pick up the concept faster than younger children.

12. If you don't use gloves, you will develop blisters.

13. Sweat drippage will begin to occur no later than 8 a.m.

14. Frozen water takes longer to melt than you think it will.

15. Even if you put it in the sun.

16. Children are sooooo much fun to have around when working in a garden.

17. Wheel barrels are heavy and tip easily. Do they have any with 4 wheels and a swivel? Good grief.

18. One should stop and rest periodically.

19. Baby corn looks like baby weeds.

20. A shower is so nice after working in a garden.

21. Air conditioning is a good thing.

22. Gardening work is never done.


Truly, it was a good day--fairly productive: we've gotten almost everything planted and are to the point of doing the "upkeep". It is amazing how there's always something on the list to do. But it is a rewarding feeling to know that you are doing something good for yourself and the family. If I come up with any more gems of wisdom, I'll let you know.

2 comments:

Paige M said...

I bet you will appreciate those vegetables more than any you've ever had!

Anonymous said...

I admire you for doing this in the summertime in Alabama. I have never been too dedicated to the care of plants but I think one day I will learn to appreciate it. I do potted plants pretty well, when I remember I have them. There is a lot of pride in gardening. You should pat yourself on the back, friend!