I would never tell someone they weren’t gardening well enough, but remind myself of this daily. I often forget to find joy instead of seeking productivity.
Many years ago, I was leaving from work to forage for wild raspberries. It was my first time that year and I lamented to my friend David, “What if the raspberries aren’t ready yet?” The spot was 25 minutes in the opposite direction of home, the brambles a good 30 minute walk into the woods. He looked at me incredulously and stated, “Then you had a nice walk in the woods,” as if it were the most obvious thing. It took me back and I stood mouth agape for a few moments as I realized a different, a better, perspective to what I had perceived as a task, as an objective to be accomplished.
As frustrating as it is, this is something I still remind myself of at least weekly. Separating worth from productivity is a daily struggle, especially when “relaxing” for me is still a form of doing: reading, repotting, cooking, weeding, cleaning… The “lower level” tasks that are more automatic, things are still being accomplished, but I don’t have to think too much. Lines are crossed off a to-do list, it is easier to feel like my time is not wasted.
Last week, my childhood friend Etta came over to trade bounty and I took her on a walk around the “farm”. She marveled at how far along my peppers and tomatoes were. I sheepishly replied that I had started the seeds at the end of February. Honestly a bit later than I usually do. I spoke to how poorly things were performing, how much better she grows beets than I do and she looked to the sky remarking that she has full sun where I certainly do not.
Inherently, I know this. I know that vegetables need at least 6 hours of full sun per day to thrive. No amount of water or nutrients will alter the fact that my plants will not do as well as they could with the requisite amount of sunlight. “Good enough” always seems to be an estimation of what could be or should be, when really it should be what is.
So how are the vegetables doing with ample nutrients and water and partial sun? To cultivate that joy, I used a ping pong ball to showcase growth.
And this is just a sample. This doesn’t include the fifty or so productive green and wax bean plants, the thriving basil, mint, thyme, chives, and oregano. It doesn’t show that there are at least ten other highly productive cherry tomato plants of five different varieties all waiting to ripen. Nor does it show the zucchini that is hesitant to set fruit, or the slicing tomatoes being choked out by vining beans. Or the swiss chard that has been shared freely due to overplanting and production. It’s all a balance and I am so lucky to be able to explore the changes and growth that each day brings.
Soon I will be pulling bunches of carrots and in their place planting chinese cabbage, red cabbage, brussels sprouts and leaf lettuce. Perhaps I will have a fall harvest for the first time this year. If nothing else, I will enjoy some time outside.
Eat - Drink - Both 