Analogies

I have come to see an analogy between the way people garden and their approach to life.

Some people never plant anything. They expect others to do all the work and they just eat the rewards.

Of course, there are those who are willing to pay for what they consume. So, they do plant but in different forms of fields.

Some people plant only decorative plants. Which is fine when it's for enjoyment. Though some plant decorative plants because that is their only true concern- appearance. 

Some people plant crops only for the purpose of recognition. Think of competitive gardeners, which can be crops or decorative plants. Once again, appearance is their biggest concern and very little genuine enjoyment derives from their planting. 

Still others plant for subsistence. Many of these are hoarders in some way. Or they are fearful. Either one in and of itself indicates fear or greed. 

Then there are those like me. People who plant a combination of crops and decorative plants. I admit the decorative plants are beneficial because they help attract pollinating insects. Not going to say I have not been proud of some past accomplishments but the main issue for all of it is subsistence plus enjoyment. It's something I can put intense thought into when planning and intense work into when doing. 

It is balance, thought, environment, teaching, learning, work, exercise, recycling, food, pride and beauty all rolled into one for me. 

It's a reflection of life. Balance and enjoying the effort are most important. I may fail at times but still plant next year. Possibly a different crop but crops I really enjoy I keep planting. May have eventual success but even if not I enjoy the attempt. 

Getting ready 2015

Getting ready for spring 2015!

Right now is when the solarium is beginning to really come in handy. Ambient temperatures are still often dropping below freezing. However, I have things now growing in the solarium. Carrots, broccoli, spinach, lettuce and lots of cilantro are now growing in the solarium. I planted some garlic but so far only see one bulb sprouting. Cucumber seeds are questionable. Planted some but not seeing anything yet. It does have to remain warm for them to even sprout.

Inside the house, I have a number of tomato seeds started and an increasing number and variety over time. I'm going with a lower number of seeds started but in larger containers this year to prevent transplant shock later. Some I started weeks ago and they're gaining size. Others I started later which are just sprouting. A few more I just started tonight. 

Got a new pair of loppers yesterday. Need to start getting out this week and trimming trees. Plus use some nearly pure acid to spray the surface soil. Then start getting some gypsum and spreading that around. Taking the no till approach this year, try to kill off the seeds and existing weeds and grass this year before planting anything out.