As I was contemplating some helpful tips for a really great vegetable garden, it occurred to me that tending a garden is similar to tending a relationship. I will outline some helpful vegetable gardening tips and see if you see the connection between a thriving healthy crop of vegetables and a thriving healthy relationship.
Before beginning to plant a vegetable garden it is a good idea to sit down and take the time to discover what vegetables you want to grow. Do you have the right size plot of land, is the soil condition right for the type of vegetables you want to grow, will the soil need to be enhanced with fertilizer, what about sunlight or shade? The more specific you can be about what you want to harvest from your vegetable gardening efforts; the more successful you will be. Sounds a lot like dating advice, doesn’t it? Get specific about what you want before hitting the dating scene and you are more likely to attract that type of potential partner. If you dislike turnips don’t plant turnips, plant what you would enjoy eating from all your hard work and effort of nurturing a vegetable garden. Same with dating don’t settle for less than what you want from a potential mate.
My dad likes growing the basics of a foundational salad and living in coastal New England, red tomatoes, Boston or butter lettuce and cucumbers are relatively easy to grow.
My frugal farmer dad says: planting season in New England begins right around May 31st, Memorial Day weekend. The weather by the end of May in New England is favorable to begin planting. Start with a solid foundation. Pick out the ideal plot of land for the type of vegetables you have decided to grow and prepare the soil with fertilizer or for the truly adventurous a nice ripe manure. Since we all have individual preferences regarding soil enhancement, seek out further advice at your local gardening center. My dad likes to let nature takes its course and he uses no soil augmentation. As with creating lasting relationships, start with the best foundation possible.
Overall maintenance tips for red tomatoes, Boston lettuce and cucumbers: Like any great relationship caring for a vegetable garden takes daily effort. Each day walk the garden looking to see how the vegetables are coming along. Check for such things as weeds, pests, sufficient water and sunlight and or shade. Weed as necessary if not daily. Pests can destroy all your efforts in a single moment so be on the lookout for pest damage and should you find evidence of pests take immediate steps to eradicate them from the vegetables. Unwanted pests (thoughts) can destroy a potentially good relationship also so beware of all types of pesky pests. Check to make sure the plants are getting just the right amount of water not too much or too little and adjust as necessary. Nurture your vegetable just like you would nurture a valued relationship. Both will keep you happy and healthy for a long time.
If you require additional planting assistance the big box stores have extensive product lines, helpful friendly associates, and competitive prices. Two local New England favorites are and www.lowes.com and www.thehomedepot.com. I am still looking for the perfect local gardening shop in the town I live in or in a surrounding community and also the perfect relationship. Another alternative if you do not want to do the actual work of cultivating a garden yourself (like hiring a match making service) check out www.farmerdaves.net.
After all the hard work of planting, maintaining, and harvesting enjoy the fruits of your labors and may all your relationships be bountiful. Bon Appétit.
