Nerdin Gardens: Gardening with Grandpa
As children, our grandpa insisted we help him in the family garden. We all excitedly agreed. I realized pretty quick the difference between a potato plant and a weed. He was a steadfast but patient teacher.
Row upon row of raised mounds and plantings, the trenches ran alongside. He would open the irrigation gate and water rushed quickly from starting to finish point, giving the earth a proper dousing.
Knowing when to plant, how to thin the plants to prevent crowding for proper growth, the right amount of water that was necessary and also the exact time to pick for an optimum harvest.
His systems were dependable year after year. No overthinking necessary, just the natural ability to problem solve as he went along. This guaranteed there was food on the table for a family of 18.
Perhaps those simple lessons stuck in my mind and are implemented as we back yard garden, season after season. It is a way of life for us during the growing season, much more than just a hobby.
Much of what was learned is used in day-to-day business. Thanks again Grandpa, your teachings are still alive within this back yard gardener's heart! Looking towards spring to renew and begin again.
Happy gardening all!
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