I Finally Have Plants in the Ground

Last weekend was quite busy. Despite my hectic schedule, I took the time to purchase several plants and start my garden. I have six tomato plants, six basil plants, one cucumber, and one sweet orange pepper. I also planted a package of dill seeds outside and started some onion seeds in the house. Better late than never. It feels so good to have plants in the dirt.

I need to make a bigger garden spot to accommodate the onions once they sprout and the rest of the fruits and vegetables I hope to plant in the next couple of weeks. I use raised beds due to my back issues, so it’s a bit more work than tilling up a portion of the backyard.

These photos were taken before I removed the tags from my stakes. I was anxious to get the plants in the ground.

I suffered an infestation of tomato hornworms last year, so I did some research into what repels them before I began my sowing. I’m hesitant to use an insecticide because I don’t want to harm any honeybees. They are an important part of our environment.

I searched online and talked to a couple of old-time gardeners. I learned that basil and dill repel hornworms. One gardener recommended I also plant marigolds and onions. I’d planned to plant onions anyway, but I’ve never had good luck with marigolds. So, I opted to add basil and dill.

I will be purchasing more plants soon. I still need to plant some green beans and maybe some watermelon and zucchini. I want a large garden this year. With the ever-escalating prices of groceries, I want to grow as much of my own food as possible. I think it will prove worth my time and investment if I can keep the pests from eating my produce.

One of my cherry trees didn’t make it through the winter. As a result, the other cherry tree isn’t producing anything this year because it has nothing with which to pollinate. Thankfully, my blackberry bush is in full bloom, so I should have yummy berries this summer. I will happily accept anything nature wants to provide. I may even fight the deer for my pears this year.

The future is uncertain, and I don’t want to be caught in a bad spot. If I grow my own food, I know where it’s been and won’t be at the mercy of supply chains or a fluctuating market. Besides, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of canning something I grew myself.

My grandparents lived through the Great Depression and several wars. They were no strangers to food shortages and rations. The lessons they taught my parents about being self-sufficient and frugal were passed on to me. I appreciate their wisdom and carry on their determined spirit.

You don’t have to grow your own food, but I highly recommend you stock up some food and supplies. The world is a crazy place.

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