Seriously.

Gettin' serious and growin' up.

That is really what its all about.

What I originally thought would be a veggie garden to play around in has really turned into a serious grow up moment not only for me but for the plants that have established themselves in the ground next to the house. Much to my surprise the garden has taken off and exploded to its full potential.

Now it's August and I have come to the realization that the growin' up of the corn and tomatoes has afforded me that time to also grow up and get serious about the future of the side of the house.

Tripled the original garden space!

The garden is now a permanent fixture. 

Period.

Yes, I am done relyin' on "scraps" or "hand-outs"or sub-grade foods it's time to be serious about the healthy eatin' habits of myself and the others that share in the bounty. The other posts explain my disdain for the fruits and veggies that are available in the local grocery store so I will spare you the trauma of goin' through that again, but I will say THAT WAS the definin' moment of gettin' serious.

How serious you ask?
Look at the actions that have been taken over the summer to provide a healthy eatin' garden.
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Comin' to the next realization of knowin' that no one was going to hand over the freshest food and no one was going to feed me the good stuff on a daily basis ... I decided to do it myself.

That is just thing I would do to. I like being in control.
Sometimes a little to much.

My mind was set and so the garden space was cleared, rocks removed, tilled and planted in a matter of a weekend. You see. The brain inside my head had to come to the conclusion that there had to be a garden or it was suffer the consequences of huge medical bills later. The outcome was an easy decision.
Spend money on green growy things then doctors and lawyers and such ...

Smallest garden space. Ever. Need a revamp!

The decision was made.
The biggest hurdle had been over come.
The rocks were removed and there was nothin' stoppin' progress!

The choice of raisin' excellent food was an option no more. It became a must for a better life!

I will admit that there are days where I am lazy and don't want to weed or tend that lush jungle, I know that between the second and third row lies the greenest patch of grass in the whole neighborhood but that hasn't stopped the momentum of this fast movin' radish patch.

A little spray paint, a perfectly helpful black boy and a shovel

is all that is needed to whip this into shape.

Maybe, just maybe the garden space was too big for the first year but the thoughts of expansion now match the abilities and the reality. Realistic goals have been set and the timeline has and inevitable end when the sun starts sinkin' and the days start shrinkin' and the green starts turnin'.

If I were to ask some good questions of myself and the garden as of right now ... they would look something like this:

1. Was I fully aware of the preparation that was needed when the bounty started flowin'?
Sorta. (shoulder shrug) No, not really. (Head shakes from side to side).

I had a clear picture of what a garden could produce but was expectin' to lose a few plants along the way. Wasn't expectin' them all to live and thrive! 6 Zucchini plants is way tooooo many for 2 people.

Didn't look like much when the starts went in.

2. Will I be prepared next year? Yes! I have already started the new layout of the garden space, have moved an existin' shed to expand the space, and have collected wood to build up the beds so that there will be better control of the soil.

Shed moved 90 degrees! Fresh dirt!

Who will win? Grass or Food?

3. How am I doing with problems, pest and overcrowded tomatoes? Really!? Who isn't thrilled beyond themselves when their tomatoes actually grow in the Northwest? To have them overcrowded is a blessin' this year. They are relyin' on each other for support. (Another lesson for another post) Doesn't seem to hinder production either!! My concern now is how many jars will I need??

As for the pests. The cabbage moth is just too cute to destroy, I have more fun in watchin' them and chasin' them away but I know that is not the best solution to the holes in the leaves of my cabbages and  my Brussels sprouts. The holes haven't stopped me from eatin' either.

4. Has the garden gone the extra mile? For a 10x30 space this garden has produced enough zucchini to fill my jars and the bellies of a few neighbors and friends. The pumpkins will fill the pies that will feed a community at Thanksgivin' and the tomatoes well ... we will see. Extra mile or two ... I would say so but there could be more.

Pumpkins poppin' out under the corn.

5. What could be some proactive activities that can be taken to go beyond the garden space and what I have learned over the summer of 2014? This is easy! There are a couple things that come to mind right away. Grow-A-Row. The program that donates fresh veggies to the local Food Bank. What a great way to give back! Also the Fruits and Vegetable section of the County Fair needs a new Super. for 2015. Guess who has signed up!? Saucy Roots!!

This has been a great challenge so far and a challenge that will continue to keep growin'. The notebook and journal is full of thoughts, ideas and changes for next years garden space and for the Fair.

The greens after a summer rain.

Growin' a garden can be done by anyone. Seeds are inexpensive if you pick your favorites, you don't have to buy them all. Buy the ones you will eat. Set out a plan of space in your yard or in pots on your patio. Believe me, I would rather be homeless with good character and a few seeds then a stuck up billionaire that is afraid to get dirty.

Gettin' down and dirty!

The gettin' serious part had to click.

The growin' up part had to happen.

Yet ... the gardener still has many lessons to learn
and the garden still has many lessons to teach.