Digging Nightshades
There is something particularly rewarding about pulling a
thing from the ground that you planted and that will subsequently offer you
nourishment. My garden is somewhat of a
wild experiment (more on that here). There are staples I always rely on;
tomatoes, asparagus, squash. But once
they are accounted for there is always room for something new, something I did
not plan for. This year it was
potatoes. I planted them for the first
time this spring, on a whim, at the recommendation of my cousin who is brilliant
with anything that carries roots and always willing to take a chance. Try them she urged, its no big deal!
I have been intimidated by the prospect of growing potatoes
for years, but her words at last gave me the motivation to commit space in my
garden to the project. Last week my
reward was discovered. I had been
watching the once supple greens begin to diminish; knowing the time to check
them was coming near. The first cluster
pulled easily from the ground, and I have to admit, I have never been so
excited about potatoes! My young son
joined the endeavor and we dug for potatoes as if they were treasure, dirt
clinging to their soft skins. He has
never been so excited about potatoes.
What felt like a risk just a few months ago now feels like
an accomplishment. And it reminded that
each of my stables was at one time planted for the first time. And at the start of each new season they are
planted for the first time again, along side whatever variety holds the place
of this year’s experiment. All of it is
unknown and rewarding.
To finish the season I am taking a chance again. That bag of fingerlings that had started to
sprout in my pantry was cut up and sewn into the ground. They may or may not have time to mature
before our season fully turns the corner, but I am willing to give it a try.
So whatever it is that you have been wanting to try...Go for it, its no big deal!
With gratitude,
Joanna
{Crafted by the Seasons} follow the story, here
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