Planting season is one of my favorite times of year. Putting a seed into soil, adding water and sunlight, and watching it grow never fails to amaze me. I’ve come to appreciate the rhythm it bring to life. No other season seems to have as definitive a start as spring. (I say this as snow covers the ground in May and there is a winter storm watch in effect. Go figure!)
This planting season will be the first time I’ll have planted my garden without first discussing what I’m planting with my grandfather. It was an annual ritual discussing what to put in, where in the garden to locate it to and suggestions for making it grow better. It is his, my grandmother and my father’s love of gardening that runs in my blood.
So far planting hasn’t gotten much further than a few items in my cold frame. Soon though corn, beans, kale and tomatoes will make their homes in my beautiful beds. So will a few cucumbers, tomatillas and a few potatoes. The one crop that I’m attempting once again will be carrots. They never grow for me but I’ll always remember Grandpa and his crazy dog Rufus out pulling carrots in the garden. I figure it’s time to give them another shot. This year I’m sure my garden will grow nicely but planting season sure isn’t the same.
