I just did it.
I gave up on reading, I gave up on methods, I gave up on tactics.
I just, well, I just did what I thought needed to be done.
I just stuck 'em in the ground.
You see, to me gardening is a joy. It's a time of relaxation and freedom to carry me away from the stresses and staleness of the day. When I'm gardening, I can feel the dirt through my fingers and smell the damp soil. It's like therapy – getting to pull weeds, working in compost, and harvesting the bounty. Ahhh…sweet, simple pleasures. Like seeing a worm. It makes me giddy every time.
Worms = Healthy Soil = Happiness
However, there are a lot of gardening theories and a lot of gardening strategies out there. These are wonderful, and SHOULD be utilized, as they maximize productivity and efficiency. But, as with cooking, I am more of a free-bird when it comes to gardening. I've tried to plot it out and follow a method, but I just can't. I want to just plant as I want to plant. I want to put my lettuce next to my strawberries, because that's just where I feel like it should go.
There is hardly a method. And it's hardly as efficient as it should be.
So when it came time to plant my potatoes this past weekend, well, I just did it. I'd read about letting them “seal” and letting them sit in the sunshine. I've read about digging trenches and adding manure a few weeks prior to planting. I've read all these things, and then, I just got tired of reading. So I just dug a hole, cut the potatoes into large chunks, and stuck 'em down there.
In the dark, cool, moist ground.
Goodbye, potato. Please do not rot. Because I need you.
I hate being such a free spirit sometimes. I really want to be a good gardener. But I've learned that precise and meticulous just isn't my style. I'm more like an artist, just doing what comes into my head. Just doin' what I want.
So that's just what I did.
Do not take lessons from me. Do not ask me specific questions about growing potatoes. Because I just don't know.
I put a few here. And a few there. And a few over there, too. Four different varieties, all with their unique characteristics and requirements (which I'm sure I could read about in order to maximize their productivity). But I won't. Because I don't want to.
I just want to grow things with joy in my heart.
And one of those really large brimmed gardening hats!
Ya, I definitely need one of those!
At least then, I'll look like I know what I'm doing.
I better get one soon. I think the neighbors are on to me…
rosiemomma
I should have planted my potatoes over a month ago (we are in Phoenix) but I was hung up on all this stuff you’re talking about. So, you’ve inspired me and I”m just gonna plop ’em in the ground tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks!!
rosiemomma
I should have planted my potatoes over a month ago (we are in Phoenix) but I was hung up on all this stuff you’re talking about. So, you’ve inspired me and I”m just gonna plop ’em in the ground tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks!!
Joan
What a fun post! I feel better about my gardening strategy, or better yet, lack of one!!
Tracey Peebles
Haha!! I’m sitting here surrounded by gardening books and your garden planner print out and contemplating the best way to tackle potatoes for the first time. You’re amazing. Thank you. I’m also going to just plop them in the ground tomorrow, or at lease by St Patrick’s Day per the gardening books, if I don’t get to it tomorrow. LOL