Harvest is the earliest name of the third season of the year; meaning ‘picking’ or ‘plucking’ in Old English. It is used more generally when ripen crops are harvested. This week as we are transitioning from Summer to Fall (more like Fall took over and gave us no warning), I took in a modest size harvest as a result of my spring and summer garden plans and effort.
Early spring, as the pandemic was beginning to unfold and adjust our lives, I started a victory garden while in self-isolation. The idea stems from the concept of war gardens planted to minimize demand on an overburdened food system, and due to labor and transportation shortages during World War I and World War II in Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany. I found that a raised bed garden would be easier for me to maintain and is suitable for the urban area I live in; so I purchased the following supplies* and went to work:
Garden Soil (13 cubic feet of garden soil - 8 bags) = $64.76
Wood (2X10-8FT - 3 pieces) = $35.88
Screws (3” composite deck screws) = $9.77
Digging Shovel = $10.98
Transplanter = $1.00
Cultivator = $1.00
Garden Gloves = $1.00
Herbs and Vegetables = $54.54
TOTAL = $178.93
*hammer, hand held power drill, leveler, card board & drinking water is needed
Squash, Zucchini, Sweet Basil, Red Peppers, Green Bell Peppers, Orange Peppers, Parsley, Thyme, Sweet Mint, Cilantro, Sage, Lavender, Oregano, and Rosemary
The location chosen for the victory garden receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sun each day, which is needed for vegetable crops. I woke up every morning to water the garden which provided an opportunity to keep my Vitamin D levels consistent.
Gardening this summer empowered me to face uncertainties and keep up with a daily routine, helping boost morale and relieve built up stress during the pandemic. My victory garden also served to improve self-sufficiency and eating healthier, and promote local farming and sustainable agriculture.
There is no guarantee you will reap a harvest even with your planning, consistent efforts, adequate water, and proper sunlight. Also, I should mention I did not have prior experience with gardening and can barely keep a houseplant alive. You can only hope, wait and see.
It's harvest time!
Next project: composting... feel free to share your garden stories and composting hacks in the comments below.