Peskies, Plunderers, and Produce

All of the methods I have tried in gardening have their own unique set of problems.

Planting in a big garden means having to do some weeding, keeping the wildlife out, and preventing damage from the little buggies that seem to love to make their homes (and their dinner plates) right where you don't want them to.  I don't mind the occasional weed, or even the little bit of wildlife that travel through my big gardens (as long as they don't top out ALL of the green beans or lettuce leaves, that is!).  I use newspapers and mulch to detract the weeds, and always plant enough seeds that even the hungriest of deer and rabbits can't take it all!  

I Just Want To Work in My Garden And Read BOOKS

Watering a large garden in the early mornings is a little cathartic, especially on those days when you know it is going to be stressful or hectic.  The cool morning breeze, the early birds singing, and the smell of freshly damp earth can do wonders for your perspective.

For those pesky little bugs I use companion planting, both flowers - like marigolds and nasturtiums - and strongly scented vegetables like garlic and basil.  Bugs just don't seem to like strong scents, and since I find the smells quite intoxicating I use them profusely.  (I have also been known just to squish those peskies with my bare hands - not for the faint-hearted!)

I Just Want to Work In my Garden And Drink Wine

Planting in a big garden means having MORE - more of all the things that can be troublesome to any gardener, but then again there is more to share, more free therapy, and more really good exercise.  If you can beg others to help, there is also the possibility of having more companionship, conversation, and connection.  The benefits are really outweighing the problems, in my opinion.

It's a Garden Thing - You Wouldn't Understand

And the enjoyment - ahhh, the flavors and crispness of all your fine produce!  Those first vegetable pickings are like manna from Heaven.  Even if you still have leftover canned, frozen, or otherwise preserved produce from previous years, that first picking always tastes the best.

It is at this point that you realize all the hard work, the endless weeding and planting, watering and weeding (always more of that!) have all been worth it.  You are a successful gardener.  Stand tall and proud (if you can after all that bending and squatting) and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!