Category: Garden

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The White Man’s Vegetable

Ponder this a moment.  What plant has fed the white man for centuries–post American exploration?  From its humble roots (hint hint) as peasant sustenance to modern day caloric side dish filler?  A ubiquitous medium which assimilates the flavors of anything it touches, from spice mixes to rendered oils?  From elegant salads to white trash junk food?

No, chicken isn’t a vegetable.

Mmmm, there we go.

We planted a couple rows of these, and netted 10 pounds for harvest.  So approximately 1 pound of potatoes per linear garden space.  Not bad.  I’m hoping to get a second crop now, but the weather isn’t cooperating.  On the other hand, the cost of using old potatoes that weren’t eaten in time is essentially zero, so no great risk compared to the potential gain.

And by “gain”, I mean to my waistline.

The perfect vegetable.

–Simon

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Garbage Pile

I have a backlog of stuff that I’ve failed to post due to life’s distractions.  So here’s a summary of what I’ve been up to:

1. Quarantine Breakfast

I’ve begun a Sunday ritual where I make a more time-consuming brunch.  This family is not one to rise early of our own accord, so weekday breakfasts are often skipped or consist of premade options.  And since Saturdays are packed with accomplishing chores, there should be at least a few relaxing hours once a  week.

2. Home School

The kid’s had to adapt to completing her schoolwork remotely.  Her focus, however, is still that of an 8-year old’s.  I’ve taken to creating a temporary workstation for her in the basement so I can keep an eye on her, but the visual scene is rather spartan and sad.  Do what works I suppose.

3. Garden Trellis

Each year I make a stronger tomato trellis, and each year it collapses by the end of the season.  This year I decided to build an ultimate trellis, of treated lumber, 3 inch deck screws, and 2-foot deep settings.  It won’t fall down this year, dammit!

4. Victory Garden Planted

The victory garden from earlier this month got planted for the first time.  It’ll be a squash garden with some sunflowers.

–Simon

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Victory Garden Indeed

It’s of some amusement to me that I’ve been calling my vegetable garden a Victory Garden in times of relative peace, only to see the term re-enter our collective lexicon now that our food system is eroding under the COVID-19 crisis.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/fight-the-pandemic-grow-a-victory-garden/ar-BB11XHKG

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/621868/coronavirus-revives-victory-gardens

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/coronavirus-update-more-people-growing-e2-80-98victory-gardens-e2-80-99-for-food-and-stress-relief/ar-BB11VZZo

Maybe “amusement” isn’t the proper term, but “irony” doesn’t seem right either.  No matter.

It is, however, encouraging to see so many taking it up.  And as chance would have it, I’ve expanded my own Victory Garden.

VG2

Squashes are the plan, since last year’s garden got a little crowded.

Also, as a suggestion to any would-be gardeners out there.  I’d strongly recommend sweet potatoes.  They’re easy to grow, ignored by most pests, prolific, and highly nutritious.  If you’re goal is to create a produce buffer, they’re an easy choice that requires very little effort.

Happy gardening!

–Simon