As mentioned in previous posts, the list of what I thought I needed to add to my soil in my first decade of gardening was endless. It’s dwindled to practically nothing: cover crops, leaves, straw, pine, kitchen scrapes.
On the other hand my list of blessings has continually increased each year. That list and my to-do list are the only endless lists I have now.
The Way It Was
In another recent post I mentioned the years of trying to learn how to earn a living from Bill’s art, which has got to be one of the hardest careers to pursue — especially when you’re sitting in the middle of nowhere with not a dime to your name.
I remember as if it were yesterday, sitting in church one Sabbath – really hungry – and having the ministers joke about how horrible it was to have all that left over turkey and other things that come with a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Bill and I just looked at each other. We would have loved to have taken the left-overs off their hands.
The Way It Is
Now – when the world shuts down for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, we have food in our home. And it’s good food. Much of it fresh from the garden – like lettuce, tomatoes, kale, onions, butternut squash, potatoes and spinach. And much of it frozen from the garden for use as we need it – like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, figs, peas, tomato sauce, and green beans.
We are warm in cold weather. We are cool in hot weather. We have hot and cold running water. (We didn’t have for years.) We have a home that blocks out the wind and the wind doesn’t come up through the floors like our other place. As I said — the list is endless.
One of the Greatest Blessings and One of the Reasons
I’m sure you’ve guessed – I consider my yard and garden one of my greatest blessings. I think I’ve enjoyed gardening even more this year than any I can remember in spite of the physical difficulties I’ve had. I’ve done a lot of thinking about why this might be true. Without question, it has a lot to do with this website and being able to share with you what I’ve learned over almost 34 years.
What Readers Tell Me
From the emails I’ve received from readers I’ve learned that I’ve made it easier for them to garden and have helped them become much more successful at it.
If we apply the 80/20 rule to readers that comment and email—- and assume them to be 20% of those who read, then hopefully there are many among the 80% that have been helped and encouraged as well — but are just not telling me.
You Show Me What’s Needed
Your comments on posts and your emails to me are very much appreciated. It helps me to know what’s on your mind and how I might better help you. It shows me what topics need to be addressed for the benefit of everyone.
Our Wishes for You
Bill and I wish each of you the happiest of Thanksgivings and the most joyous of Holiday Seasons. May you have great bounty from your garden in the coming year and may you enjoy the process even more with each passing season.
Sincerely,
Theresa
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Organic Gardening is easy, effective, efficient — and it’s a lot healthier.
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Happy Thanksgiving! I enjoy reading your blog and your advice has helped me in my garden. I’m working on getting all of my soil covered as I find materials. I did notice a big difference in the soil that was covered all season versus the soil that wasn’t. I have a high sand content and just putting a layer of hay on top brings it from dry and infertile to full of moisture and worms. Amazing!
Happy Thanksgiving Theresa. I too am thankful for my garden. It’s the one thing in my life that is all mine. Just knowing it’s there waiting for me any time, makes me the happy.
Thank you for all your work on this website.
I hope you and Bill have a wonderful holiday.
Danita (my real name)
Hi Briana,
If you continue to add organic materials to your sandy soil it will continually turn to wonderful loamy soil —- as you are already discovering. And yes, there is indeed a BIG difference in soil not covered all season and that covered! Try to get as much organic material to cover your soil as you possibly can. Bare soil quickly depletes of the organic matter and moisture that is so important to your crops.
Glad you see that you are applying what you learn and that you are seeing the changes and improvements for yourself. Thanks so much for letting me know.
Keep it up!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Theresa
Glad to know your real name Danita. It’s a lovely name.
I love how you expressed the love for your garden — “Just knowing it’s there waiting for me any time —” That’s how I feel too. It’s like an extended room of our home. I feel so “comfortable” in it.
Thanks for your comments. It’s always good to hear from you.
Theresa
P.S. Maybe the butternut squash is on the menu for the holidays?
Happy Thanksgiving, Theresa! Thank you for all the help you give us. I’m grateful for friends like you.
Diane
I was just thinking of you Diane when your comment came through! I am grateful for you as well and appreciate all your input and help via comments and emails.
So glad to have you as a friend and reader of TMG! Have a fabulous Thanksgiving!
Theresa
Thank you so much for reminding me of all the blessings we have. Family, shelter, food and a bountiful harvest to share. Our garden is the center of much activity in the family and is a joy (most of the time). Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and I enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Alice,
Thank you Alice. I’m glad you enjoy reading. Sure do appreciate your comment.
I think it’s wonderful that your garden is the center of much activity in your family. That makes it a joy indeed.,
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Theresa