Cabbages, Collards, and Crucifers

Gardening is a hit n miss proposition as far as I’m concerned. This year I planted many different seeds and plants to get an idea what would be a good profitable crop and what would be better purchased in bulk at low season prices and canned, dehydrated or otherwise preserved to enjoy throughout the winter and keep the food budget down. I estimate the cost of food has gone up approximately 20% in the last year—so much for economists saying recover is in the air. Roy was shocked to hear this, as I do couponing,make most of our food from scratch (healthier and less costly) but it’s still not been easy on the budget. The weather has been less than inspirational. A prolonged winter, with freezing temps well into the end of May, curbed the growth of many crops and actually ruined others. And then there are the squirrels, chipmunks, skunks, rabbits and other furry little monsters that nibble away growth and my hopes for a bountiful harvest.

But today, at last, I was able to do some harvesting. The Chinese cabbages, collards, kohlrabi greens, and a few spring onions were actually harvested.  Also, much needed weeding was done in the cucumber, basil, jalapeno/green bean, and cabbages beds.  Way past due, but now they look fabulous!  Also gathered more oregano, thyme, lemon balm, and even a few red luscious tomatoes…nothing tastes better fresh from the garden…along with another small bag full of snow peas.  This makes me happy. In no way does it make up for the costs of soil amendments (all organic), planters,  compost, seeds, plants and especially water, but I know where it came from, how it was grown, what was (not) put on it, etc. And hopefully there will be more to come as poblanos, jalapenos, garlic, onions, leeks (getting munched badly by the bunnies), red peppers (for roasting), peas, beans, cilantro, coriander seeds, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, Asian greens, radishes, dill, fennel and other crops ripen and are harvested to enjoy fresh and crisp, and put away for their delicious tastes in mid-winter.

So the experiment continues. I’m not sure I can draw conclusions from this year’s plantings, due to weather conditions/extremes, and having to spend quite a bit getting the beds built up and amended with good soil, but if we stay here for 2 more years at least, and I continue to plant, compost, and keep the beds going, I’m hoping for fresh delicious vegetables at a fraction of the cost of this year.  Plus, the assurance that if the economy truly takes a dive, we have a home that is mortgage free, and a bit of land where we can grow at least a little bit of our own food to supplement our lives. And that of the fat little squirrels which live in the boulders at Spiaggia nel Massi!  Ciao.