This past Saturday, my nieces joined me at the new community garden in the Hill District. We met with other neighbors and claimed the “Wolf” plot aka the soon-to-be EnjoyourSelf test garden, amongst the raised beds available. I’ve been collecting seeds over the years, so before we left the house I asked the girls to choose what they wanted to plant. Here’s the list of what went in the ground: corn, broccoli, basil, watermelon, cantaloupe, sweet potato, tomato, green pepper and daisies! We chose the flowers to help attract the bees which are helpful for our plant pollination.
The experience was good for all three of us; it helped us bond with each other but also with Mother Earth. I think that sometimes we (generally speaking) not only forget to acknowledge and appreciate where our food and sustenance comes from, but we also don’t take responsibility for supporting the process. Whether you’re able to put your own hands in the dirt, or directly buying from local producers who are growing food or involved directly in the production of raw ingredients into healthy products, we should all be involved on some level. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, think about how gardening or urban farming can be monetized for self-sufficiency. It’s happening all over the country right now! Even with small pieces of land, folks are learning to feed themselves and their communities; and respecting the Earth with practices that are sustainable and healthy for us all. I’m faithful that my nieces will enjoy their garden experience and become more thoughtful about food, the Earth and themselves.
How will you do your part?
