It has been a discouraging start to the farm year. The heat has been killing the seedlings and we are fast becoming overgrown with plants we don't want since the lawn mower is broken (again). Perhaps worst of all is that our truck threw a rod in an engine only 5 years old and there is no replacing it at this point. I took that truck for granted! No more hauling mulch, can't get the lawn mower in for repair, dirty tools in my car which is upholstered...
Since I took over the management of our church community garden it has also been a challenge to give both sites the work and attention they need. Of course I feel obligated to the community garden first (like us on Facebook: Zion Community Garden Project), since it is feeding people in need. It is also easier to obtain supplies and maintenance there, since it is a not-for-profit venture. I believe in it and what it does, so I don't mind giving the time and energy, but my dream was for a little pick-your-own-produce farm for my family and the community to enjoy and support in order to have even more local whole food and to make my living in the fresh air and sunshine.
So I am giving myself a year. A year to see improvement in my family farm and to make even the smallest of productive advances. My homeschool student is graduating so I will no longer be teaching and can put that time toward the farm. I'll just look heavenward for the resources. If I still feel like I am getting nowhere in a year I will admit defeat. If I can show progress, I'll reevaluate and press on.
On the bright side, we have been eating the most delicious salad from our green-leaf and buttercrunch lettuce for the last few weeks. I have an adorable row of sunflowers started up and my son gave me 5 blueberry bushes for Mother's Day, which I have extensive instructions on how to plant successfully. A really nice guy at Edible Landscapes (see new link on homepage) took the time to walk us through the care and feeding of blueberries. I plan to start my patch right after E's graduation next week. God willing, we will be able to invite friends to pick blueberries next year!
