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turtlesandfrogs · 1 year

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I made this Pre-pandemic for a "Starting plants from the grocery store" class I was teaching, here it is edited down for anyone interested.

For saving seeds, the fruit should be fully mature for the seeds to be fully mature. Therefore, you can use seeds from a winter squash but not a baby zucchini, and the likelihood that the seeds of a tomato (or red bell pepper) will grow are much higher than for a green bell pepper. Unfortunately, many are either going to be poorly suited for your conditions, or hybrid, which we'll touch on later.

Stem cuttings are a great way to start many common culinary herbs! Especially basil!

Some tubers to consider starting from are sweet potatoes and actual potatoes.

And then of course, the bulbs! Green onions and garlic are your best bets!

These are outdoor plants and thus are Somewhat Fussy if you're going to grow indoors. Do not overwater them (eg, letting them sit in a tray of water for days) nor let them dry out completely. Try to keep them evenly moist, with thorough waterings that then pour out the bottom of the pot unimpeded.

Given that they are outdoor plants, a south-facing window (assuming you’re in the northern hemisphere) or grow lights are your best bet. If they don’t get enough light, they will turn pale and stretch towards their light source. They won’t grow as quickly or as healthfully as they would with sufficient light.

Examples:

Tomatoes & peppers! Tomatoes are the one that actually inspired me to make this because I saw this clip on starting plants from kitchen scraps, and they buried the whole dang half of a tomato! Don’t do that! What a waste of a tomato half! EAT your tomato! Take the seeds out!

If you’re intending to grow these outdoors, start them about 6 weeks before your last frost. If you have not grown plants from seed before, here’s some information from another class I taught: https://tinyurl.com/seedstarting2020

If you’re intending to grow them indoors the whole time, you will likely need grow lights for both tomatoes and peppers, and they like it if you keep your house on the warm side. I would suggest growing them outdoors and buying seeds for a dwarf tomato if you really want to grow indoors.

The down side is that most are hybrid, so when you grow out the seed, it's not necessarily going to grow well, be productive, or taste good. Even if it is open pollinated, it's probably been bred to thrive in conditions unlike those you can provide. If you need a successful crop, I highly suggest buying seed, or swapping with a reputable source. Although if you like and can find yellow pear tomatoes, those are an exception to this entire paragraph.

Basil! Basil is a great one to do stem cuttings of, get it started indoors, and then plant out once night time temperatures stay above 50f (10c). I prefer to start them straight into soil, and seem to have a higher success rate this way. To do this, remove all leaves except the top bud, and bury the stem in soil up to just beneath that bud and firm gently. Keep the soil moist and the pot above 60f, and you should have a good success rate. This method works for mint, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, etc, as well.

AND MORE:

Sage, rosemary, and thyme (also any stemmed herb): just like basil

Lettuce, carrots, beets: you get the tops, but usually they’ll try to bolt. Easier just to buy seeds. If you want, I usually start in shallow water and then plant as soon as I see roots growing. Again, keep the soil moist, and for these ones, keep them in a cooler part of your house. But really, they almost always bolt in my experience.

Sweet potatoes: Get them in the fall, it takes months for them to start growing (unless you're somewhere warm apparently? ). They will sprout, grow roots, take slips to plant outdoors once night time temperatures study above 50f (10c)

Garlic, just grab a clove and plant in the fall. Boom. GARLIC.

Squash- you don’t know what you’ll get, because they might be cross pollinated with another variety or hybrids. If you do grow it out and it’s bitter, don’t eat it, it’s poisonous. If you want to know more, search “toxic squash syndrome”

Ginger: Plant the rhizome in summer, harvest before frost, or overwinter indoors with a lot of light.

Pineapple: Doable, but it takes three years to get a harvest. Plant in well draining soil, and give it as much heat and light as you can.

Just for fun: (Unless you’re in the tropics or have a lot of patience.)

Mango, avocado, citrus. Take years, and a different climate than I have to fruit. If you’re in the tropics, go for it, but know that avocado pollination can apparently be tricky. I am not in the tropics, so I do not have direct experience with this. Citrus I think I've read also don't come true from seed.

Apples, pears: take years, and don’t come true to type. You do not know what you’ll get, and you’ll probably get something that is not worth eating (but would work for cider). These do need a cold dormancy period in the winter to do well. Of course, you could plant them and then top graft if it does turn out they don’t taste good.

Plums, peaches, apricots: take years, often do come true from seed, but peaches and nectarines are very susceptible to peach leaf curl, so may just die depending on where you are.

#gardening #vegetable gardening #yes that post made me remember but i did already have it written up #regrowing vegetables #pirating vegetables

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bethestaryouareradio · 9 months

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Growing with Kids

“I rejoice when I see anyone, and especially children, inquiring about flowers, and wanting gardens of their own, and carefully working in them. For the love of gardening is a seed that once sown never dies, but always grows and grows to an enduring and ever-increasing source of happiness.” Gertrude Jekyll

How immensely fortunate I was to grow up on a farm where both parents were connected to the land and taught their five children to care for plants and animals. At a very young age, we were each given a small plot of earth to tend our very own gardens. We could plant whatever we wanted: fruit, vegetables, flowers, trees, or even just let the weeds take over. Whatever we decided to do, we were told that the success or failure of our plantings was one hundred percent our responsibility. Each of us received this gift with gratitude and excitement as we each created our unique and individualized design.

The benefits of introducing children to gardening are numerous and life-enriching. Kids are inherently curious and soak up new information like sponges. Gardening with children encourages a lifelong commitment to good environmental practices and stewardship of our earth. Since gardening is a hands-on experience, kids relish getting dirty and wet, and especially enjoy finding and touching slimy creatures. As their grown-up garden guides, we must teach safety in nature. We must point out that they must never nibble a leaf or flower without knowing if the plant is edible as many plants are poisonous or can cause allergic reactions. The same holds true for picking up frogs, snakes, lizards, spiders, or other critters. Educating our little ones about the natural world and how humans coinhabit is part of our critical supervisory function.

Benefits of Gardening for Kids

Education: Besides learning sustainable practices, kids are close-up witnesses to the circle of life. We plant a seed or seedling. We water, fertilize, and prune the plant. It matures, flowers, and possibly bears fruit. Annuals die at the end of the season. Perennials return the following year. Evergreen shrubs and trees maintain their leaves while deciduous plants are barren in winter and re-leaf in spring. Botany, biology, and ecology are all evident in the garden.

Health: Outdoor play is essential to developing a healthy body and mind. Gardening is an outstanding exercise and it’s playful. Pulling hoses, carrying rocks, weeding, raking, pushing wheelbarrows, hoeing, and planting all contribute to stronger muscles and stress-free minds.

Mental Well-Being: Mindfulness and tranquility are part of the gardening experience. Numerous studies have shown how anxiety and stress are reduced by spending even twenty minutes outdoors in nature.

Nutrition: If they grow it, they will eat it! If you were to ask a child where zucchini comes from, unless they are growing a garden, they will probably tell you that it comes from the grocery store. Once when I was doing a gardening demonstration for children, kids asked me why the iceberg lettuce on my demonstration plant wasn’t wrapped in cellophane. A similar question arose when my chicken laid an egg during a petting zoo visit.

“What’s that?” the child asked.

“An egg,” I responded.

“What do you do with it?” the child retorted.

“You cook it and eat it. It’s fresh,” I answered.

“But it’s not in a carton!” was the prompt and surprised look on the child’s face.

We need to teach children about where our food comes from as well as the benefits and nutritional values of growing our own produce. In this way, they will establish healthy eating habits.

Life-Skills: Perhaps more than anything, gardening instills skills and qualities that will last a lifetime fostering cognitive development and problem-solving skills. Patience, creativity, curiosity, tolerance, generosity, responsibility, pride, and respect are just a few of the virtues that we all learn in the garden. We can’t rush a tomato. We must be patient and learn that delayed gratification reaps rewards. Designing a garden stimulates creativity and imagination. When we investigate the insect crawling on the artichoke, our curiosity is aroused. Tolerance of misshapen or imperfect crops is necessary. We are responsible for our plant’s life by providing it the essentials it needs to survive–soil, sunlight, water, and food. When we harvest, we feel pride that we have succeeded and are generous by sharing the bounty. Respect, empathy, and compassion for all living things are grown in the garden. Also important, gardens teach us that mistakes are normal. Failure is fertilizer. When a plant dies, heap it on the compost pile and grow a new garden. Through gardening, children learn that there is no perfection, giving them the permission to take measured risks.

Environmental Awareness: Through caring for a garden, kids develop a deeper appreciation for nature. They better understand the impacts of their actions and how they can personally contribute to a greener, cleaner planet. When kids connect with nature, they will want to protect and conserve the environment for future generations. They will develop a lifelong appreciation for nature’s beauty and grandeur.

A Few Safe and Simple Flowers to Grow with Kids

Sunflowers

Marigolds

Cosmos

Clover

Crocus

Black-eyed Susan

Cockscomb

Dahlia

Forget-Me-Not

Geranium

Hollyhock

Lamb’s Ear

Lavender

Nasturtium

Passionflower

Pansy

Petunia

Strawflower

Sweet pea

Verbena

Zinnia

Easy Vegetables to Grow with Kids

Basil

Beans

Carrots

Cherry Tomatoes

Corn

Cucumber

Dill

Lettuce

Mint

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Parsley

Pumpkins

Radishes

Zucchini

Watermelon

Growing with kids is a rewarding and educational experience. As children nurture plants, they discover happiness, satisfaction, and a love for the natural world that will stay with them throughout their lives. Most of all, through gardening, they grow a healthy body, mind, and spirit.

Although the vegetables and flowers that I planted as a child are long gone, my youngest brother’s garden is still thriving. He had chosen to plant tropical seeds which grew into towering palms!

“Treat the Earth well. It was not given to us by our parents, but it is loaned to us by our children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors. We borrow it from our children.” Ancient Native American Proverb

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing with Kids!

Photos and more: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1712/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Growing-with-kids.html

Listen to the radio broadcast about kids and gardening: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/146040/beat-the-heat-gardening-with-kids-mall-makeover

Check out Press Pass: https://www.vapresspass.com/2023/08/04/growing-with-kids/

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#growingwithkids #gardeningwithkids #garden #cynthiabrian #goddessgardener #lamorindaweekly #starstyle #empowerment #voiceamerica #familyforever

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balkanradfem · 3 years

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The basics of growing food

So, growing food sounds very intimidating, and in reality, it's something people knew how to do thru all history, and it's made even easier by new methods of 'no till' and 'no dig' garden. I didn't know almost anything about it until 3 years ago, when I got a plot in a community garden and started growing food with no experience. Still it went good! Here's what I learned:

The basics are as simple as 'if you put a seed underground and keep it wet, it's going to come out.' If you start off from that, even if you know nothing else, eventually you will succeed. The additional stuff is done to ensure success. The biggest actual issue of gardening isn't how, but when. When are you supposed to put all the seeds underground to get good harvest? For most of the plants, it can be as simple as 'Spring'. For others, it's very important just when in the spring you plant it.

Let's say you want to start your first garden, you want to plant some onions, lettuce, peas, green beans, tomatoes, peppers and zucchini. All of these can be planted in the spring! But these plants are sorted in 2 categories: Those who can survive a frost, and those who cannot. We call these 'frost hardy' (those who survive the frost) and frost-tender (those plants will die if they're exposed to lower than 0 temperatures). From the ones I listed, onions, lettuce and peas are frost hardy! It means you can plant them very early in spring, such as February and March, and they can be hit with snow and ice and be just fine. They can also be planted in autumn, and they only really start growing in the spring.

Green beans, tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini are frost-tender, meaning you absolutely can't grow them before the chance of freezing temperatures is gone. This is known in gardening as 'the last frost date'. Every area has a different last-frost date, so it's good to google yours to be sure you're planting these when it's safe to do so. For me it's mid-April.

Now, since it's a long time to wait for your plants to grow if you've only planted the seeds in mid April, people have found a way around it by planting the seeds in little containers inside of their house, or in a greenhouse, so they grow in a nice warm place on a windowsill, and are moved out in the ground when it's warm and safe. This is a very fun thing to do as you will have bunch of little plants growing in your home. Important thing to know about it is to use really light and airy soil, not garden soil, (you can use forest soil!) and to make sure you're not over-watering them and you give them as much light as possible.

Soil is another big thing in gardening, the grass grows so easily from it, but you can't exactly plant your seeds into the grass; they will get suffocated. For a long time people have tilled the ground to make it empty of all the weeds and easy to handle; however this isn't healthy for the soil, because it ruins the quality of top-soil, exposes it to sun and wind erosion, and it dries up very easily. Here are some beneficial methods of gardening: mulching and no-dig. Mulching means adding stuff like hay, straw, tree leaves, woodchips, pine needles on top of the soil. You're protecting your soil from sun, wind, erosion, drying out, and if your mulch is thick and dark enough, no weeds will grow in your garden. You are gardening by science.

So what does this mean for you, when you're standing before a patch of grass, thinking of turning it into a garden? You need to do this months before the actual planting, using time to your benefit is the smartest thing a gardener can do. You pick a patch of land and bring in everything you can on top: cut grass, hay, tree leaves you raked or found, straw if you have any, woodchips, anything that will stop the grass from growing. If you really want to build up your soil you can bring in compost too! All that organic material will eventually turn into compost and fertilize your garden as it degrades to soil. It's important to not mix it with the soil, and to only keep it on top of the plants. Mixing it will deplete the soil of nitrogen, and you need nitrogen to grow anything green. If you keep bringing in organic material for years of gardening, and on top of that put some compost as well, in 3-5 years your soil will become so rich and soft you will no longer have to use tools to plant in it.

But, hey, if it's your first time, you don't need to aim for perfection. If you didn't prepare your soil in the fall, whatever! You can still pull the weeds, dig around a little to make some clear soil, and plant your stuff! I've done this last-minute planting and it works just fine. Mulching and adding organic material is only the easiest, most scienc-y way to garden.

The next big thing in gardening is spacing and depth: how far apart should your plants be? And how deep to plant them? For depth, the rule of the thumb is 'twice as deep as the seed is tall'. But I've seen people pull various shit in this area and succeed so do what you want. As of spacing, I would also say, try out what fits for you. It takes a year of gardening to get a sense of just how big the plants get, and what would be ideal spacing for each of them. I decided only on my third year to plant tomatoes VERY far apart, because I realized in this case, one plant will give me more than 8kg tomatoes and it's much less work than planting 3 times as many plants that are close together. Peas seem to like to grow close tho, for some reason. Sometimes you can decide you want a bunch of tiny plants because you'll eat them young, so you don't space them on purpose, people do that with lettuce, leeks, spinach. If you want your plants as big as possible with as much yield as possible, give them half a meter and see what happens.

Fertilization is another big thing in gardening; if you add a lot of compost and mulch your garden consistently, you won't need a lot more; however there's a cool free trick you can do (if you're not currently sick): you can mix your urine with 10x water, and water your plants with that. And I really mean mix it with 10x water! Plants can get very fried by it and start to wilt if they're bombed with too much fertilizer at once! There are rules for this: use it when you want your plants to grow a lot of greenery, not if you want them to flower or produce fruit. This fertilizer is rich in nitrogen, and nitrogen inspires plants to grow more leaves! If you wanna fertilize them later in their growth, put a lot of nettle plants in a big container with water, leave it in the sun for 10 days; when it starts to smell real bad, it's ready. (you can also do this with comfrey). Also dilute it with 10x water! Don't use these fertilizers on bean or pea plants, or any legume, they don't like it.

Now I've given you so much info at once, you're probably struggling to take it all in, so here's a good youtube channel where I learned all I know: Roots and Refuge. If you watch this lady garden for long enough, she will tell you all of the secrets.

I remember being a first time gardener overwhelmed with worry; what if I fail, what if nothing grows, what if I kill all the plants, what if I have a black thumb, what if the plants die because I am stupid, what if I put all of this work in and get nothing, what if people make fun of me, what if I run into problems I won't be able to solve. Here are some of the answers to these!

A part of what you grow will DEFINITELY DIE. I can guarantee it, it happens to everyone, every single garden in the world has had plants die, sometimes for no reason at all, but in no case will EVERYTHING die. We all count on a part of our plants dying, becoming slug food, not doing well in general, and we always plant 30% more than we absolutely need. Even if you are personally responsible for killing the plants, the plants will not hold it against you! Plants appreciate you spreading their seed regardless of success, they understand that by trying multiple times you will eventually succeed and they absolutely want you to learn thru occasional failure. The answer is again to plant a lot, and it never ever happened that nothing came out of it. Most often, it's not going to be your fault at all. Sometimes the year will be good for tomatoes and carrots, and bad for peas. It's all okay! Because you just planted extra peas, and you'll get more tomatoes than you expected to have.

If you have the desire to plant food, you do not have a black thumb; the green thumb is in the heart that yearns to grow. You're not stupid if your plants die, plants die for everyone. And people are likely to come at you with million advice; listen to no one, try everything yourself. If they make fun of you, they're gonna look real stupid when you have home-grown food. Any problem you might run into while gardening is google-able! Or you can join a page of gardeners and they'll be happy to identify the issue.

The real main issue with gardening are slugs and bug-type pests, and that is a problem for another day because all I know to do is to yeet those away by hand and shake my finger very sternly at them. Hope this helps!

#growing food #food growing basics #gardening #diy #planting food #plants #home grown food #garden

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nomazee · 4 years

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Homegrown

ushijima wakatoshi x reader

word count: 1700+

content: friends-to-lovers, fluff (particularly birthday fluff because it was his birthday a few days ago and i wanna celebrate that somehow!!!), gardener ushijima, pining

(this is basically a late b-day gift for best boy ushijima!! this is something i just wrote really quickly but regardless, i hope you all like it!!

happy reading <3)

☾.:°∗★.:☆:.★∗°:.☽

On your birthday, Ushijima gives you a basil plant.

You blink down at the plastic pot in your hands, fingers feeling the cool slickness of the roots hanging out from the bottom. Ushijima waits expectantly in the doorway of your home, eyes scrutinizing every flinch of your expression to try and judge your reaction.

“It’s basil.” He repeats the words he stated moments ago, being the only words he’s given you to work with in the six-- no, seven minutes he’s been outside your house.

“I can see that.” You respond, staring down at the small, shiny leaves peering up at you from where they were cozily nestled between soft, lightly damp soil. “It smells nice.”

“Yes,” he agrees, “I like the smell of basil.” No more words are exchanged between the two of you, and you’re instead left staring down at the plant with Ushijima’s watchful eyes continuing to analyze you.

“It’s your birthday gift,” he tells you, with a cock of his head and a slight furrow in his brow. “Did you forget about your birthday?”

“Uh, no. I… I didn’t!” Yes, you did. You absolutely did. The delivery of a gift in the middle of a Saturday made a bit more sense. The gift itself, however, did not. But you supposed Ushijima was a bit inexperienced in the art of giving friends gifts so you didn’t really mind it too much in the moment.

Ushijima lets out a huff--almost inaudible, but you caught it just in time to view the sight of him averting his eyes with a tint of red at his ears. “Yes, you did. I thought you would remember. Last week you mentioned that you wanted to spend time together.”

Oh. You did. You stand, mouth parted slightly in the sudden realization of your past promise. You’re dressed in baggy pajamas--plaid pants that reach past the soles of your feet and an XX-L t-shirt that you’re sure belongs to either your dad or Ushijima.

“I’ll get dressed,” you blush at your chaotic state of dress and back away from the door to let Ushijima inside, “and then we can head out.” You pause, and then, “I’m really sorry for forgetting, Ushi. I was just tired from this week and it slipped my mind. You can pick wherever we go, to make up for it.”

Despite your words, the furrow in Ushijima’s brows doesn’t dissipate. “Why are you apologizing? You didn’t upset me. I was just worried that you were going to spend your birthday alone.”

Oh. You freeze, then smile. Always the considerate friend, even if he wasn’t fully aware of it. You approach where he sits on the couch, run a hand through his hair, and press a kiss to his forehead that sends a blush down his neck that you don’t quite catch. “You’re so cute, Ushi. I’ll be down in five minutes.”

---

Three days later, Ushijima gives you a basket of tomatoes.

You think it’s a bit funny. First basil, now tomatoes. His unorthodox gifts bring a smile to your face, and you find him mirroring a similar expression in the cold of the night outside your house.

“These look great,” you tell him, digging around in the crate and examining each plump tomato individually. The skin was shiny and taut, a healthy bright red reflecting the light in a glossy highlight. “You’re really great with plants, Ushi.”

He hums in acknowledgement of your compliment, eyes drifting to the concrete of your front door steps.

You snap out of your distant haze, looking back up to the boy in your doorway. You set the crate down on the coffee table of your living room, calling out to Ushijima as you move frantically around the room.

“You should get going, Ushijima. You’re drenched in sweat and it’s cold and I don’t want you to get sick. Here,” you extend a hand to him, one of his sweaters in its grasp--Ushi had given it to you the day of your birthday when you were both walking home in the cold.

He blinks down at the article of clothing and you wait curiously. “Keep it.” Your brows furrow, and he elaborates. “I’ll be fine. I don’t get sick easily. And I want you to keep that in case you ever get cold.”

Oh, Ushijima. You joke to yourself that you’ll fall for him at this rate, then silence your mind at the realization that that’s the reality you’re living in at this point.

You wrap a hand around the nape of his neck and pull him down, lips firmly pressing against the middle of his forehead. You notice the flush of pink on his skin this time, and find the color pretty on his flesh.

“Thank you, Ushi. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He gives you a smile, one of his subtle ones that are just a slight upturn of the corners of his lips.

---

Over the next few weeks, you accumulate a healthy gathering of fresh fruits and vegetables in your fridge. Your parents are overwhelmed at the fresh produce and start half-jokingly questioning if you have a sugar daddy who only pays in homegrown plants. You say no, obviously, but the fiddling of your fingers make them exchange a knowing look and teasing smile.

Ushijima brought you a lot of things--parsley, lemons, beets that you’re not sure what to do with. Your most recent favorite was a bunch of zucchini that you ended up spiralizing and serving with sauce (which is, of course, made from the tomatoes he consistently keeps giving you). You were proud enough of that dish to send a picture to him, to which he responded with a simple :). You found it funny how a simple emoticon was enough to make you swoon.

Sitting at the kitchen counter, you eyed the tupperware container that held Ushijima’s most recent gift--a generous amount of plump, ripe strawberries. They were certainly smaller than the ones you’d normally buy at the grocery store, but he brought such a large amount it made you worry and ask if he was giving you his entire garden’s worth of plants every time he gave you something.

(“I don’t want your mom getting mad if you’re wasting everything in your garden on me.” You chastised him as you looked into the basket of the day, which contained a few tomatoes, a healthy pile of mint, and a small watermelon that you were sure took months to grow and therefore should not be gifted to you so casually.

Ushijima’s lips were downturned when you looked up at him. He shuffled one of his feet along the ground as he avoided your chastising gaze.

“It’s not wasting,” he muttered. “I want to give these to you. If you don't want them anymore, then just tell me.”

You couldn’t help the melting of your expression into one of adoration and softness. You reached a hand up habitually, running your fingers through his hair and averting his gaze back to you.

“I do, Ushi. I just want to make sure I’m not stealing everything in your garden, you know?”

He smiles. You hear distant harps playing in the background. “I know. But I have plenty leftover. And even if I didn’t, I’m giving them to you. So I’m happy either way.”

There he goes again, crawling right into your heart so casually. Ah, you loved this boy.)

The strawberries. Right. Ushijima’s birthday was coming up. You had too many boxes of puff pastry in your freezer. Time to get to work.

---

At Ushijima’s request, you visit his house the day of his birthday. It’s a Sunday, and you make the walk to his house with a cute cardboard box in hand, pink ribbon securing it tightly and strawberry danishes packed inside.

He opens the door for you, leads you inside, and you both end up on his bed, the box of pastries open and in front of you as you take turns ripping apart each danish to share between the both of you.

Ushijima hums as he chews, teeth biting into and pulling apart the layers of puff pastry and tongue catching the jam that threatens to spill over the edge of the dough. You watch the movement of his lips and tongue intently, with a vehemence that you should not be watching the movement of his lips and tongue with. He catches your stare but for some reason you can’t be bothered to look away in embarrassment.

“It’s good,” he comments. “Very good.”

You hum back, adjusting your position against the headboard of his bed. “I’d hope so. I didn’t work on these all morning for nothing.”

For some reason, that particularly catches Ushijima’s attention. He furrows his brow at you, an expression you see a lot lately. “You worked on these all morning?”

You’re confused by the question. “...yeah? I wanted to make sure they were good. So I took my time with it.”

He exhales deeply through his nose, finishing another bite and swallowing before he elaborates.

“You didn’t have to do so much, just for my birthday. Just coming over would be enough for me.”

Once again, your stomach is sent into a flurry of emotions but you ignore that momentarily to scoff at his first sentence.

“Ushi, you gave me a whole basil plant for my birthday-- and you keep giving me all your herbs and vegetables and stuff. I barely did anything for your birthday compared to your birthday, don’t give me that.”

A frown is evident in your features and you can’t help but replicate the expression. You don’t understand why he’s so insistent on this concept--you genuinely didn’t do much compared to all the random plants he’s gifted you over the last month.

“I don’t think you’re… understanding.” You almost huff at that, but are cut off by his next words. “You being here is enough for me. Enough of a gift.”

You pause. There’s something hidden in his words and you have a feeling you know what he means but you’re too nervous to do so yourself. Thankfully, he turns to you, eyes boring into yours despite the softness that comes with them.

There’s a smear of strawberry jam on his lip that you didn’t catch before. “Can I kiss you?” The words should’ve sent you in a flustered frenzy but you sit calmly and nod with a soft, “yes, please.”

He leans in. Your lips meet his. He tastes like the strawberries from his garden.

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youngjusticeslut · 5 years

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We’re Family

Fandom: Young Justice Links: FF.net // AO3 Characters: Will Harper, Violet Harper, Lian Harper, Artemis Crock Ships: N/A Summary: Will thought he’d have years before having to deal with trouble at school. Imagine his surprise when he picked up the phone at work, only to be told that there’s a situation and he needed to come pick Violet up immediately. Rating: T Word Count: 2599 Disclaimer: I don’t own any of these characters.

Will was going to have a very stern conversation with Artemis when she returned home today.

He had thought he’d have years before having to deal with trouble at school. With Lian’s parentage, trouble at school was to be expected. Imagine his surprise when he picked up the phone at work, only to hear Lucas Carr on the other line, saying that there had been an ‘incident’ and he should come pick Violet up. Violet’s presence in his house had been both a blessing and a headache mixed up in one; Lian loved Violet and he knew he was doing good by housing her, but providing for another person in an already-cramped home proved difficult on his stress levels.

Will did his best not to sulk as he left work early and started up his new SUV. He could only imagine the type of incident Violet had gotten into, what with her wide array of powers. When he’d offered up that Violet could take the Harper name, he hadn’t meant to be listed as her guardian. If anything, Artemis should have listed herself. He could imagine it now, her slick little smirk as she typed out his name on the school enrollment forms without his approval. It was a wonder he hadn’t noticed it as she did it. What had he been doing that night?

His stomach lurched and he felt the annoyingly familiar pull of sadness tug at his core. Right, he’d spoken to Jade that night. Now it made more sense.

Trying to pick up his spirits again, Will shifted his mind into coming up with the best way to get back at his sister-in-law. He could conveniently forget to purchase the shampoo she’d put on the grocery list this week. No, that wouldn’t work. Being a clone, he was rarely, if ever, forgetful. Leaving off her shampoo would ignite Artemis into conveniently forgetting Lian wasn’t supposed to have sugar before bed. Yeah, that definitely wouldn’t work out in his favor.

Will needed something quick and painless that wouldn’t lead her to retaliate. Then it hit him; he’d make zucchini lasagna for dinner tonight. Artemis loathed zucchini, but it was one of the few green things Lian would eat. So really, it was a win-win situation. The thought of his sister-in-law’s sour face perked him up significantly as he drove to the nearest zeta tube.

“Took you long enough,” Lucas greeted as he met Will at the front entrance of the high school.

“Sorry, I had to leave work.” Will tried not to let his annoyance seep into his voice. Judging by Carr’s unimpressed look, he’d failed. “You do know I’m not actually her guardian, right? Was M’gann not able to take her home?”

“She’s not in today.” The brunette waved goodbye as one of his faculty members left the building. “I didn’t have anyone else to call, and you’re the one listed on the forms.”

Will sighed and ran a hand down his face. “Right. Of course.”

“Try to be a little more sympathetic. She’s still shaken.”

“Shaken?” Will raised a brow. “Did she lose control of her powers or something? I thought she was getting better at it.”

Lucas paused outside his office, visibly exhaling before turning back to face Will. “Right. I didn’t mention it on the phone,” he said, leaning against the wall. “Being a principal is exhausting.”

Will narrowed his eyes. “Lucas, what happened?”

“Sorry, it’s been a long day. I don’t know how to put this, Will,” Lucas began. “She got attacked in the hallway in between classes. A boy decided to snatch off her hijab.”

Any annoyance Will had felt at coming to pick up Violet immediately dissipated once Lucas spoke. Rage came first, bubbling in his core as his jaw clenched. “Tell me you’ve expelled him.”

“Suspended. It was his first offense, my hands were tied.”

“That’s bullshit,” Will snapped. “He attacked her. Pulling off her hijab is considered a hate crime, does that not count for anything?”

“It does, which is why he’s been suspended for three weeks. He’ll also have to write a ten thousand word paper about Islam and why what he did was wrong.” Lucas paused, grinning to himself. “I came up with that part.”

If looks could injure, the glare Will gave Lucas would have sent him withering on the floor. “Congratulations.”

Lucas waved him off. “Look, he’s been taken care of. I think she’s going to be fine, she’s just visibly distressed. He tore her scarf-”

“Hijab.”

“Right, hijab. He tore it and she said she wanted to go home. So I called you.”

Will glanced into the office through the window. Violet’s back was to them, her shoulders slumped in defeat. His anger slowly receded, and he nodded. “I’ll take her home.”

“I’ll give you both some space.”

The former archer nodded and rested his hand on the doorknob, taking a second to compose himself before he turned it and stepped inside. Violet jumped at the sound and turned towards it, but relaxed when she saw Will, her brow furrowing in confusion as she averted her gaze. “Surprised?” Will asked, closing the door behind him.

“I was expecting Artemis,” Violet admitted, tucking some of her dark waves behind her ear.

“Yeah, Artemis would probably be more helpful right now,” Will agreed, trying to keep from looking at her hair. From what he’d gathered from internet research and living with Violet thus far, he shouldn’t be looking at her when her hair was uncovered. She didn’t offer a response, and through his peripheral vision he saw her exhale and wipe her eyes.

It occurred to him that for once, he didn’t know what to do. Will was good at comforting Lian, she was easy. He’d even learned how to comfort Artemis. Physical touch and words of reassurance worked wonders on them both. But Will couldn’t touch Violet, and he wasn’t sure what he could say to her to make this better. The girl before him seemed so lost, so out of her element, and as her technical guardian he should be able to help her.

“I’ll be right back,” he excused, leaving the room.

No sooner was he out of the office did he find Lucas and pull him aside. “You got a school store here?”

Confusion splayed across the older man’s face. “Uh… yeah. Why?”

“She can’t walk outside without something covering her hair. I’m gonna buy her a hoodie or something.”

“No need, I’ll get one for you. Can’t believe I didn’t think of that,” Lucas muttered as he walked away.

Ten minutes later, Will presented the ‘Happy Harbor High’ hoodie to Violet. “You can wear this until we get home, okay?”

Violet took the hoodie in her hands, her wide brown eyes growing bigger. “I wear this?” she asked, unfolding the sweatshirt.

“Yeah. It has a hood so you can cover your hair,” he explained. “I’ll go outside, just come out when you’re ready to go.”

Violet didn’t say a word the entire way back. Not on the walk to the zeta, not on the drive back home, not even once they’d stepped through the front door. As soon as they were inside, she retreated with Brucely to the backyard and sat idly on the tire swing, lost in her own little world. Will was no expert on women, but given that at one point he’d lived with three females, he thought it best to give her a little bit of space.

It was rare that he was home so early on a weekday, so Will took the opportunity to straighten up around the house. He’d been meaning to reorganize Lian’s room, get rid of some of the clothes she’d grown out of. Iris might appreciate it if he gifted her Lian’s hand me downs. In truth he’d gotten some of the clothes from Lynn, so it felt good to pass on the favor. Really, he didn’t know what he would do without all the support from the parenting group.

“Will?” He looked up from where he’d put the last tiny dress in a box. Violet stood in the doorway, rubbing her arm.

“Hey Violet,” he said quietly, straightening up. “How are you feeling?”

“Not better,” she replied. “Can I help you?”

Will closed up the box and picked it up before he stood. “No, I’m good here, wasn’t much to give away. But I was about to start on dinner, you could help with that,” he offered.

The look of relief on Violet’s face was enough to convince him that he’d finally said the right thing.

He put her to work peeling the zucchini for the lasagna while he made the sauce. Will savored the rare chance to cook dinner for his family, given what little time he had. Usually they ordered takeout, or Artemis whipped up something quick if she had the time. It was unfortunate because he loved to cook, and Lian usually ate more when he did.

“What are we making?” Violet asked.

Will wiped his hands on his trousers before going to stir the tomato sauce on the stove. “Lasagna. Well… sort of lasagna.”

“Lasagna,” she repeated. “It smells good.”

“Good. Lian loves lasagna, you know,” he noted with a small grin. “It’s hilarious, because she can’t even say it. She’s a smart kid, but there’s a few words she just refuses to get. So instead she calls it ‘pasta cake’.”

Violet smiled, continuing to peel the zucchini into thin strips. “She is a good sister.”

“Sister?”

“Oh, I…” she trailed off, flushing pink. “I told her I was Violet Harper now. She said that now we were sisters.” Will smiled, shaking his head. That was Lian alright. “I am sorry, I should have asked.”

“No, it’s fine. Really.”

“I am also sorry for today.” Violet placed the last strip of zucchini in a bowl, crossing her arms in front of her stomach. “I am sorry for being in your home. For being so much trouble.” “Violet-”

“I am trouble. Always trouble,” she muttered, huffing out a deep sigh.

Will set the burner to low, leaning back against the counter and trying to figure out the right thing to say. In a way, she was right. Not that he’d ever say it out loud. Or, well, to her face. He’d like to think that he’d become a slightly more decent person over the years. “You’re not trouble,” he finally said. Even if it wasn’t completely truthful, he knew it was the right thing to say.

Violet’s forehead crinkled. “Not trouble?”

“No. You’re family.” That much was true. She was a Harper now, and just like the rest of the Harpers, they needed to stick together and support each other despite the bad.

“So I have two families now,” she said, finally smiling. “Can I tell Lian? And Artemis?”

“Uh, yeah. Go for it,” he said with a snort. For a brief second, Will wondered what Jade would have thought of this odd girl. Probably wouldn’t have taken to her too kindly. But Jade wasn’t here anymore.

They worked in silence for a little while, assembling together the lasagna. The more time he spent with Violet, the more she grew on him. She wasn’t so bad, really. Just quirky. It was kind of sweet how excited she got at the prospect of finishing the lasagna, almost as excited as Lian got. He was starting to see why Artemis cared for her so much.

Once the lasagna was in the oven, he poured himself a glass of water and handed one to Violet. “You know, you can talk to me. About today, or anything really.”

Violet softened stretching out her fingers. “I do not know… what I did wrong.”

“What do you mean?”

“The boy. I was just walking with Forager, I mean, Fred Bugg, and then he just started to yell, and nothing made sense,” Violet said quickly. “People used to talk to Gabrielle like that.”

“Gabrielle?”

“Yes. I am not Gabrielle anymore, Gabrielle was not liked. Not like Violet.”

Will was trying to connect the dots in his head. Artemis had told him some about Violet’s situation, but clearly not everything. “I’m sorry,” he admitted. “People can be cruel.”

“But why? I did not do anything to him. He would not even let me speak, and then he…” Violet lowered her eyes, touching her hijab. “Is it bad?” “No.” Will didn’t even have to think about it. “That boy is an idiot. You didn’t do anything wrong, Violet. That much I can promise you.”

“Are you sure.”

“Couldn’t be more sure. The lasagna’s going to take a while, why don’t you take Brucely for a walk and pick up some ice cream from the store a couple blocks away? You remember where it is, right?”

“Yes, the ice cream store,” Violet agreed with a nod. “Artemis has taken me there many times. Can I get chocolate?”

“Yeah,” Will said, pulling out his wallet and handing her a few bills. “And get strawberry for Lian.”

“Pasta cake, pasta cake!” Lian cheered, bouncing up and down in her booster seat as Will cut up the lasagna.

“That’s right, Baby Girl. Violet helped make it.”

Lian’s eyes went wide as she stared at the Quraci woman. “Vi help?”

“Yes, it was very fun,” Violet said, smiling at Lian.

Artemis nodded in approval, finishing to set the table before sitting down. “Look at you, Will. Finally teaching Violet a thing or two in the kitchen.”

“Better me than you. All you could teach her is how to make dry chicken.”

The blonde narrowed her eyes, shooting him a dangerous look. “I’ll remember that next time you need someone to pick Lian up early from daycare.”

“I’m sure,” Will said, smirking to himself as he set Lian’s plate in front of her. She cheered and he kissed her head, hoping she’d settle down enough to eat.

Once they were all seated, Artemis tore off a piece of garlic bread and waved it at Violet. “So how was school today?”

Will and Violet exchanged a look. “School was good. Fred Bugg and I learned about something called a mitochondria.”

“It’s the powerhouse of the cell, you know,” Will pointed out.

“Please, for the love of God, stop talking,” Artemis groaned. “How’s the pasta cake, Li?”

“Nummy,” the toddler agreed, scooping up another mouthful.

“Speaking of school, did you know that I was listed as Violet’s guardian?”

Artemis looked away, instead cutting herself a piece of the lasagna. Violet had covered the zucchini with enough cheese and sauce that Artemis hadn’t yet noticed anything off about it. “Interesting.”

“Quite.”

“Yes, we are family now,” Violet said, grinning at Lian who had tomato sauce smeared all over her face. Artemis glanced at Will, who just grinned and raised his glass to her. She hummed in response before taking a bite of the lasagna, stopping mid-chew.

“Something wrong?” Will asked, trying not to smirk. Lian immediately lifted her head, stopping to eat and staring at her aunt. She’d gotten into the habit of refusing to eat anything that her aunt didn’t like.

“Not nummy?” she asked worriedly.

Artemis shot a glare at her brother in law before swallowing and looking to Lian. “Very nummy. Daddy sure knows how to cook.”

“You better believe he does. Make sure you set a good example and finish your plate, otherwise you won’t get any dessert.”

“You’re such a di-”

Will shushed her, lifting his hand. “Ah, ah. Language. We have children at the table.”

“Go fuck yourself.”

#young justice #will harper #violet harper #halo #lian harper #artemis crock

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turtlesandfrogs · 2 years

Text

How To Start Plants From The Grocery Store

Pre-pandemic I made and taught a class about starting plants from kitchen scraps, here's an edited down version for anyone interested. Because it's perfectly legal, can be fun, and you can get some tasty food.

Stem cuttings are a great way to start many common culinary herbs! Especially basil!

Some tubers to consider starting from are sweet potatoes and actual potatoes.

And then of course, the bulbs! Green onions and garlic are your best bets!

Key Factors:

Moisture, light, and warmth.

These are outdoor plants and thus are somewhat fussy if you're trying to grow them indoors. Honestly, I'd suggest growing everything besides green onions and basil outdoors because they'll do much better.

Examples:

Given that they are outdoor plants, a south-facing window (assuming you’re in the northern hemisphere) and/or grow lights are your best bet. If they don’t get enough light, they will turn pale and stretch towards their light source. They won’t grow as quickly or as healthfully as they would with sufficient light.

If you’re intending to grow these outdoors, start them about 6 weeks before your last frost. If you have not grown plants from seed before, here’s some information that I put together: https://tinyurl.com/seedstarting2020

Basil! Basil is a great one to do stem cuttings of, get it started indoors, and then plant out late May once it’s warmed up. I prefer to start them straight into soil, and seem to have a higher success rate this way than starting in water and then moving to soil. To do this, remove all leaves except the top bud, and bury the stem in soil up to just beneath that bud and firm gently. Keep the soil moist and the pot above 60f, and you should have a good success rate. If you want to see a video of me doing this go here: https://tinyurl.com/basilstart (It is a tiktok) This method works for mint, lemon balm, rosemary, sage, etc, as well.

If you’re intending to grow them indoors the whole time, you will likely need grow lights for both tomatoes and peppers, and they like it if you keep your house on the warm side.

The problem is! While it's super fun, these are often hybrids and so aren't going to necessarily grow well, be productive, or taste good. They might not they might not. Or! They might be developed for growing conditions entirely unlike your own. If you need a reliable harvest, it would be better to buy seed or swap with a reputable person.

Green onions- really easy, put the bottom inch or so in soil and they’ll grow very well for you. I prefer soil over water because a) the water gets stinky, and b) they grow better and stronger in soil. Here’s a vid if you want to see that: https://tinyurl.com/greenonionsinsoil (It is a tiktok)

AND MORE:

Sage, rosemary, and thyme (also any stemmed herb): just like basil, but cold hardy.

Perilla, Vietnamese coriander: just like basil!

Sweet potatoes: Get them in the fall, it takes months for them to start growing (at least here. If you're somewhere warm, that's probably going to be different for you) . They will sprout, grow roots, take slips to plant outdoors once night time temperatures are staying above 50f (10c) at night.

Garlic, just grab a clove and plant in the fall.

Ginger: Plant the rhizome in summer, harvest before frost, or overwinter indoors with a lot of light.

Just for fun: (Unless you’re in the tropics or have a lot of patience.)

Pineapple: Doable, but it takes three years to get a harvest. Plant in well draining soil, and give it as much heat and light as you can.

Mango, avocado, citrus. Take years, and a warm climate, to fruit. If you’re in the tropics, go for it, but know that avocado pollination can apparently be tricky. I am not in the tropics, so I do not have direct experience with this.

Apples, pears: take years, and don’t come true to type. You do not know what you’ll get, and you’ll probably get something that is not worth eating. These do need a cold dormancy period in the winter to do well. Of course, you could plant them and then top graft if it does turn out they don’t taste good.

Plums, peaches, apricots: take years, often do come true from seed, but peaches and nectarines are very susceptible to peach leaf curl, so may just die depending on where you are. Apricots are tricky depending on climate because late frosts kill their blossoms.

#solarpunk gardening #gardening #gardenblr

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gardenassist · 3 years

Link

When most people think of a garden, they envision neat rows of vegetables. However, a single-row garden layout doesn’t make the most efficient use of space, nutrients, or time.

Plus, not every home gardener has enough land to plant a space-hungry single-row garden. For very small spaces, your best choice might be a container garden on a sunny patio.

If your soil is poor, consider implementing the sheet mulching method or a raised-bed garden. Space-saving ideas include using a biointensive garden or wide-row garden for in-ground, planting in a square-foot system, or raising vegetables vertically.

If you have trouble bending down to pull weeds and pick vegetables, a raised-bed garden, such as a keyhole (a circular raised bed with a narrow, wedge-shape path to a central composting system), could work well for you. As we go into a bit more detail in this article, consider which of these methods might best suit your specific needs.

Garden Setup and landscaping choices.

Container Garden

Raising plants in containers is a great way to increase your gardening space and take advantage of a sunny deck or rooftop. Containers should have drainage holes to prevent root rot and a saucer to catch run-off water.

Containers made from recycled plastic or another waterproof material will reduce moisture loss in sunny locations. Grow bags (breathable polypropylene fabric bags filled with potting soil) are another fantastic option for raising vegetables and herbs.

If planning a container garden on a rooftop or terrace, bear in mind that containers + soil + plants + water can get heavy.

Use a quality potting soil mix and follow these steps for planting:

Place gravel in the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.

Add potting soil.

Plant seedlings and gently tamp down the soil to remove air pockets.

Water thoroughly and protect from direct sun until the plants become acclimated.

Best Choices for Vegetable Container Gardens

Many crops work well in containers, including species that are naturally compact or space-saving varieties such as miniature carrots, baby beets, patio tomatoes, and even bush pumpkins. You can raise strawberries, dwarf blueberries, and miniature fruit trees (including citrus) in pots with a bit of extra care.

Protect perennial plants from temperature extremes and bring tropical fruits indoors during cold weather. Include herbs or edible flowers to attract pollinators.

Here are a few suitable plant varieties for growing in containers:

Apple: Babe Dwarf and Garden Delicious (plant both for pollination)

Basil: Fino Verde

Beet: Early Wonder

Blueberry: Top Hat

Carrot: Thumbelina

Cherry: Compact Stella (self-pollinating)

Chives: Common Chives or Garlic Chives

Cilantro: Long-standing (bolt resistant)

Citrus: Dwarf Dancy Tangerine or Dwarf Valencia Orange (self-pollinating)

Corn: Golden Miniature

Cucumber: Bush Whopper

Dill: Compatto

Eggplant: Early Black Egg

Kale: Prizm

Lettuce: Tom Thumb

Melon: Green Machine

Peach: Bonanza Miniature (self-pollinating)

Pepper: Baby Belle

Potato: Lady Finger

Pumpkin: Wee Be Little

Spinach: Space

Strawberry: Seascape

Summer squash: Balmoral

Swiss chard: Barese

Tomato: Patio

Winter squash: Jersey Golden Acorn

In ground garden

Many gardeners choose a traditional in-ground garden to raise food at home. If you have a sunny spot with decent soil and good drainage, consider switching a section of your lawn to an in-ground garden.

In windy, dry, or hot climates, the ground will stay cooler and moisture won’t evaporate as quickly compared with raised beds or containers.

As an added bonus, start-up costs of planting directly into your in-ground garden are usually minimal. Among the planting styles to consider are biointensive single-row or wide-row gardens.

BIOINTENSIVE GARDENS

The biointensive method focuses on building soil fertility and successive plantings. To create a biointensive garden, begin by double-digging compacted soil or simply turning over already loose and friable (easily crumbled) soil.

If your climate is cold and wet, the beds may be slightly raised by mounding the soil and leveling them with a garden rake. This style of raised bed uses no lumber or other materials to hold the soil in place.

In hot, dry climates, the garden beds are slightly sunken to retain moisture. In any case, each bed is planted into the native soil and amended generously with compost.

Mulch is applied between plants to reduce weeds and feed the soil. Every time a crop is harvested, more compost is added to increase soil fertility and a new crop is planted.

SINGLE-ROW GARDENS

A single-row garden is laid out in rows that are one plant wide with walking paths between rows. This design makes envisioning your garden layout easy but requires the most space and leaves a great deal of soil open for weeds to fill in.

WIDE-ROW GARDENS

The wide-row method allows gardeners to increase their harvests by reducing the amount of space dedicated to walking paths. Unlike the single-row system, in which the width of the row depends entirely on how large each crop grows, a wide-row system dedicates about 4 feet for the width of each row or bed.

The largest crops may be planted down the center and allowed to fill in the row. Medium-size crops, such as cabbage or tomatoes, are planted in a double row with 1 to 1½ feet between the plants and a walking path down each side of the double row.

Spinach, leaf lettuce, and other small plants are usually sown by broadcasting (sprinkling the seeds across the entire wide row) to fill in the space. By reducing the number of paths and spacing the plants closely, you can raise more crops in your available space, use less water and fertilizer, and reduce weed growth. Mulching the paths further reduces maintenance and increases soil fertility.

Lasagna Gardens and Sheet Mulching

Lasagna gardening refers to building plant beds with layers of brown and green matter that break down into compost as your plants grow.

To build a lasagna garden, start by loosening up the soil with a garden fork, covering it with a layer of cardboard or newspaper, then layering brown materials (straw, leaves, etc.) 3 inches thick, alternating with green materials (composted manure, kitchen waste, etc.) 1 inch thick, watering well, then topping off with 2 to 4 inches of soil.

Seeds or seedlings are planted in the soil and may need extra irrigation until the layers fully compost. This method is a wonderful way to improve fertility, start a new garden bed easily, and actually create new soil.

Sheet mulching is basically the same idea; however, you’ll cover the soil with cardboard, then add layers of mulch and allow them to break down. The following year, this bed will be ready to plant.

Raised-Bed Gardens

For gardeners dealing with poor or wet soils, a raised-bed system may be a good option. In this method, a raised structure is built or purchased and filled with soil or a potting mix.

Raised beds Warm up faster in spring and don’t freeze as quickly in fall. In hot, dry climates it’s usually better to plant at ground level or in a sunken garden to keep roots cool and reduce moisture loss. For gardeners with mobility issues, a raised-bed system could make tending vegetables easier.

There are also “table”-style gardens, which resemble a cross between a raised bed and a container garden, that allow people in wheelchairs to grow vegetables independently.

When planning a raised-bed garden, allow enough space to walk around the beds, and don’t make the beds more than 3 to 4 feet wide, so you can reach the center.

Determine the layout of your beds, build the sides, and line the bottom with cardboard or newspaper to help kill grass before adding soil. Consider repurposing old bricks instead of purchasing lumber for the sides.

For another sustainable option, consider raised-bed kits made from recycled plastic, available from some garden supply companies. A keyhole garden is basically a circular raised bed with a central compost bin.

This type of garden works well for heavy feeders such as greens and herbs. The compost in the center leaches nutrients into the soil throughout the growing season and may be worked into the bed at the end of the season.

When designing a keyhole garden, don’t make the circle so large that you aren’t able to reach the center of the bed.

Keep in mind that the compost bin in the center is key to establishing a healthy soil ecosystem, so this feature shouldn’t be eliminated.

Another “key” feature of this type of garden is that the path makes it easy to turn your compost and work it into the bed.

Some newer keyhole-garden kits are basically a U-shape raised bed with no composting system included.

You could customize such a kit by adding your own compost bin to increase the soil fertility.

However, the circular design of the original keyhole-garden layout is designed around the compost pile and makes it easier to distribute the nutrients throughout the bed.

Square-Foot Gardens

Square-foot gardening combines a raised-bed system with custom spacing requirements for different crops. A bed is built and filled with equal parts organic compost, vermiculite (a heat-treated mineral that is lightweight and absorbent) or fine bark mulch, and coconut coir or peat moss (we’ll discuss why peat moss isn’t a sustainable choice in next article).

A 1-foot-by-1-foot grid is laid out over the bed to guide your planting. Large plants (such as zucchini or tomatoes) are generally planted in a 2-foot-by-2-foot square (or larger), and smaller crops such as scallions or spinach are planted in a grid of nine plants in a 1-foot-by-1-foot space.

Each plant is given enough room to reach maturity without leaving extra space where weeds can fill in and compete with crops.

This compact planting scenario requires less maintenance compared to a traditional single-row system. The “soil” mixture is friable, is great for plant roots, and retains moisture without causing root rot.

Fertilizer runoff into paths between rows is no longer an issue when planting intensively. In addition, this system is great for setting up an “instant garden” when you wish to get started quickly.

Straw-Bale Gardens

Another option for an easy planting space is a straw-bale garden. In this method, straw bales are placed in a sunny spot and soaked with water several weeks before planting, to begin breaking them down.

Situate the bales with the cut-end facing up and remove enough straw from the center of the top of the bale to create a shallow trench.

Fill the trench with soil and plant with seeds or seedlings. Keep the straw well watered to speed up decomposition and keep plants hydrated. The rotting straw will nourish your plantings and makes a great soil amendment.

Vertical Gardens and Vertical Stacking

Gardeners with limited space can produce more food by “growing up.” The simplest way to make use of vertical space is by training crops on a trellis or arbor instead of letting them sprawl.

Vertical gardens are great for such crops as cucumbers, pole beans, and grapes. You can also raise food in a vertical living wall planter.

In this twist on container gardening, a planter system is securely attached to a sturdy wall, filled with potting mix, fitted with an irrigation system, then planted.

Creating your own from an already designed plan is an option, or you can purchase one that’s ready-made. Consider this method for small varieties of herbs and salad greens, or choose plants that grow well in a hanging planter, such as strawberries.

Vertical Garden

Vertical stacking is another technique in which plants with different heights and light requirements are raised together to make better use of space. Tall plants that need full sun work well with shorter, shade-tolerant crops that cover the soil and help reduce weed growth. Some vertical stacking combinations that work well include:

sweet corn and pumpkins

sunflowers and lettuce

tomatoes and spinach

In another vertical-stacking method, a tiered planter provides space to raise vegetables, herbs, and strawberries.

Choices include strawberry pots with planting holes in the sides, planters with stepped planting boxes, or tiers of window box–style planters on metal racks.

Edible Landscaping

If you’re having trouble working a vegetable garden into your backyard, consider adding edible crops to your decorative landscaping.

In addition to creating a lovely and delicious landscape, you’ll also provide a diversity of plants to attract beneficial insects. Choose colorful salad greens, herbs, and pretty vegetables and fruits to dress up your landscape as well as your dinner plate.

Here are some fantastic choices for edible crops that will look right at home in a flower bed:

Artichoke

Bright Lights Swiss chard

Cayenne pepper

Cherry tomato

Chives

Freckles lettuce

Opal basil

Red Russian kale

Scarlet runner bean

Seascape strawberry

Variegated sage

Other options include blueberry bushes, dwarf fruit trees, and a host of perennial and annual herbs, vegetables, and fruits.

Check to see which plants are suitable for your growing conditions, and be sure to include a variety of different heights, textures, colors, and blooms that provide visual interest as well as food for your table (not to mention the butterflies, bees, and birds you wish to attract to your garden).

PICKING THE METHOD THAT WORKS FOR YOU

Given the many different gardening methods to consider, deciding which one is best for you might feel a little overwhelming.

Start by setting the location of your new garden, assessing your growing conditions, and determining how much space you can dedicate to growing food.

Think, too, about how much time you have to set up and maintain your garden. Additionally, what are your gardening goals? Which crops do you enjoy eating and how much of each can you put to use? There’s a lot to think about, so let’s dig in!

How Much Space Do You Have?

You’ll need to take a survey of your property to determine the best location for the fruits, herbs, and vegetables you wish to plant.

Having a large, sunny garden space is ideal; however, in the absence of this space sometimes edible plantings must be worked into shady spots or around other complications.

If you have a small yard, consider spaces around your patio, in the foundation plantings around the home, and between the sidewalk and street as potential planting areas. Perhaps there is a community garden nearby where you may rent a space.

When planning, be sure to take into account the mature size of trees and shrubs, and consider adding a bed for shade-tolerant crops such as lettuce, peas, spinach, and beets.

Siting and Sizing Your Garden

Start your eco-friendly garden out right by selecting the best location and making good use of what you already have. Here are some handy tips:

Choose a spot with 6+ hours of sun a day.

Site your garden near the home and a faucet for easy maintenance.

Check soil health, structure, and drainage.

Avoid underground utilities or septic fields.

Keep in mind that replacing some of your lawn with a garden can increase biodiversity and reduce the time and gas needed to mow. Alternatively, consider growing food in containers on a sunny deck, rooftop, or balcony.

Raised beds are a great option for an area with poor drainage or rocky soil. Many edible plants are attractive enough to tuck into a flower bed if you have a small lot. Another consideration is how much space to plan for your garden. The answer depends on the amount of food you need and which crops you’ll grow.

One bed of about 12 square feet should be plenty for a single person. For a family of four to eat fresh produce in season and preserve some for winter, you may need to cultivate 96 square feet, or more.

Some vegetables need a lot of space (e.g., winter squash and pumpkins), whereas other crops produce an abundance of food in a small space (e.g., tomatoes and pole beans).

Use the “My Organic Garden Worksheet” to make a list of the crops you wish to grow and to estimate the amount you’ll need.

Keep this list handy when you read the guide to common vegetables, their average yield, and how much space they require.

How Much Time Do You Have?

You don’t want your garden to take up every extra minute of your day, so think carefully about how much time you can dedicate to this project.

Are there certain seasons when you go on vacation? Need to take children to soccer practice every weekend? Have a maxed-out schedule because of other obligations? Consider these types of questions.

Be realistic when planning the size of your garden so you don’t get overwhelmed. It’s better to start small and add to your plantings when time allows. Plan ahead for time spent weeding, watering, pruning, checking for insects, and harvesting.

Use time-saving techniques, such as mulching to prevent weeds and installing drip irrigation (system of hoses or pipes that drip water onto the soil next to a specific plant) to reduce watering responsibilities.

Locate beds close to the house, if possible, to reduce time spent walking to and from the garden to harvest and maintain your plantings.

Method Mash-Ups

If you can’t decide which garden methods would work best for your specific needs, don’t worry! There’s no reason you have to stick with just one.

Instead, use a combination of different systems according to your space and growing conditions. For example:Install a trellis for climbing crops as a backdrop for a bed that mixes insectary plants with colorful salad vegetables and herbs. Turn a large, sunny backyard into a wide-row or biointensive garden with a compost bin and potting shed nearby. Use the sheet mulching technique around sprawling pumpkins and squash. Grow vines on an arbor over part of your patio, with vertical stacking containers of strawberries and herbs and large pots for miniature blueberries in sunny areas.Use square-foot spacing techniques in an in-ground garden rather than a raised bed.

Of course, these ideas are just a sampling for putting your outdoor space to work for you. Pay careful attention to each area of your yard and look for micro-climates that have more sun, while avoiding areas that are windy or more susceptible to frost, and choose the best gardening technique for each spot.

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lawrencedienerthings · 4 years

Text

I thought I was launching a new chapter of my life. Now I must trust in the universe.

Colorado News

About two months ago, I arrived in Denver and worked for about two weeks as a waitress before I was told that due to COVID-19 I would not be receiving a paycheck for the foreseeable future, and that my routine would now include staying at home and social distancing.

At 23, I’d chosen this as the place to start my new life. I’d fallen in love with the city on a visit a few months earlier. Having spent my college years studying in Burlington, Vermont, I felt the two places had a similar feel.

I was thrilled for the chance to explore new parts of myself, whether it be career based or simply the chance to try new, outdoorsy hobbies. When my six months of living at home with my parents reached an end, I packed up my things and headed west, to begin my next chapter.

But how was I supposed to build this new life, the one that I was looking forward to so much, with such extreme social distancing practices? I wasn’t. I can’t. The excitement of moving to a place where I thought I’d fit in so nicely turned to anxiety and melancholy.

The best part of moving to a new city is the chance to start fresh, meet new people and explore new places, try new activities, eat in new restaurants; build the foundations of a life.

MORE: See all of our Write On, Colorado entries and learn how to submit your own here.

Suddenly, the life I’d imagined was ripped out from under me. Having graduated a little under a year ago, working hard to save up enough to move to Denver, and then finally doing it had given me the perspective that my life was beginning, but I soon found out that this new freedom of adulthood would be put on a devastating and detrimental hold.

It’s lonely, having opportunity within your grasp and then losing it. Human connection is what gives life color, and with no structure I found mine growing steadily black and white.

But I haven’t given up. I know that the universe has a plan for us, even if we can’t understand it yet. I know that there’s still a beautiful life waiting for me, and I’m slowly finding it in this new reality that I’m building.

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UNDERWRITTEN BY TOBACCO-FREE KIDS ACTION FUND

OUR UNDERWRITERS SUPPORT JOURNALISM. BECOME ONE.

With those that I do call my new friends I’m creating much deeper bonds, and with the time away from the restaurant I know more fully what I want from this life. I want connection with people, myself, my work, my surroundings. I want meaning, and in any other circumstances I might not have found it, with the distractions that used to plague me.

In a sense, I’m free. In a sense, when this is all over, I get to rediscover this city, what was waiting for me when I first got here, and a rebirth. Life becomes mundane sometimes, and the way to keep it beautiful is when we find ways to prune what doesn’t contribute to our growth anymore, so new buds can blossom.

I’m learning things I wouldn’t have before, about myself, about what I want. I’ve learned how best to take care of my houseplants, to notice the dappled sunlight on my floor in the morning and how stunning it is. I’ve learned that I love zucchinis and hate chorizo, that I’m an introvert but being around people is wonderful, too.

It’s little things that sometimes make the biggest difference, and one day, when this ends, I’ll move forward into the life that I was meant to live. We all will.

Because things fall apart so they can bind again in new ways, ugly things happen to show the beauty in humanity, separation divides us so we can come back together.

To the universe: I trust you.

Alyssa Mamuszka is a recent arrival from Vermont living in Denver.

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The latest from The Sun

Denver pastor and coronavirus victim to leave hospital after seven weeks on ventilator

Colorado’s attorney general joins colleagues in seeking federal probe into meatpacking industry

Colorado Supreme Court removes second Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Lorena Garcia, from primary ballot

Denver Health retirees ordered to repay $11 million after mistake

Denver area to begin relaxing coronavirus restrictions on Saturday and align with rest of Colorado

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floatingpetals · 7 years

Text

Slipped Through the Crack Pt. 3

Pairings: Chris Evans x OFC (Hannah Abbott)

Warnings: nothin’.

Word Count: 1538

Summary: Hannah just wanted a normal day at the beach with her dog. Of course, fate had another idea for her. What happens when she nearly hits a dog with her car, a dog who has a very famous owner?

A/N: Sorry I’ve been a bit inactive recently. The exam I had to take was today, and I had to get as ready for it as I could. I have an animatic due tomorrow so I spent most this weekend getting that done. BUT now I have nothing else that I need to do first, so without further ado, here is part 3! We get to finally see Chris! It's much longer than the last as well. I hope ya’ll like it! Credit to the gif goes to the owner.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five

Nearly two hours later, and Hannah still hadn’t heard from Chris. She could understand to a degree. He was probably busy with work, or just didn’t have his phone on him. She would have thought though after Jeremy Renner and Anthony Mackie retweeted her tweet, surely the man would notice. Instead of getting annoyed, she decided to grab something to eat before it got much later. Gather the two dogs that were curled up with each other on the beach towels she laid out, Hannah went to her favorite café where she could sit outside with the two.

Hannah just ordered her usual along with two small cups of whipped cream for the boys, when she got a frantic tweet followed by many direct messages from the man in question.

@ChrisEvans: “@GriffHuVexes OH MY GOD! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!”

The direct message caused her to laugh, smiling widely at the messages.

Chris Evans: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!

Chris Evans: You have no idea how much I’ve been panicking!

Chris Evans: Words can’t even express how thankful I am. How is he?

Chris Evans: Is he doing okay? Is he getting enough water?

Chris Evans: I’m sorry! I know you’re taking care of him. I’m just freaking out right now.

Hannah giggled and quickly replied.

Hannah Abbott: Hey, it’s not a problem. Like I said, I would want the same for my boy.

Hannah Abbott: And Dodger’s doing great. He’s had three more bottles of water today.

Hannah Abbott: sent attachment

Hannah quickly snapped a photo of Dodger as he was fed the whipped cream from the cup by the waitress who insisted on feeding both dogs. He lapped at the cup, his eyes wide and his tail wagging so quickly it was hitting Damion in the side. Her older dog kept trying to stop the tail by grabbing it in his mouth but was failing miserably. It was an adorable picture, and once all this blew over she was posting this to Instagram.

Chris Evans: I’m crying right now. That’s the funniest picture I’ve ever seen of him.

Chris Evans: Thank you again.

Hannah Abbott: I think I’m gonna frame it.

Hannah Abbott: Since I know you’re anxious to get him back, we’re sitting at the café that right at the corner of Venice beach. I just ordered my lunch, so we’ll be here for a while.

Hannah Abbott: Or if you’d like, we can meet somewhere else closer to you. I can get it to go.

Chris Evans: NO! Please, you’ve already done so much for me.

Chris Evans: I don’t mind coming to you at all. I know exactly where you are too.

Chris Evans: That place has the best baked zucchini sticks.

Hannah Abbott: Dude. Yes. The best. EVER.

Chris Evans: LOL. I can be there in twenty minutes.

Chris Evans: Thank you again.

Hannah Abbott: Alright we’ll be here.

Hannah Abbott: And again, it’s not a problem!

While she waited for Chris to show, two things happened. She took as many pictures as she could of Damion and Dodger both, posting to her Snapchat and saving the videos and pictures she loved. She was also trying to ignore the fact that she was just about meet the Chris Evans. The butterflies in her stomach were growing the shorter the time was becoming that he would be there. In front of her. In the flesh.

When she mentioned she was a fan, that was a bit of an understatement. While she wasn’t on the same level of those that would message him with ‘daddy’ or stalk his every move, she did like most of his tweets, but more importantly had seen every movie he had ever done. She loved him as an actor and admired him for being so loving and happy despite having admitted that he had serious anxiety. He didn’t let that stop him from doing what he loved, or being a wonderful human being. It helped her through a lot knowing that there was someone else, a freaking superhero, was going through similar struggles as her own. Right now, she wasn’t sure that was going to help her keep her cool. If she dwelled on that though, Hannah was certain she would panic.

She was in the middle of recording Dodger when a voice was heard down the street, pulling the dog's attention from her.

“Dodger!”

Hannah panned the camera over to show a grinning, relieved Chris, who was taking large strides towards them. Hannah gasped and turned the camera back to Dodger.

“Dodger, who’s that?” She asked in her higher voice, giggling when Dodger started to pull on the lead. Saving the video, she set her phone down and bent to lift the leg of the chair up that was keeping the leashes in place. “Alright, alright! Stop, you’re going to choke yourself.”

Grabbing Dodger’s lead, she left Damion with a command to stay and let Dodger drag her across the pavement towards his owner. Chris laughed and closed the distance his arms open wide. He crouched low, hugging Dodger who was now barking uncontrollably. He leaped up at Chris, licking all over his face, so happy to see Chris.

“Hi, buddy. Oh, man, you had me so worried.” He laughed, nuzzling his face into the dog’s neck, who was still bouncing all over the place. Hannah smiled at the sweet exchange, the leash dangling loosely in her grip. Dodger most likely wouldn’t escape now that Chris was here, but she wasn’t going to take that chance.

She was so caught up in smiling at how happy Dodger was, she completely missed when Chris looked up. He stopped to watch the woman in front of him, his breath catching in his throat when he saw her face. Warmth spread through his chest when she smiled at them, her face lighting up the sidewalk even more. He had seen the video that she had posted, watching it after he had gotten off the plane. He thought she was beautiful then, she was even more gorgeous in person. Bright blue eyes sparkled against her olive skin. The smile was wide, causing the noticeable laugh lines creasing along her eyes. And those cheekbones, he couldn’t get over how sharp they were. Her long caramel colored hair was pulled back in a French braid, the plait falling over her shoulder as she bent down to pet Dodger, who had turned his attention back to her.

Blinking rapidly, he had to pull himself from his daze. It was a new thing for him, to have his voice stuck in his throat, but she had managed to do that with just a smile. He stood slowly, clearing his throat. Hannah looked up, a blush dusting her cheek. She had tried not to focus on Chris and keep all her focus on Dodger, but now she had to switch her attention. The first thought she had beyond, my God those eyes, was how incredibly tall he was to her. He grinned sheepishly down at her, his hands tucked in the front pockets of his jeans, looking down at her hand that still tightly held Dodger’s leash.

“Oh, sorry! I’m Hannah.” She jumped, reaching her hand towards him with the leash. “I do believe this little escape artist is yours.”

Chris chuckled, taking the leash from her hand, his fingers brushing gently against hers. It may or may not have been intentional, and the shiver he saw pass through her made his smile grow even more.

“Chris. And thank you, you have no idea how worried I was about him!” He let out a relieved sigh. Hannah giggled and nodded.

“I could tell from your messages. I’m just glad that I found him when I did.” Hannah patted Dodger’s head. He rubbed against her, his way of thanking the kind woman for saving him from the heat. “He was in pretty rough shape. I wouldn’t be surprised if he passes out tonight when you get home first thing.” She giggled, making a face at Dodger who had given her a long lick on her palm. “Ew, gross. We talked about this dude.”

Chris laughed, watching the two of them interact for a moment. “You know, I’ve never seen him act like this with someone he barely knows before. He’s normally pretty shy at first.”

Hannah hummed, “My boy’s like that too.” Speaking of Damion, she glanced over her shoulder to see if he was still in place. Damion was sprawled out under the table, not a care in the world. She giggled and shook her head, turning back to Chris who had followed her gaze. “I think it helps that I’ve fed him.”

Chris laughed, “Yeah, that’s one way to his heart.”

The two stood there silently for a moment, the silence growing as neither wanted to leave the other. Shifting in her spot, Hannah was the first to speak.

“I think my order of those zucchini sticks just arrived. I can never finish them, they always give me enough for three people. Wanna come sit and share?” She asked hopefully.

Chris’ breath caught, the puppy dog eyes she gave him made it even harder to say no. Not like he was going to refuse to begin with.

“I would love that.”

#chris evans imagine #chris evans fanfic #chris evans fic #chris evans #Marvel #fluff #dodger #chris evans x ofc #slipped through the crack

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withasmoothroundstone · 7 years

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Okay I have never in recent years felt as comfortable in my own skin as I did today. I have a garden plot provided by the developmental disability agency. I’m growing food plants there, to make soups out of for my J-tube, everything goes well. Today I went there with a staff person -- the only one not allowed to do medical stuff, with the express purpose of getting me involved in activities that aren’t medical in nature, since so much of my life is taken up by medical issues. So we can do anything from organizing the apartment to gardening. I don’t get a lot of time with this guy but the time I do get is amazing. So anyway...

We weeded about a quarter of the plot (which is one of the smallest plots in the whole garden yet is actually quite huge, and was covered in weeds the whole way over). Then we planted hot peppers (jalapeño and hot portugal), squash (zucchini and yellow), and eggplant, and left some seed potatoes out to sit for awhile before they get planted. We also discovered, and weeded around, what we think is delicata squash left there by a staff person who had too many of them.

All of the vegetables were looking kind of sad and droopy, so we watered them and we’re hoping the water and sun will both perk them up again. At least some of them. We’re not expecting everything to survive or turn out great, but you can’t grow any food without risking that.

What does survive, will be far less expensive than the grocery store, that’s for sure. Even the farmer’s markets around here don’t have good prices. In fact they’re more expensive than usual.

(Are farmer’s markets a thing that can gentrify? Because in California, I went to farmer’s markets that were basically roadside stands filled with great vegetables and fruits, and sometimes a few other foods, at an extremely low cost. Many people who worked on the farms -- meaning poor and working-class people -- shopped there. Not a lot of middle-class or rich people did, even though I think the food was great by anyone’s taste. I swear the local farmer’s market around here is basically an upscale food fair. And the food selection and quantity isn’t even all that wonderful.)

Anyway, this seriously felt amazing to do this. Understand that I’m very prone, from a combination of physiology, circumstance, and medication side-effects, to heat exhaustion, sunburn, dehydration, and other problems related to being out there in that place. There was also grass everywhere -- we weren’t on it, but that didn’t matter to my allergies, where grass and cats are the most severe airborne allergies I have -- so my nose was constantly running despite loading up on Benadryl. And I had to crawl around on the ground because I’m too weak to get up off the ground on my own.(1) I also had balance problems so had to sit in some weird positions. So none of this was physically easy, and I basically worked to the limits of what is safe for me, and possibly a little beyond those limits.

But the main point is that despite all of those things put together, I felt amazing. I felt at home. I felt like I was connecting to something I hadn’t even realized I’d lost connection with. I felt like I was interacting on a very deep way with the dirt and the plants and all the things living in the dirt. I ended up, of course, covered in dirt. That’s what happens when you have to crawl around on your hands and knees or scoot around on your butt to weed a large area as efficiently as possible. But that really didn’t matte to me. This was like when I used to sit around in the redwoods outside my apartment stacking rocks on myself and feeling like the rocks told me I had a place in the world. Everything around me as we did this, told me I had a very precise place in the world and right now that place was right here doing exactly what I was doing -- weeding and digging holes for new plants, and watering the plants.

I also got watered myself. Something not always understood by people who get their water by drinking it by mouth: It doesn’t matter how water gets into your body, as long as your body absorbs the water properly. I hydrate by putting water straight into my intestines through a J-tube with a big syringe. I have in the past hydrated by having water (or rather, a rehydrating mixture of things designed for use in veins) put into an IV line or a chest port, straight into my bloodstream. Regardless of how you put it in, the sensation of getting a nice large drink of cool water feels exactly the same kind of satisfying. Just like putting blenderized vegetables into my J-tube and digesting them feels pleasant and satisfying even without tasting them. Anyway, right then, water completely hit the spot.

Someone who saw the pictures was amazed -- he said I looked completely natural in this setting, in a way I don’t in most. I probably looked very similar to I look in the redwoods. And I don’t know how that is, but it’s a very similar feeling of being exactly where I’m supposed to be, and exactly where home is. And being comfortable in my own skin in a way that isn’t usually achievable. I felt like I could have grown straight out of the ground like the plants, and sat there and photosynthesized my food or something. Except I have skin, not leave, so 70 SPF sunblock was a necessity. I hope maybe these very brief exposures to the sun will result in my skin going back to a normal level of tan -- not tanned, just not “I’ve been indoors for over 10 years to the point I can’t handle sunlight even though I used to have practically burn-proof skin” pasty.

But he said one thing that bothered me on a certain level. He said “Wow, you look totally natural,” and then, after pausing to think, he said, “Well except for that feeding tube hanging off you all the time.”

Feeding tubes are natural in the exact same way that agriculture is natural. Both are examples of things that don’t just happen on their own, but humans have created them in order to improve our ability to interact with our environments and survive despite the limitations of a human body. Tube feeding has been around in one form or another since at least Ancient Egypt (that’s what’s documented, anyway), but the kind of tube feeding I do only has existed since the twentieth century with surgery becoming safer through anesthesia and antibiotics. But all of these things are humans adapting to our environment using the skills nature has given us. Tube feeding is as natural as beaver dams.

All of which gets me into a problem I encounter a lot: I really like to talk to and read things by people who greatly value a lot of things I value. Including growing your own food, and stuff that’s traditionally considered “nature” and “outdoorsy” stuff. But such people are more likely than average to have extreme biases against feeding tubes, to the point of describing people like me (who depend on medical implants of many kinds in order to survive) as unnatural and creepy, the product of medical science gone too far, in a world that doesn’t want to deal with or acknowledge the natural world, where people like me would die and that would be okay. There’s little more natural about humans than our instinct to survive, and to use our best skills as a species to do just that. Our best skills include communication, collaboration, technology, inventing and designing and making new things, passing on our knowledge and skills to future generations, and a strong desire to survive even in extreme circumstances. These skills are not unique to humans, but the precise way they play out in humans is. And they are very, very natural. And they result in things like feeding tubes.

Because it is our nature as humans to help each other survive, to want to survive, and we have been helping severely disabled people(2) survive since prehistoric times, the times when many modern-day “nature people” assume we’d all have just died. But it has always been in our nature to help each other, and if that meant carrying people around and pre-chewing their food all the way into what at that time would have been not only adulthood but old age, that’s what it meant. It’s some of our current societies’ trends towards total selfishness that has caused some of us to assume that every prehistoric society would always leave such people to fend for themselves and die.

I wouldn’t be alive in such prehistoric societies. I would have died a long time ago. They simply did not have the technology to keep someone with my medical issues alive. But -- depending upon the society of course, they weren’t all the same -- it wouldn’t necessarily be through lack of trying. There’s quite a chance that I would have been valued in life and mourned in death in a way that I might not be in modern-day America (or not likely for the same reasons, even if I am).

I’m also reminded that the only job I ever had in my life was on a ranch, doing work of a different sort but similarly physical and outdoors and dealing with the raw materials of life. I got paid minimum wage to do things ranging from animal care to shoveling manure and moving it in wheelbarrows to painting fences and barns to cleaning up the property. This was in a residential facility and the job was a work training program that taught us how to fill out time cards and the like. I was very proud of my work. I wish that I was able to do this kind of work now. It’s one thing to spend a short amount of time doing something like this, but my body would crap out in five different ways long before I spent enough time doing something like this to get paid anything for it.(3)

But even though today I pushed myself to my limits and slightly beyond them, what I’m trying to get at is, this type of thing is what has always come the most easily to me, severe physical limitations(4) notwithstanding. And although I had a huge amount of help with every part of the process, including just standing up again off the ground, it was still an amazing experience and brought back a lot of very primal, early memories of things I used to do all the time and felt actually competent at.

So overall this is a wonderful experience. Pardon the fact that I had to stop and talk about ableism, but that’s part of my life’s reality as well.

(1) Yes, too weak, not too fat. I could get off the ground while fatter than this, before congenital myasthenia and complications thereof got worse and made it impossible for me to stand up from the ground without bracing on something, and sometimes even then.

(2) By any time’s measure of such things -- theirs or ours.

(3) Please don’t respond by telling me ways I could work. I have so many disabilities piled on top of each other, that options that were just barely open to me as a teen became firmly closed by adulthood and have only gotten worse since there. I don’t think less of myself because I can’t work, so please don’t assume that I’m just putting myself down or selling myself short. I just know better than to put myself in a situation where I would end up in the emergency room long before I worked long or hard enough to get a paycheck that wouldn’t even support me.

(4) Congenital myasthenic syndrome, hypermobility syndrome, gastroparesis, osteoporosis, and secondary (pituitary) adrenal insufficiency make quite a potent cocktail of “I can’t handle hard physical labor for more than a ridiculously short period of time without turning into a quivering puddle”, without even getting into the specifics of autonomic problems and heat regulation and all kinds of other things. Today I cam very close to turning into a puddle, I stopped myself just in time to barely get back to the car -- with help -- and get water into my tube andrlst for awhile. I’m still feeling the effects hours later. I got lucky.

#gardening #plants #weeding #dirt #outdoors #tubie #feeding tubes #J-tube #water #ableism #deadly ableism #physical ableism #natural #unnatural #what is natural?#what is unnatural?#WTF people?

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