How Does Your Garden Grow?

Straw Bale Garden, growing.

I’ve been thinking about the adage that it takes a village to raise and child—and I think it also applies to gardening.

It’s true, that as a parent, I did a great deal of the heavy lifting when it came to childrearing—but my children had the impact from-- and the influence of-- their community. Family, coaches, teachers, assorted community members, and friends all had a hand in shaping my boys into the men they became and I am grateful for their loving participation.

When it comes to gardening—doing the heavy lifting is much less appealing. It is, you know, HEAVY.

This spring, I was lucky enough to score a free dump truck load of rich topsoil, full of lovely decayed leaves and chock full of all kinds of nutrients---and the occasional aluminum can. The fine folks who work for the county were doing some serious maintenance on the Cline Road and needed a place to dump all the dirt. Being public spirited and happy to help save the county transport costs, I naturally volunteered to take a load. And by volunteered I mean I begged—because the spot they were working in was under alder and maple trees, and sure to be super loamy and I WANTED it.

They cheerfully dumped a full ten-yard load out in the back 40 and went on about their business. I hitched my wagon to my lawnmower, grabbed my “#2 backhoe” and set to work moving my mountain of dirt into place.

By the second load of dirt that I HAD SHOVELED BY HAND, I decided it was time to call on my village. Fortunately, I have good neighbors with BIG tractors who came and moved the dirt for me. Neighbor Jim claims that zucchini is a reward, and if I drop some off on his doorstep this summer, that would be thanks enough. I feel like I got the better end of that bargain. And when you see me dropping off a load of squash on his lawn and then speeding away, please do not call the police. He ASKED for it. Literally, I swear.

My gardening friend Tim came and rototilled the relocated dirt for me-- I like to think it’s because he too, wanted some zucchini and not because his wife made him--thanks Eileen! Or maybe he did it because he’s hoping I’ll grow my own corn and stop loitering beside his Kelly Corn every harvest, I can’t really say.

Look at all that lovely dirt!

I realize that you’re probably wondering what 10 yards of topsoil, one giant tractor and a rototiller have to do with a straw bale garden. Turns out, SBG might be a gateway drug—because in addition to my SBG I also have a small, in-ground garden patch that has a bazillion tomato plants, some cilantro and peppers, and yes! TWO ROWS OF CORN. All thanks to my Village.