“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a seed growing secretly . . .”
In a month or so this little space will be filled with green, and yellow blossoms and buzzing bees. There will be insects laying eggs in the earth and under leaves. Some will make their living eating the green and others will lay in wait for the ones doing that damage.
Roots will push deep into the earth, claiming space. They will support all of the green that lives in the sunshine and the wind and the rain. They will seek out places where water runs through and give every drop away to the place of the light. The dark earth, through them will be transformed into stems and vines and blossoms and leaves and fruit. They are not the stars of this ever unfolding process and never see the light except at the time of their uprooting and death. Do they ever wish to be a flower or a green leaf? Do their hearts yearn to live in the heavens and to feel the wind? Or are they content making their way deep in the damp dark earth?
Tomatoes, Zucchini black and gold, Basil, Mint, Peppers, Egg Plants, Cantaloupes, and Squash will all live together in these little spaces, moving through their cycles. When space is tight, up is the direction for growth.
I have started some Cucamelon seeds and are waiting for them to push themselves up out of the darkness and into the light. In a couple of weeks I will plant them in the large containers and make a trellis from them to climb. It is said that they taste like cucumber with a hint of lime. I thought they were cute and would make a good salad with some grape tomatoes and onions, vinegar and olive oil.
So the planting is just about finished. As the babies settle in and grow a little I will give them a bed of clean wheat straw to help hold the water and give them a pretty place to rest. And next year that straw will become a part of the earth, enriching it. And next year’s roots will push through the earth finding water and through their magic transform last year’s straw into a squash or a tomato or a flower which feeds the bees. Be Groovy! 🙂
Thanks. I’ve learned so much between the article and the comments. One question, though – cucamelon? It sounds interesting, but I’ve got a thing about avoiding GMOs (getting harder by the day). Is it a genetically modified organism?
No I don’t believe. I got the seeds from a place that promotes heirloom not altered seeds. I think the plant is originally from Mexico or something. I got them from
http://www.underwoodgardens.com
Do you garden?
Not a gardener, but I’m interested in the concept of urban farming to provide me with produce.
There are some really cool ideas out there that work
Any recommendations for sites or books?
Urban Organic gardener on youtube. Just search urban gardening there will be tons of stuff. You still have time to start and would love to see pictures if you do
Thanks!
I could picture the whole process! The scent of the soil is intoxicating! Fresh, emerging happily into the new growing year! I LOVE reading about your thoughts of the roots, wondering if they wish to be flowers. And hearing all that will burst forth as the evolution of growth works to produce the succulent fruit and vegetables! A Cucamelon! I’ve never heard of it. I think it would be interesting to seek them out and experience the them! I felt happy reading this.
Hey friend. I order the seeds. I will let you know how they taste in a couple months
Yes! Please, I want details 😀 Did you ever see a movie called, City of Angels, where one of the characters tries to describe what it is like to taste a pear?
No. I heard of the movie. What happened
I have nominated you for the Infinity Dreams Award. Kindly visit my blog and get to read the details, i seem to have a problem while posting the link here.Thanks
Out of curiosity, did you plant the marigolds just for decoration or to keep some of the bugs away. I’ve heard they’re good to plant among roses because of that. (At least I think those are marigolds?)
Bugs. My grandmother used to do it so I did too. Then I think I read that it was so later. Yes marigolds
Makes me want to plant a garden. Please keep us posted with the fruit of your labor.
BE
Thanks for stopping by. I am excited that they are in the ground. I enjoy the connection.
Like you, I am enamored with the whole process! Beautiful.
Good morning Sunshine!