When I was a little girl, summer meant fresh vegetables from my dad’s garden. Every evening after work he’d be in the garden. It was his quiet place and sometimes you could hear him singing softly. My dad used to sing on the radio with his older brother. After Haskell died in an accident, my dad never performed in public again. To hear him sing was a rare treat. As kids we were supposed to help with the garden. I preferred digging up rocks and spreading manure to weeding any day. I always wanted to help plant the seeds, but my mom complained I didn’t space them properly. I hated weeding and sometimes I’d get yelled at for accidentally pulling up a seedling, but I learned to snap green beans and shuck corn like a pro. Dad died of cancer before I figured out how he managed to turn little seedlings and seed packets into a summer of fresh produce and a freezer full of food for the rest of the year. It’s times like these I miss his guidance most, because even if I didn’t inherit his green thumb, he would have figured out a way to help me become a respectable gardener.
When my sons were younger, we planted a few gardens, but mostly ended up growing snacks for the deer and rabbits. We moved too often to establish a dedicated garden spot for more than a year or so.
I waited too long to plant my garden last year. The “final frost” seemed to keep happening all through the spring. I’m hoping this year will be different and my tiny garden will flourish.
I’m looking forward to the variety of produce available during the summer and discovering some fun new recipes even if my garden is a bust.
Summer is a wonderful time to add some plant-based dishes to the menu, cut back on processed foods, and commit to at least one meatless day each week. In addition to fresh salads, try some grilled fruits and vegetables and get creative with spices and marinades.
Take pictures of your creations and be sure to jot down your favorites for next summer. And if you have a green thumb, pass a little of it to me.