Weeding, anyone?

Kids are busy these days.  Not only after school with their various activities, but during school as well.  From bakes sales to book sales, science projects to theater productions, these kids are occupied and while this is all wonderfully intellectually and emotionally stimulating, sometimes it translates into limited time in the garden.  There are simply not enough hours in the day to accomplish all we’d like to accomplish.  A familiar concept to most adults I know.

Yet the garden continues to grow — or should I say, the weeds continue their assault.  They don’t hold for busy students and they do need to be pulled.  If they’re not, the lettuce doesn’t stand a chance at reaching full maturity. 

Can you say garden coordinator?

Yep.  Know this going in:  garden volunteers will be required to do more than their fair share on occasion, sometimes due to scheduling conflicts, but sometimes due to necessity.  Little fingers are not as deft when plucking weeds around delicate young plants, not to mention they’re easily distracted by all the new growth exploding around them.  Which we encourage at every stage in the growth process!

But take heart.  Time spent in the garden is never wasted and with the right perspective, can be the most enjoyable time of the day.  Even weeding.

You heard me right.  Alone among verdant green plants, soft morning light and cool luscious temps…is glorious.  Digging through rich black dirt, the faint scent of musty fresh earth clinging to the air, you feel connected to nature, at one with the world.  For those of you whose nostrils are flaring at the mere description, your mind reeling off a thousand things you’d rather be doing, remember:  life is 90% attitude and %10 activity.  No matter what you’re doing, you can either enjoy it, or loathe it — you’re choice.  Like I remind my kids, slip on your “right attitude cap” and let’s get busy!

And better yet, when you’re finished, the sense of reward and accomplishment you’ll feel is worth the effort.  Aaaaah….just look at that sumptuous bed of savory salad waiting to be reaped and devoured.  Sure there’s still a few weeds, no one here is advocating perfection — only production.

My mouth waters just thinking about the fresh wholesome goodness soon to be reaped!  And the students do like their veggies.  Just look at these girls devour their pole beans during snack time — not only healthy, but these kids taste pride and joy in every bite because they had a hand in growing them. 

The sight of young people gorging on greens…  Does it get any better?   Next week:  watch for fresh green peppers to make their debut on the menu!