Why do we plant a garden?  Of course, to raise our own vegetables.  You till, plant, nurture and harvest.  Let’s find a few more reasons to grow a garden.  

Kids – When you plant a garden it is so important to share the experience with the kids.  They learn so much with this project.  One thing that they learn is of course, where does that food come from.  It gives them responsibility to help with the chores of watering, fertilizing and harvest.  Kids need to have some idea of work and the fruits of their labor.  I’ve known families that have kids run out of the house every morning to check how much a watermelon or squash grew overnite.  They will never forget what they learn and hopefully pass it on to the next generation.

Grandparents – These are the people that teach us the most.  Whether or not you know it, most of this wonderful group of people grew up gardening.  Then it was not a matter of liking to garden, it was so that they had food to eat or put up for the winter.  Older people like to work the soil and tend to the plants.  It is not a chore, but a pleasure for them.  Gardening takes them back to their childhood and usually will pass on the stories of how grandpa grew the largest watermelon in the parish and won a blue ribbon.  It is a great shame that our generation does not participate in county fairs with the vegetables that they can or the jelly they made last summer.  Gardening is a great lesson to share with your family.  

Let’s don’t forget that working in the garden as a family is just good for the soul.  A family that shares the garden with each other usually become closer.  They get great vibes from the sunshine and enjoy talking about the rain they just got or missed rain.  These are also learning points for the kids.  I’ve learned over the years that when families come to the store for seeds and plants they all seem to enjoy that time together.  They compare this years plants and seeds to what they planted last year and what new they want to try this year.  

To close this edition, I find that gardening is good for every age group and family.  You never know how it will turn out and learn to trust that the work and effort pays off.

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)