The thing about self-reliance is that it encompasses many different types of people from the tree hugging liberals to the gun wielding preppers. The common bond is gardening. Gardening is a great way to help the environment. It adds green, oxygen producing plants to spaces that didn't before. You can reduce waste going to the dump by composting. It provides a stress reducing, relaxing environment. I also get to teach my sons where fruits and vegetables come from, why worms should not be stepped on, but returned to the soil, and how plants drink water.
We've been gardening for a year now. We started with 3 tomato plants and 3 eggplants. Out of the original plants, 2 tomato plants died after 2 months. Those were soon replaced by tomato plants given to us by family. Those were proven to be much hardier and produced nice tomatoes. 1 eggplant died in November of last year. That one was replaced by a different type of eggplant which produces bigger fruits. So it isn't bad to lose plants. You learn as you go. You find out what works and how much water is needed. You find out if it's disease or just leaves withering like they should. It's like being a first time daddy/parent. You worry about things with your first child. When the 2nd child comes along, you are much wiser and not worry as much.
This year, we've added some manoa lettuce, planted some okra seeds, and my mother-in-law got into the spirit by planting some bittermellon. I also get to learn something myself as I just started propagating my good tomato plants by planting cuttings and saving seeds.
My boys get a chance to get dirt under their fingernails instead of playdoh.
It is a good learning experience for all. Good for the environment. Good for our family. Happy Earth Day!
Aloha, J.
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