Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the harvest and a GREAT way to envision the plans for the growing season to come! Many families prepare their favorite dishes of the season, leading to discussions on opinions and preferences regarding food.
Do you like savory stuffing? Or sweet? Are you on Team Meat and Potatoes? Or Team Dessert?
Oh, the options are unending!!! However, this is a great opportunity to really hone in on what your family likes to eat. When thinking about starting to grow your own food, the thought of where to start can be daunting. But in reality, the first step is simple: What does your family eat?
Winter is approaching and the quiet, cold, dormant season is a gardener’s prime, peaceful, planning time. Knowing what you and your family like to eat is the perfect place to start in this preparation time. Do not plan to grow anything you don't like to eat!!! It can be tempting, especially when you first start out with a new garden. The excitement and thought of multiple crops can be alluring. But don’t drift your imagination to eggplants and kale, if you and your family have never used them in cooking.
Many crops might require a longer-term investment, like everyone’s favorite…STRAWBERRIES! When planting a new strawberry patch, set your expectations low for the first year or two, because strawberries don’t produce much harvest in the first few seasons. However, I think the investment is well worth the reward. Patience and vision in your planning is your key!
If you’re kicking around the possibility of growing your own food in 2024, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to start thinking and talking with your eaters about what their favorite foods are. In the winter weeks to come, keep an eye out as we share several additional steps in planning for the spring garden. In the meantime, enjoy your Thanksgiving bounty, love those around your table, debate your preferences....and don’t forget to wear the stretchy pants!!!