Gardening Opening Day 2024: A Rollercoaster Start to the Growing Season

As the frost of winter gives way to the promise of spring, gardeners everywhere eagerly anticipate the first day of gardening season. For us, Gardening Opening Day 2024 was a blend of excitement, chaos, and invaluable lessons. From the arrival of our much-anticipated soil mix to the challenges of gate mishaps, this year’s kickoff was anything but ordinary. Join me as we dive into the highs and lows of our gardening journey and share a few thoughts on managing helpers, both human and furry.

The Excitement of Gardening Season

1. The Arrival of Soil Mix

The arrival of 5 yards of certified mix marked a significant milestone in our gardening calendar. This wasn’t just any soil; it was the foundation for our new raised beds and the start of a fresh growing season. We had it delivered a few days prior, and seeing that pile of rich, earthy mix was a tangible sign that spring was truly on its way.

Gardening Opening Day is always filled with anticipation. It's the day we shift from planning and dreaming to the tangible act of planting. This year, we were particularly excited because our plans included a variety of cold-weather crops, and the new soil mix was a crucial part of making that happen.

2. The Role of Garden Helpers

If you’re a gardener, you probably have your share of helpers—some more helpful than others. Our garden helpers come in many forms:

• Human Helpers: My Mom and kids (sometimes) who share the love for gardening and help with planting, weeding, and watering.

• Furry Helpers: Our pets, who seem to think the garden is their personal playground. Some of them are genuinely helpful (if you consider digging to be helpful), while others prefer to roll around in the dirt and occasionally chew on the plants.

Regardless of their actual contribution, their presence is always appreciated. They bring a sense of camaraderie to the gardening process, turning it from a solitary task into a shared experience. Plus, their enthusiasm, even if misguided, adds a layer of joy to the work.

The Challenges of Gardening Opening Day

1. The Soil Delivery Drama

The soil delivery was, without a doubt, the highlight of the day—though not for the reasons we’d hoped. Our plan was straightforward: have the soil dumped into the garden area, spread it across the raised beds, and start planting. However, what unfolded was a series of unexpected events that turned our well-laid plans into a comedy of errors.

a. The Gate Miscalculation

We had meticulously planned for the delivery. The gate width had been approved by the main office before the dump truck arrived. I double-checked the measurements to ensure everything was in order. The driver assured me it would be a smooth operation. However, reality had other plans.

As the driver backed the truck in, the gate unexpectedly caught on the truck. The metal fencing was ripped off, and I found myself in a situation where I had to cut the gate off its lug nuts. The truck managed to dump the soil, but not before getting stuck on the same side of the fence once again. After another round of cutting and maneuvering, the truck finally departed, leaving behind a trail of damage.

b. Damage Control

The damage to the gate and fence was frustrating, but thankfully, the structural integrity of the fence remained intact. It was a classic case of “lemonade out of lemons”—making the best of a bad situation. Despite the chaos, we were able to salvage the situation and proceed with our gardening plans.

Fresh Composted Dirt Mixture

The Gardening Tasks: What We Accomplished

1. Filling the Raised Beds

With the soil mix finally in place, we turned our attention to filling the new raised beds. We were able to complete this task, setting the stage for planting. Raised beds offer better drainage and soil quality, making them an excellent choice for a variety of crops.

2. Planting Onions and Cold Hardy Herbs

Our planting efforts began with 380 onions, including shallots, scallions, red and yellow onions, and sweet onions. Onions are a staple in our garden, and we’re excited to see how the different varieties perform this year.

We also planted cold-hardy herbs like rosemary and lavender. These herbs not only add flavor to our meals but also serve as beautiful, aromatic additions to the garden. Proper care and a bit of luck will hopefully lead to a bountiful harvest later in the season.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect for the Season

1. The Big Planting Weekend

Our major planting weekend is scheduled for Mother’s Day. This is when all the mass plantings will come out of the greenhouse and fill the gardens and boxes with a burst of color and life. It’s always a bustling time, filled with the joy of seeing seedlings transition from the greenhouse to their outdoor homes.

2. Ongoing Projects and Improvements

The challenges of the soil delivery didn’t dampen our spirits; rather, they reinforced our commitment to making this homestead a thriving space. As we move forward, we have several ongoing projects:

• Moving Existing Trees: We need to relocate some of the existing fruit trees to make space for the new orchard and food forest.

• Building Gates and Extending the Coop: New gates need to be constructed, and the chicken coop must be extended to accommodate our growing flock.

• Rebuilding the Milk House and Barn: We’re also planning to rebuild the milk house and fix the old barn, which will enhance our homestead’s functionality and charm.

• Tree Fort for the Kids: Our kids have their hearts set on a tree fort, and we’re excited to see this fun project come to life.

Spring buds starting to emerge

Reflecting on the Journey

Gardening Opening Day 2024 has been a reminder that while the journey may not always be smooth, the rewards of gardening are well worth the effort. The challenges we faced were unexpected but offered valuable lessons in patience, adaptability, and resilience.

1. Embracing the Chaos

Gardening, like life, is full of surprises. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. Embracing the chaos and learning to adapt to unforeseen circumstances is part of the process. The key is to remain flexible and make the best of the situation.

2. Finding Joy in the Journey

Despite the mishaps, the overall experience of Gardening Opening Day was filled with joy. The process of preparing the garden, planting new crops, and planning for the season ahead is deeply satisfying. It’s a reminder that the true reward of gardening lies not just in the harvest, but in the journey itself.

3. Building Resilience

Our experience has reinforced the importance of resilience. Whether dealing with logistical issues or unexpected challenges, resilience helps us navigate the ups and downs of gardening life. Each challenge faced and overcome adds to our growth as gardeners and as individuals.

Conclusion

Gardening Opening Day 2024 has been a rollercoaster of emotions, from the excitement of seeing the soil mix arrive to the unexpected gate mishaps and the joy of planting new crops. As we continue to work on our homestead, we look forward to the adventures and challenges that lie ahead.

With each season, we learn, grow, and adapt. Our garden is not just a collection of plants; it’s a reflection of our journey, our resilience, and our commitment to living a fulfilling life. As we move forward, we embrace the chaos, celebrate the successes, and find joy in every step of the process.

So here’s to Gardening Opening Day 2024—an unforgettable start to a season filled with promise, growth, and the unyielding spirit of gardening.