Don’t Worry! Dig!

Don’t Worry. Dig. That’s my new motto.

I’ve always been a homebody and a huge gardener, so naturally during these uncertain times, I’m turning to my garden for a little respite, hope, outlet, and, eventually dinner!

Spring is here in Seattle and although the city has come to a grinding halt, I’ve noticed that many folks are seeking a little peace and solitude in their gardens around the neighborhood. Some folks, working solo, are quietly weeding. Others are laying compost. Some are clipping and digging. When I was at  Sky Nursery last weekend, it was quite busy and I observed many customers stocking up on seeds, compost, manure, and small plants, both vegetable and houseplants. And when the  customer service guys loaded my purchase of compost and chicken manure into the car, the guy laughed and said, “We’re selling tons of compost today!”  (I’ve been shopping at  Sky for 25 years, and they’ve NEVER said THAT!)

At my P-Patch, an organic community garden, we’ve had to ditch our annual potluck and work party. The bulk compost isn’t being delivered, and I suspect many of the older gardeners, those in their 70s and 80s are worried this season.  In the food bank plot, which I’ve managed for years now, I’m already planning on increasing the yields as we know the local food banks will be swamped with an influx of demand in the coming months.

So, if you have a garden at home, a small plot, a front stoop, or even a sunny window or a windowsill, seriously consider planting a little something. Maybe some herbs or a packet of micro greens. If you normally grow annuals, such as marigolds or petunias, in a little corner of your yard, think about planting some herbs or a few vegetables in there as well.  (Bush zucchini and beans work great in small spaces, as do lettuces and kales.) The benefit of this, of course, it twofold. We know plants help to heal, and the bonus of growing edibles is that you can add a little something special to what might be a mundane menu lineup.

Of course, we don’t know where this will all lead, but in the meantime, dig deep, breathe, and take a little action!

I know I’ve shared this before but here are some of my favorite mail order gardening resources:

Territorial Seeds-a great selection of seeds suitable for the Pacific Northwest. There’s still plenty of time to mail order so hunt and peck through the selection. Best practice is to order seeds of only the things your family likes to eat.

Johnny’s Selected Seeds-based in Maine and offering phenomenal selection of unusual varieities, many of which are grown by farmers who sell at the farmer’s markets around the country. An incredible lineup of micro greens (great for small spaces) and awesome lettuces.

Sow Delicious! Tips for  Sowing Seeds-a post I wrote last month on how to start your own by seed.