Gardens hard work but offer great reward
Dedicated gardeners are already planting vegetables at Sunnyview Community Gardens. With the growing season moving ahead into summer, many gardeners now have planting fever.
Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the country. My grandfather came to this country from Hungary and gardening was probably his only hobby following retirement.
He worked the soil by hand, making a great effort to establish a meticulously kept garden full of homegrown fruits, vegetables and herbs.
His secret green thumb strategy was simply understanding common sense shortcuts for gardening that aren't available in books.
He had tricks for staking plants, growing them quickly, getting rid of pests, collecting seeds and saving money while providing for the family.
Our grandmother would can the vegetables and fruits to be eaten throughout the year. They were stored in a special room in the basement. It seems she was always busy preparing the food and meals with little time to rest.
My mother and father had the same excellent work ethic as our grandparents. I cannot remember seeing them watch TV or sit back without a task to complete.
There was seldom a negative word or complaint about hard work. Working long hours was simply a part of their lives.
There are gardeners who possess a competitive spirit, toiling daily in their plots to produce the best crops possible. One gardener told me he produced the first tomato in the neighborhood. He went onto say he purchased plants with small, green tomatoes and covered them to prevent frost in May.
There are many reasons why people plant vegetables, fruits and herbs. Some believe their crops taste better than those that come from the store. Some want to save money while others are worried about pesticides or chemicals. Still others want to work in the garden for exercise and fresh air.
Gardening can be therapeutic and lift the spirits naturally reducing stress.
Driving around Butler County, I cannot help but notice the outstanding farming techniques demonstrated by farmers and gardeners. Soon there will be roadside stands where fresh produce will be available and the Big Butler Fair and the Farm Show will provide awards for excellence.
It's hard work to produce the food we eat, especially when the hot summer heat and humidity arrives. Pulling the weeds that seem to grow everywhere is a constant chore. When rainfall is short, watering can be necessary.
There is great pride and satisfaction in having a successful garden, but it requires hard work to get the jobs done.
A positive attitude and love for growing healthy crops makes the job easier, especially when it is a family tradition.
Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.
