Although our plot of ground is small, we do have enough space to plant raised bed gardens, and have done so for many years. And yet, given increased costs for everything to do with planting and growing, one might wonder why we would choose to do so.
On the other hand, it’s no secret among gardeners—the benefits of growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers usually far outweigh the downside.
First, the benefits, to name a few.
Fresh air. Sunshine. The beauty of nature. Exercise. And likely best of all? Delicious, vibrant, healthy fruits and vegetables that can be harvested and enjoyed when they are at their prime.
The downside.
Now, more than ever, seeds, plants, and organic fertilizers are more expensive, mostly due to the significant impact of the pandemic, supply chain issues, and inflation. As with many things, it has been a situation of falling dominoes.
Apart from the usual aspects of any garden project, we have had to consider new and additional costs. It’s all about the deer. I wrote about this in a past post. They love our stuff as much as we do and boldly munch munch munch, even in broad daylight. As a result, we are in the process of putting up fences around our raised beds as they almost seem to laugh at our attempts to scare them away with verbal commands, or the menacing swing of our straw broom.
Aside from monetary costs? Time. Interestingly enough, many people don’t see this as a bona fide downside. Why? We view the time commitment more as an investment. When you invest in most anything with care and attention, good things happen.
So, how much do those veggies cost? If we were to count every dollar for all the necessary supplies and labor, we would definitely do much better to jog down the street to the grocery store. Nonetheless, in the awareness this is something we can do financially and physically, at least for now, we hope to take care of these beds and plants for many gardening seasons yet to come.
As with most of life, the things that provide the greatest rewards cannot be calculated by money alone. After all, what dollar sign could you put on the ear-to-ear grin of an almost 20 month old little granddaughter who can’t explore and enjoy the world around her fast enough, especially when she sees a bright, blooming daffodil or a regal stand of bearded iris?
Summer, here we come. Can’t wait to see her excitement and joy the first time she helps us pick fresh tomatoes.
