As you can imagine, the gardening lessons have been non stop. It’s been so fun, amazing and at times frustrating watching all that is happening in my backyard and garden.
Let’s start with the frustrating part.
I planted so many things early on. Sadly, most of them did not survive. I planted on my windowsill and brought them out when I thought it was time, it turned out to be still too chilly and the pests had a field day.
But, some of the amazing things: even as I thought the pests had fully eaten plants, I’ve left them alone, and, weeks later have been seeing new sprouts and leaves. Things I thought for sure had died, is now brimming with life and flower buds, indicating the fruit is ready to start blooming.
Things are growing at their own pace. I’ve planted the same seeds, within seconds of each other, and, almost every single time, I’ve noticed them starting to bloom at different times. They are getting the same exact sun, the same exact rain/water, and yet, they are blooming, sometimes weeks after the first one. It’s ok that you are growing at a different pace.
Yesterday, as it was super windy, I decided to move two of my tomato plants. One of my church mothers had given it to me, explaining that they are very unusual tomatoes. I repotted but left them separate from most of my other plants. They were still delicate and I didn’t want the bugs to get them. But, as it was so windy yesterday, I decided to ‘hide’ them under the other tomato plants that had already grown up a lot. That way they would be protected. Psalm 91:1 came back to mind later in the day as I had seen it in a devotion. ‘Whoever dwells in the secret place of the most High, shall abide under the wings of the Almighty’. Verse 2 continues: ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and strength, in whom I put my trust’..
It’s ok to seek shelter and covering when you need it.
As I’ve pruned some plants or produce, they provide an even more bountiful harvest.
Don’t be afraid of the pruning that happens. The fruit will be worth it.
I have an outdoor curtain that I rarely open. As the sun had gotten so hot, I decided I either had to get up, or open the curtain. As I opened the curtains, they were infested with beetles. The folds of the curtain, lots of rain, lack of me opening them up, created the perfect opportunities for the beetles to move in and have a place of comfort.
Be careful of the spaces you leave dormant for too long, especially if it allows things to grow and fester.
I’d love to hear some lessons you are learning from planting, including as you yourself might be growing.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this opportunity to experience this season. Help me to lean into it and be mindful how I tend to both it, and myself, as I’m growing in You.