That's why they call it a rant!
Our own Robin Ripley, who blogs about gardening at Bumblebee Blog, is the guest ranter on the popular blog Garden Rant and, wow, is she in a huff!
Robin, who lives and gardens and raises chickens on a 21-acre homestead somewhere in Calvert County, Maryland, is furious with half-hearted vegetable gardeners who give serious vegetable gardeners a bad name.
They bite off more than they can chew in the spring and lose interest quickly. Their gardens go to hell in a hand-basket and, she says, make the case for all those homeowers associations that want to ban vegetable gardens.
We perennial gardeners (Ahem. That would be me) proceed much more slowly and with greater deliberation. And we are borderline obsessive about maintaining our gardens.
So, if you are thinking of going back to the land and aren't sure you've got the staying power for a vegetable garden, go to the farmers' market instead!
Comments
While I believe that robin makes some valid points I am upset and discouraged by the idea that vegetable gardens should only be for seasoned pros. Everyone was a beginner once. I am in my early 20's and started a garden for the first time last year and plan on doing so again this year. I started small but with no seasoned gardeners or mom around to show me the way I admit my garden gets out of hand and sometimes looks over run but I'm learning and I don't think I should have to apologize because of that.
Hang tough, Crystal, and you will do fine! -- Susan
Posted by: Crystal | March 18, 2010 2:02 PM
So ... if they can't do it as well as she does, she doesn't want them to offend her by trying?
With encouraging experts like that, it's a wonder anyone grows anything.
Posted by: Lazy Gardens | March 18, 2010 5:59 PM
I've been gardening for years and there have been many seasons when I've been too optimistic in my plans and things have gotten away from me. I'm sure it'll happen again.
Now that I know that Robin Ripley has nothing of interest to say, I'll skip both Bumblebee and Garden Rant.
Eve, don't take offense. This applies to all of us, I'm sure. What seemed like a good idea in April is a really bad idea by August. Stay tuned to both blogs. They are worth the trouble. -- Susan
Posted by: Eve | March 19, 2010 11:05 AM