To Plant a Garden is to Believe in the Future

President Spencer W. Kimball called upon Latter-day Saints everywhere to produce their own food. For several years, he asked each family to have its own garden. He said: “We encourage you to grow all the food that you feasibly can on your own property. Berry bushes, grapevines, fruit trees—plant them if your climate is right for their growth. Grow vegetables and eat them from your own yard. Even those residing in apartments … can generally grow a little food in pots and planters. Study the best methods of providing your own foods. Make your garden … neat and attractive as well as productive. If there are children in your home, involve them in the process with assigned responsibilities” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 170–71; or Ensign, May 1976, 124).


Today I followed this counsel and planted my garden.  My friend Gordon built two 3'x3' boxes.  In one I placed herbs and the other vegetables.  I had the kids come with me to the farm and select what things we would grow.  The number one rule being that we need to choose things we use often (otherwise what's the sense in growing the garden).

Herbs:

Flat Leaf Italian Parsley, Peppermint, Banana Mint, Chives, Basil, Lavender, Dill, Oregano, Sage, & Rosemary

Vegetables: 

Romaine Lettuce, Buttercrunch lettuce, Gigantic Jalapeño Peppers, Sweet Green Peppers, Grape Tomatoes, & Fourth of July Tomatoes

We also got some Watermelon plants, but these will not go in the boxes.  Rather I'll plant them in the ground right behind the boxes.  I hope these do well since they are the only think Kaitlyn likes!

You might have noticed that I planted some Marigolds in the boxes too.  This is a form of organic gardening which is called companion gardening.  By planting certain flowers or herbs you can avoid using pesticides.

*Annual Marigolds can be used anywhere to deter Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, thrips, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. They are also known to repel harmful root knot nematodes (soil dwelling microscopic white worms) that attack tomatoes, potatoes, roses, and strawberries. The root of the Marigold produces a chemical that kills nematodes as they enter the soil. If a whole area is infested, at the end of the season, turn the Marigolds under so the roots will decay in the soil. You can safely plant there again the following spring.

*   Rosemary and Sage repel cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies.

* Peppermint repels ants, white cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles.

* Perennial Chives repel aphids and spider mites.

* Basil drives away flies and mosquitoes.

We can show that we love the Lord and trust Him by doing as His prophets have asked us. Each of us will receive blessings if we will plan and prepare our gardens and then care for them so that they will be orderly and produce well. President Kimball counseled: “Keep your lawns and your gardens well-groomed. Whatever your circumstances, let your premises reflect orderliness, beauty, and happiness. Plan well and carry out your plan in an orderly and systematic manner” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 171; or Ensign, May 1976, 125).


With all of these yummy things I'll be cooking up some healthy dishes.  Do you have a favorite dish that utilizes these vegetables and herbs?  Please share!