We Should be Growing Plants
I’m writing this because one of my coworkers is growing peas in our café. Peas. In the pod. They are growing rapidly and wrapping themselves around some wooden rods planted in the soil to keep them upright. They are even flowering! I know that growing things is pretty much as old as time. But something about these peas melted my heart just a bit. This spring I would like to grow a few things. Me writing this is me learning just as much as you are. Even if it is just one plant that I am capable of growing, I would call that a success.
Tending to a plant’s needs is very peculiar. It’ll be new to me, I must admit. See, they don’t really speak up when they are in need of something, which is something I am not necessarily accustomed to. No meowing or barking or chirping to tell you they are so unbelievably thirsty. The lack of verbal communication between humans and plants calls for detailed and careful observation on our side, as well as a genuine desire to care for what is growing. Patience and tenderness are necessary virtues. I have always been a little reluctant to grow my own plants - I have seen so many of them die, and that is on me. But something about watching someone nurture one single pea plant, something about seeing flowers and pods grow out of nothing at all, has switched something inside of me. Caring for plants, growing things from nothing at all, is a subtle act of resistance against the fast-paced life we have all become accustomed to. When you grow things, for yourself and your loved ones, you remove yourself from capitalistic exchange, from a constant need for loss and gain. Maybe growing is the root of community - you nurture your little sprouts from the ground up, you gain autonomy, you give to others, to the planet as well. Some libraries have seed donation boxes, and they are up for grabs. This kind of resource is what it means to support your neighbours. This is probably not news to you. Frankly, it’s not even really news to me. But something about those peas, man. They are being grown and they make me so happy.
Anywho. I have come up with a list for myself of things I would like to plant this spring. Maybe I won’t succeed, but I will have tried, and I hope you will too.
GREEN BEANS
I have been wanting to plant green beans for the longest time. They are my favourites. What’s great about these is that you can just start them outside. I recommend planting bush beans because they don’t grow as wildly as climbing beans. The best time to start these guys is between April 15th and May 6th apparently. They can be grown in a pot, which is extra convenient if you don’t have a garden. Here are all the details for the soil and watering they need.
https://www.almanac.com/plant/beansRADISHES
Again, you can plant these guys outside. They even love growing in pots, which is handy as ever. And delicious. They happen to be beginner friendly, and the window throughout the year for them to grow & thrive is very large. Right now is actually a really good time, seeing as they like the cooler weather. Here’s some radish information.
https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/how-to-grow-radishes-in-pots#TOMATOES
This is a two step kind of deal. You want to start them inside between March 15 and April (quick quick! That’s now!), and then transplant them outside between May 15 and June 1st. This is for Massachusetts area specifically, but you might want to check out what temperature they need specifically, since they like the warm weather so much. I’ve seen people start them in egg cartons, which could be something for you. Once they’re outside, keep in mind that they love the sun! Like 6-8 hours a day! That’s a lot of tanning…
https://www.redfirefarm.com/tomato-planting-tips-for-the-home-gardener-3/MINT
You can sow this one from seed directly outside as well! However, you’ll want to wait until the temperatures have reached 55-65°F consistently. I would recommend growing them in containers - they grow crazy aggressively and have massive root systems, so limiting their room for movement is actually a good idea. We love mint but maybe not a whole forest full.
https://bonnieplants.com/blogs/how-to-grow/growing-mint BASIL
Speaking of herbs, this one is a must. It’ll go beautifully with your tomatoes, of course. My parents grow basil in their backyard and I can smell it from my bedroom whenever they go out to cut a handful off. It’s very pleasant. However, it is so sensitive to the cold! So you should consider starting your basil seeds indoors and then transplanting them outside when the soil is super warm, preferably not dropping beneath 50°F at night (so approximately 70° during the day). I feel like they might have similar growing conditions as the classic tomato. They just love that sun and loaaads of water!
https://www.almanac.com/plant/basil Alright, I don’t want to overwhelm myself with too many options. I would talk about growing peas today, but unfortunately it’s too late to plant them this year. It’s nice to leave a little mystique to the peas, I guess. We’ll find out next season. In any case, I hope you learnt as much as I did writing this. If it’s a little too much to plant some vegetables right now because you are just the busiest of bees, you should scatter some wildflower seeds. The bees & bugs will thank you. Hope you are as inspired by peas as I am. Peace and love to all green things.
