Gro-Op Plant Day 2012

Over Memorial Weekend we had Plant Day for our Gro-Op Garden. We were anticipating hot, high temps up in Howard City so we adjusted the time to plant in the morning vs. the afternoon to help us. Leave it to good ol Michigan to be wrong on weather. Classic, but great planting weather.

Our garden is situated on my sister & brother-in-law’s property where they live. They live on 10 acres and our garden takes up about 1/4″ of an acre solely dedicated to most any vegetable you can imagine, herbs, raspberries and strawberries. This is our 4th year for our Gro-Op and each year is always a learning process…we challenge ourselves to plant more & discipline our hands to work harder.

With the temps being in the low 60s, along with overcast skies, it kept us planters cool & motivated. I believe this was record breaking planting as far as time goes. We started around 10 a.m. and wrapped up around 2 ish. Of course we had a BBQ in the middle along with a couple cold ones…but for the most part…we cruised right along.

This year is going to be an exceptional year. I can feel it…I know it! We must redeem ourselves from last year, which wasn’t the best of years. Our team needs to re-focus and weed like crazy, harvest the correct items and pray for the weather to be in tip top condition. We had a day last year where it rained 7″ and swiped out quite a bit. Non bueno people…non beuno. 7″ can be great in a lot of situations, but NOT when it comes to gardening.

What do I love most about our garden? Hmmmmm…I love the kids that are around us. We have 5 little ones (and 2 unborn peas) running around seeing all this unfold. Lily, Clara, Henry, Liam and Ollie bring a special light to this project. They may be too young right now to understand exactly what is going on…but it will be a fond memory that they will always remember. Most importantly it will teach them the importance of healthy eating, sustainable & organic planting, team work, laughter, love and motivation in hopes that one day they take over and share with their families. The members of our Gro-Op are our family & friends…the people that hold special places in our hearts that all connect us together with one HUGE garden.

When the garden produces, we are able to share with our family & friends around the dinner table. There is nothing more rewarding then eating what you sowed. A fresh, crisp salad along side a refreshing glass of wine…duh! Sounds kind of cheesy, but it is the truth. Our garden moves forward because my bro-in-law Hoss is very passionate about gardening. He spends so much time getting everything ready, while Em keeps the troops moving and the house situated to entertain on Plant Day. There is so much I still don’t understand that he takes care of on the front, middle and end-end. My goal is to learn A LOT more this year that I can educate others on.

I will share more stories of the progression of our garden. Who knows, maybe you will be a lucky one who gets a goody bag full of love I really like to share the produce, so stay on my good side peeps.