Member-only story
Giving Veggies To Neighbors
And good friends
When I was growing up, my Mom always grew a bumper crop of tomatoes, which she would always fertilize with cow manure. She did that with her other veggies, too, and her roses.
I realize nowadays people prefer to use other, less smelly stuff but according to my Mom and other older gardeners— fertilizer derived from animals is better. In those days, Mom could find stuff that came from area farms. It was a simpler time.
In the community garden near my house, they use “fish juice” to produce bumper crops. Using this very stinky but effective plant food, I’ve grown some really spectacular zucchini and yellow squash.
The first fruits I kept for myself, though I did offer to contribute part of it to our “food pantry”, which is what we call the food we harvest each week for donation to poor families. However, I was told to donate the next time. They knew how hard it was, with my balance issues from the cancer, to make it to the garden. I usually have friends bring me and help me get around. They seem really happy to see me try even when I feel weak and there are usually people available to lend a hand.
Several of my friends and neighbors have also helped me since I got cancer. Even one neighbor who I never liked, because he could be surly and rude.
