When I pulled into John’s driveway he was standing by his shed with bare feet. I’ve talked about John before, mainly about how a cherry tomato from his garden inspired me to eat locally. I told him this. He looked pleased. “Oh really?” he said. “It was that good?”
John was kind enough to take a break from potato and asparagus planting to show me around his garden. He has two generously sized plots. Part of one was tilled with potatoes, carrots, broccoli and snap peas already planted; the other parts still bright green with crop cover, waiting to be planted later this spring.
When I asked John how long he’s been gardening, he said, “Well, I guess since we bought the house in 1975. Yes, that was ’75,” he said with a grin. The soil was in rough shape when he arrived, and he’s put a lot of work into making it suitable for growing things. When I stuck my feet into the soil, it felt soft and rich, perfect for little roots to grow.
John and I sat at the picnic table near his deck and surveyed the back yard. He pointed out the leaves he bags throughout the year to add to the soil, the nutrient-adding crop cover, and his wife’s flower beds. From my point of view, that one back yard looked like a full-time job. “Is it worth it?” I asked. “Well…I’ve been doing it for so long. The hardest part is maintaining the produce stand out front. I have to be here to make change.” One reason it’s worth the effort are the donations he makes to the Food Bank of Delaware. I talked to Jim Weir, the Operations Director of the Newark branch. Jim knew John right away, saying John makes a donation every single week, which adds up to over 2,000 pounds of fresh produce each growing season–all donated to those that need it most. Worth it, indeed.
John showed me his asparagus plants, being careful to remind me that asparagus takes a while. “There won’t be any at the stand this year, but maybe next year,” he said. I’ve never seen asparagus plants before; they didn’t look impressive. John wanted me to know that he’s only growing the asparagus for his wife. “I don’t care for it,” he said. “Or for those little cabbage things.” I assured him that both asparagus and brussel sprouts (the little cabbage things) are excellent when roasted in the oven. He didn’t believe me.
Walking a circle around his backyard, John and I ended up at the compost heap. I told him I always hate to throw away my coffee grounds, egg shells and potato peels, but without a garden I don’t have much use for a compost bin. We struck a deal, and now I’m saving my scraps for his compost. I’m excited to contribute, even in this little way!
In an effort to contribute even more, I offered to help him with the planting anytime. “How about right now?” Before I knew it, John put a hoe in my hand, and I was covering seed potatoes with the dark, rich soil.
After the potatoes were covered, John showed me the strawberry plants. He’s planting 75 new plants this year, right next to the asparagus plot.
The blueberry bushes are growing too. He’s hoping to pick more than a handful this year!
As we were looking at the strawberry plants, I noticed a large metal contraption near a tree. John picked it up. “This is for making deep wells, furrows we call them, in the soil. That’s where I’ll plant the asparagus.”
John showed me the soil on this plot. Although not as good as the plot where the potatoes are planted, “this soil is coming along.”
I wanted to stay and help John with those furrows, but I had to go. As we were walking to the driveway, a neighbor shouted over, “Do you have an apprentice over there, John?” John waved, nodded and said, “She’s a good learner, and I’ve got to teach someone how to do this so I can retire.” I’m an eager learner, at least.
Before I left, John ran into the house to get me an unexpected gift–homemade black raspberry jelly. I spied his gardening shoes, covered with dust, and looking picturesque on the wooden steps.
John opens sometime in June, depending on when and how the plants grow. I’ll be sure to update you when I see the signs for “John’s Farmer’s Market” on my drive home from work. In the meantime, let’s pray for ideal gardening weather and look forward to those perfect cherry tomatoes!
likey. muchly!
Thank ya!
My secret farm stand has been revealed. I enjoy the variety of fruits and veggies each week in the summer, and love to just chat with John. His food produced is definitely worth all of the effort he has put into his gardens. The prices are fair too. See you again soon John!
Ah! I spilled the beans, Kim! John is so great! Thanks for stopping by.
It is always nice to meet the people who grow some of the food we consume.
Especially when it’s someone with a kind heart like John!
I always feel like I should have a garden and compost and we started this in NC – but then we had to move here to Alaska and live in a townhouse – I am jealous that you can contribute. I need to find someone who will let me help them like you have!
I’m sure someone out there is willing to take your organic matter. haha! John inspired me to start a container garden, so that’s what I’ll work on this weekend. I’ve never grown anything in my life!
Definitely re-motivates me to start working on a garden plot in my boggy yard. 🙂
I live in a town house and John inspired me to start a container garden. I’m excited to start planting this weekend!
I did a container garden 2 summers and my only success was with jalapeno and hot thai peppers. I’m leaning toward a couple of raised beds until I can prep a plot. 🙂
I’ve been doing some reading and I may try a small raised bed too. This weekend’s project!
Enjoyed your post. Also, we have the same tractor. :o) I believe it is from the 40’s, but it still works great. Kevan inherited it from his grandfather so it is special to us.
John still uses that tractor. I’d love to see your farm!
This makes me wish I had space for a real garden! Although I have enough trouble keeping up with our city backyard raised beds–even small-scale urban farming seems like a lot of work at this time of year when it’s all ahead of me! 🙂
It was so fun to get in the garden with John–so much potential! I can’t wait to see it in full growth. Good luck with your raised beds! I start my own little garden this weekend–a first for me.
Awesome post! You farmed! Shoe pic is phenom…(van gogh-esque)
Thanks for your great comments! 🙂 And Van Gogh??? I cannot even land in the same category. I wish.
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