I’m returning to this blog after a disappointing 2011 harvest season with a fresh outlook and the hopes for a more successful vegetable garden this year. Gardening is a challenge and a reward in many ways, and last year I learned more than most other years. Among other things (many other things) I learned that I had located my beds in a new home in the wrong location where they didn’t get enough sunlight, that newly picked carrots cannot be stored in the refrigerator without turning overnight into shrivelled looking things, and many ways to fight off deer/birds/rodents. I often felt like Mrs. MacGregor from the Peter Rabbit books. Is it bad that I now sympathize with them instead of with the Rabbit family? I also learned that I should plant and plan for many more seedlings than I think I need. Yet again, I was foiled again in my quest to grow tomatillos… Two beautiful seedlings were hardening on my deck, and then one broke, a casualty in a wind storm. Which meant that I had to start some direct seeded. But they were on different times, and by the time that both plants were flowering, I only was able to harvest a few before it got too cold.

There were also successes. I had the best cucumber harvest I’ve ever had, and we continued to harvest many cucumbers into October. I grew many varieties of plants I’ve never grown before. Most of the new plants were located in beds without enough sunlight, and so I didn’t get to harvest many of the vegetables, but overall, I enjoyed seeing some progress and learning about the different plants as a whole. Some of the varieties, I will grow again in a better location and see what happens. Some, I will take a break from this year, unless I’m moved to plant a few at a later date.

So, when I started planning for this year, especially remembering the feelings of disappointment I felt most of the growing season, I felt a little apprehensive. Seed catalogs have sat on my dining room table untouched. I’ve put off planning and really looking at the changes I need to make this year. What will this season hold? I’m late to start my seedlings (from my personal schedule) and am daunted by the task of relocating my garden beds to the north side of my house, digging up some bushes, and then putting up a deer netting contraption that will also let me easily access the garden beds (I have yet to finalize these plans). But yesterday, I decided to move forward, to learn from the experiences of last year, and begin anew. Which is what gardening and spring is about to me. A new beginning. Working your own patch of land, dealing with things that you don’t always have control over, and hoping for the best. Seeing what fruit will come of your efforts, in essence. I brought my husband into my plans for relocating the garden, and garnered his help when the ground warms up a little to move one of the raised beds to a sunnier location, as well as his help in digging up some azalea bushes and roots. I ordered my favorite tomato seeds (with the birds, and with our eating habits, I’m doing only a few varieties this year, mainly plum and cherry types), and also went ahead and ordered some blueberry plants. Between my husband and daughter, we go through SO MANY blueberries every year, and I’d love to be able to grow some of our own. (Did I mention we have deer that regularly visit my garden? Am I crazy?) So with the plants ordered and shipping in March or April, I’ve committed to action, and begun again. The unseasonably warm weather makes me itch to get out in the garden again, and serves as a reminder of the promise of a new gardening season. Hopefully, truthfully reflecting on the learning experiences of last year will help me plan better for a successful harvest.