Warning: This is a reality post. The reality that self-sufficient/homesteading life is not always "peaches and cream."
We've lost everything now, but a few squash plants. The remaining collards, and even my rhubarb are gone to bugs, possibly ants. Not sure, and I'm not going to do a thorough check until fall. Maybe not until spring.
We attempted to dig potatoes last night, fighting the thick swarm of mosquitoes, and failed. The ground smelled so bad, I gave up. I don't think they'll be edible by the awful foul odor they gave anyway. Hubby gave up before me, marching in, saying the he's never seen so many mosquitoes.
Although I had hopes, picked beetles and picked weeds where I could, it's time to throw off the garden gloves and walk away. I feel like my garden mojo has been ripped out of me.
I'm sure I know what the pioneers felt like when they had nothing to put in the cellar for winter. Sure we can go buy stuff, but you know there is no guarantee that organic is also non-gmo in the stores. We live in crop country - nothing but corn and soy beans, and a bit of wheat fields here. So....finding farm-stands with food to buy, is slim pickin's.
Also, organic/non-gmo is not cheap here. This is also, not just a loss of food supply, but a financial loss. With Hubby having been on strike for 4 months, and our last bit of money going into the garden, there isn't much for buying such expensive food. This year was the largest garden we've planted yet. It's a set back for us.
We are the not the norm (self-sufficient) for this type of living in our area, and with the goats gone, and now the garden, and another pet, I am slowly becoming that person that no one wants to be around.
It's been a "goodbye" year this year - goodbye Sadie, goodbye Mattie, goodbye goats, goodbye Alias, goodbye garden.
I don't need to be reminded that this time will pass, but it's the going through it, that stinks.
Comments
This was a double bad blow for you because I know you planted a bigger garden than you ever have and were really, really counting on it.
I'm so sorry to hear about your failed gardening. I wish there was something I could say to give you hope and encouragement. We plant very little and have harvested much more than expected... I can't complain. More than anything-- I'd like to plant a fall garden do t know if it's possible as this week ... I've noticed the return of the grasshopper! My garden Arch enemy!
Also-- we've had something munching on our zucchini. We only yielded One zucchini off six very large plants!
We've list two layers this summer too. We're down to three hens ...
Here is a suggestion for a fall /cooler temp garden . Maybe it will work in your climate... Hugelbeet! We've been successful with growing mounds ... As long as you have a method for covering with frost. Perhaps you could go that route for fall? Best wishes and yes! A big hug!
Sending mighty prayers for all facing this.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..."
God has said, therefore, that there IS a time for every thing.
Maybe instead of harvest and storing, this then is a time for rest, a time for finding another type of project or work to bring in money to tide one over, and most of all, a time for hope and planning - the wonderful garden that, with God's love, is sure to grow next year.
In CHRIST'S name, I pray it is so.
God bless.
RB
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It has been a hard year for so many.