Growing Groceries: Good for the heart and mind

This fall, I had the opportunity to partake in a Growing Groceries class offered by the WSU extension. In each of our four morning classes, there was a wealth and diversity of teachings and hands-on experiences. We got to visit different community gardens, and a farm that has been in operation for over 25 years.

Three things I learned in those four weeks: 1, that there is a wealth of knowledge in our community around gardening, and many people with that knowledge are very generous with it. 2, that there are many low cost ways to make one's garden thrive. And 3, that overall, the best way to garden with and on the earth is a low impact approach. 

The idea is to take good care of the soil. Rather than big upheavals or heavy amendments, like any good relationship, little by little one can build their soil by adding compost, and a few amendments every year. It’s something to tend differently as the seasons change. Then when planting season comes along, what is needed are small holes just big enough for your little plant to find its way to root and thrive.

I love being in relationship to the Earth. I’ve been a tour guide for the first certified organic show garden in Skagway, Alaska, worked at a wilderness therapy program in an organic garden for youth 12 to 18 years old, and have landscaped both in California and Washington. Even with years of experience, there is still so much more to learn, and I love to learn how to tend to this beloved being in a way that is mutually beneficial: "growing groceries" not just for myself through my kale, tomato, and cucumbers plants, but for the hummingbirds, butterflies and bees with my flowers.

I also am grateful to have seeded relationships with some of our PGM during this course. There were folx holding it down each week in the front row and that presence made it more enticing to participate in the activities of the course.

My hope for our PGM community at large is that like our soon-to-be garden, with enough care, light, tending, and just the right nourishment or amendments, that we can become a thriving Beloved Community.

by Marisa Taborga Bryne