Page 4 - Inspirations2

Continued from page 2
Gardening With Daddy, part 2

Once that was complete, then came the task of
dropping the tomato plants into the hole and my job
was coming behind and making the plant stand up
and tamp the dirt around the plant. At the same time,
make a small moat around each plant, because each
plant would get a drink of water.

While I was learning how to keep and take care of a
garden I was also seeing how much hard work went
into keeping up a garden. It was hard and satisfying
work!

My Memories
My favorite memories are of working in the garden
alongside my father. Today when I’m tying up
tomatoes to stakes or hog-wire fencing with jute
twine, it reminds me of being in the garden with my Now days, when I find myself standing in the garden
father. The smell of bruised tomato leaves and the with the tomato plants to be pinched and tied, I am
stained green fingers also remind me of when I was a reminded of those “important jobs” he assigned. I
child moving along the rows pinching ‘suckers’ from have to smile because those jobs were the ones
the tomato vines and watching our cats play-hunting where he didn’t have to stoop over or bend down
among the jungle of eggplant and stands of okra. constantly—his back was stiff and his muscles were
sore -- just like mine are today!
My father and I didn’t talk much, but then we didn’t
have to talk about anything. I was just an easy No matter, he instilled in me the lessons of caring for
companionship of being close to the earth. the soil and the deep satisfaction of raising vegetables
for the family. Best of all; eating the first ripe tomato
of the summer!

FREE CATALOG! Let’s Grow Together

What's Inside the 2020 Catalog Be confident in your purchase. Seed Savers Exchange
brings you seeds that are open-pollinated and
• 23 new varieties, including limited-edition non-GMO.
varieties from our seed bank Doing good—together. When you buy from their seed
catalog, you help to keep heirloom seeds where they
• Delicious, easy-to-make recipes submitted by belong: in our gardens and on our tables.
customers, members, and staff https://www.seedsavers.org/catalog

• Growers’ guide, helpful hints, and fun facts Catalog may take up to 6 weeks for delivery. Shop online at
And all the best sellers and proven varieties
for a successful harvest www.seedsavers.org

Page 3 Inspirations Magazine | Spring