What every garden needs
First of all, we should narrow down what “needs” we will discuss. Gardens are different, and so are gardeners. We will not attempt to decipher what the world needs except more rest, recreation and a fairer distribution of resources. Neither will we delve into the needs of the gardener because everybody is different, except we’re mostly the same. The focus is what does the garden need…
… and gardens are different. If your garden is two pots plus a six square-foot flower bed by the sidewalk, your pots will need you to watch for dehydration because water evaporates through pots easily. Also, you’ll need to figure out how to renew the subsoil in the pots and keep it full of vital nutrients. The six square-foot flower bed will need you to plan carefully. A creative gardener paying attention can produce plenty vegetables in six square feet of soil. Leafy things usually don’t mind cozying up.
But what if your garden is the equivalent of five 2×15 beds in the backyard? Those 150 sq. ft. of garden space will allow the diligent gardener space for experimenting while still producing some tomatoes and beans for canning and freezing. Since different vegetables, flowers and herbs need varied care, they need the gardener to pay attention to individual watering and feeding schedules.
Also, this much garden space asks the gardener to plan for what happens to a section once the first crop of peas is harvested. More manure now or later? With more garden space, the need for garden time increases. Gardens and pets require attention. They can’t get by entirely on their own, so a steward of a garden (or pet) commits to devoting time and attention.
But what if the gardener, genuinely hooked by the mystery and adventure found in gardening, expands to eight 2×15 ft. beds in the backyard? Now it’s 240 sq. ft. of garden space that requires attention. The gardener trying to save time watering can plan ahead by hauling in mulch to preserve moisture, but it would be easy to overestimate your dedication to completing the task.
Also, 240-sq. ft .of garden beds plus pathways provides ample room for enterprising local flora to intrude and flourish. We call these natives “weeds,” and some are edible and nutritious, and they don’t show up just to be intrusive or a nuisance – they’re doing what they’re supposed to do like the rest of us. The gardener can try to mulch them out, but some weeds seem to enjoy a bit of mulch which means somebody will need to repurpose them to the compost, and that will take 240 square feet’s worth of time and attention.
Thinking even bigger, just imagine what a successful market garden requires of the gardener. Besides the enormous commitment to maintaining the soil and growing things, there is the marketing aspect, finding workers and maintaining equipment and infrastructure. This would require a smart person who expects to work hard on a daunting adventure, and the successful market garden will need all the attention the gardener can spare.
I estimated my garden fence encloses 2124 sq. ft., or .049 acres, with a mostly round perimeter. Within the fence are more than 30 beds shaped differently to fit the terrain. Most of them were dug out of the rocky hillside and filled with mulch, compost and sifted soil, so they got a good start. Nevertheless, good soil must constantly be replenished if it is used regularly.
There have been times when I was unavailable for garden chores and plants suffered, maybe only temporarily, but nevertheless their needs were neglected and it showed. Plants tell the truth. Gardens tell the truth. Gardens are for listening.
So, what does a garden need… someone to pay attention.