Courage and Hope

It was 85 degrees today, after weeks of temperatures in the 60's.  Corn seeds, and other seeds, require temperatures of 70 degrees or more to germinate and prevent seed rot from the cold and wet soil.  So after waiting patiently for spring to arrive, I decided to plant the corn seeds today.  I planted about 5 rows of three across, to encourage pollination.

I harvested more peas and noticed new growth and flowers, so there should be more harvest to come! The winter lettuce continues and makes for sumptuous garnish for daily lunches.  I did not plant the rest of the seeds because I remain unconvinced that the temperatures will hold.  The gardner must attempt to predict the future and act based on those predictions.  So hope is mixed with fear and caution rules the day.

It is often difficult to accept that life is beyond our control.  It takes courage to face the unknown. Mother nature will either make our dreams come true, or offer us lessons from which we must learn.  The soil will be warmed and the fruits of our labor will unfold, perhaps not precisely as we want but as they must be. So we must enjoy the sweetness of the peas, the crispness of the lettuce, and the tanginess of the grapefruits while we are able.