Veggie Gardener: Bit by Bit

You gotta' love the radish - it sprouts within days and confirms success almost immediately. No deferred compensation there.

Under the protection of chicken wire, the radishes are bursting through. If you look very carefully between to two plantings you can see the delicate sprouts of some beets - which take there own sweet time.

Radishes with cage removed.

The slow and steady course of the beet plant requires patience, confidence that things will turn out, and a calmness of spirit. I, of course, prefer the radish -- lets get a move on! But, radishes are bitter and spicy, whereas beets are sweet and silky. Time, patience and perseverance must be learned over and over. Radishes and beets are like the tortoise and the hare.

What to do about the interlopers dead set on interfering with, destroying or delaying your goals? You take precautions, you plan, you anticipate the disruption. Alas, the interlopers appear and begin to undo your good efforts and destroy your confidence. Simply backing off and letting them take over is an option. It would certainly be easier, less effort, give over the field to the interveners. But, that is simply not in your nature. You work hard to achieve your goals, to be the best that you can, and to fight to accomplish what you set out to achieve. So you don't walk away or let them take over. You are the tortoise and with time and patience, you will persevere. Time to create some cayenne pepper spray!

Cantalope chomped on by mice, perhaps?

Honeydew Melon almost entirely decimated.

But, there are also new starts for as yet undetermined outcomes. The seeds of success provide encouragement to continue your efforts and to always look forward toward what can be achieved.