How to Grow Anything

Backyard gardens may be woeful little plots in the fall, all bare and furrowed up as they await the first blanket of snow. In those sorry patches, it looks like nothing will ever grow. But it somehow does each year, providing a bounty of lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and, of course, squash. Think about that growth. Growth is something that we women (especially as mothers and wives) can be preoccupied with, even though we may not realize it. Our job is to grow our children, our family, our nest, our relationships, our portfolios, not to mention ourselves in the process. But how exactly do we do all that? Well, as a matter of fact, the answer is right in those backyard gardens—important lessons for not just growing zucchini, but everything. Whatever you’re growing, remember these fundamentals.

Seed: It all starts here with a sprinkling of promise. Ideas, goals, dreams…gathered from the best of sources. You’ll need a lot, because only some will take root. Store or share what you don’t use. Good seed can lay dormant for years.

Soil: For the best results, it’s supposed to be as rich and cultivated as possible. But that’s not always true. Things can flourish in a sidewalk crack. Roots can be put down in rocky ground. It doesn’t matter where you come from. Hardiness comes first.

Nourishment: To flourish, all fledgling things need bright sunshine, clean water, and fresh air. Supply them in great measure. But don’t overlook the importance of hope and loving care. Life feeds off these as well.

Patience: Depending on conditions, nothing may sprout or bear fruit for a while. Resist the urge to apply artificial fertilizers, keeping in mind that quick fixes undermine roots. The most enduring success is always organic.

Faith: Don’t discount the role played by powers beyond your control (or even comprehension). Things grow up for a reason; they’re reaching for something bigger than themselves.

Rhythm: There’s a beat to life. It’s in your chest, and it’s in the earth. Listen for it. All things come around. If you miss your chance once, there’s always next season.

Change: But don’t get stuck in a furrow. Trying to grow the same thing year after year from the same ground causes harvests to eventually dry up. Hoe a different row. Try something different.

Rest: Not every season is growing season. For sustained growth, regularly step back, take stock, lie dormant, and don’t produce anything. There is no shame in that.