Garlic and Gooseberries: Little Sprouts, Little Critters

There is something going on in my garden and I am feeling a bit uneasy. There are tiny green sprouts everywhere on the rich dark soul. At first it seemed obvious that the seeds I had planted were starting to grow, but now after the first big rain they are coming up even where I didn’t plant anything. So they must be weeds. Or other plants that used to grow here which might be edible. I thought the weeds would look different from the vegetables. How do I know what to pull and what to leave?

Deep breaths, Ellen, deep breaths. This is where patience comes in. I need to leave everything alone until it grows more and then it should become clear. This is sounding suspiciously like life: no matter how much you want clarity and resolution, sometimes you just have to wait. Sometimes only the passage of time will give you the information you need. And so I will wait, before I weed.

I am also worried that the light green leaves of my arugula starts are covered in tiny little holes. They look like they are made of green lace. Little bitty critters are chowing down on my arugula! I wouldn’t mind if they left some for me but there wasn’t that much to start with. I believe plants, like people, are most vulnerable when they are adjusting to new circumstances. My only hope is that the transplants will get good strong roots before the bugs weaken them, growing into robust plants with leaves big enough to share. I have considered spraying them with something like lemon juice to discourage the bugs, but I can’t help laughing at myself: add a little olive oil and the bugs will enjoy a perfect salad!

Lastly, sadly the garlic I transplanted looks quite dead. I won’t give up completely, but it is not looking good. I may have to rename this blog series.