Checklist for Food Crops

That 1st year (2007), we pretty much just put our Seeds and Plants into the Garden. We had no clue as to whether they were going to produce. We naively thought: If we put it into the Ground, it will surely grow. Not. Entering our 4th growing Season, we now have some more clues.

I am concluding that several factors enter into the success of Growing our Food Crops. Some are known to us and others are not. One could easily go down through each item on the Checklist like a Pilot before take-off. We would ask (and then answer): Are optimal conditions present? (Yes or no). Sometimes we won't know until later of course.

In our Culture, we are largely disconnected from Nature, which has put us on a path of great destruction. We believe we are "over Nature". We force our agendas, our chemicals, or whatever onto Nature. Instead, we need to listen to Nature's Voice and work within those energies.

I have simply asked Nature to be my Teacher after a very long time of being away. She is patient and She has taught me a lot. I think She smiles as I write this. I am in the "Infancy Stage". "Get ready for more," She seems to say.

I believe the success of a crop is largely based upon the degree to which we attend to the following. When we do not attend to the following, we put Plants in Stress. A stressed Plant is likely to be more vulnerable to disease and pests. (There may be some lessons for Humans in that previous statement too.) So far, these are the items I would put on our checklist "at take off".

• Soil is within the pH range optimal for the Plant.
• The Garden Soil matches type needed (example: clay soil, loamy, sandy).
• Availability of Moisture is within ideal range.
• Seeds or transplants are planted at optimal time.
• The Plant has an adequate length of growing season.
• Seeds and transplants are healthy and vibrant.
• Garden Soil has a a balance of Nutrients in the array the Plant will need.
• The Plant is grown with Companions which nurture and provide the protection that it needs.
• The Plant is growing in a area which follows a beneficial rotational pattern.
• Needs for Sun, Part Shade, Shade are met.
• Competition with other Plants is reduced and eliminated (examples: spacing, weeding).
• The Plant has adequate support (examples: tomatoes, peas, beans).
• Potential damage by pests is reduced and eliminated (examples: insects, deer, rabbits, raccoons).
• Natural forces are moderated (example: wind, water).
• Proper Seed Preparation is given as needed.
• Seeds are stored appropriately to maintain viability.
• Selection of Seeds and Plants is matched to Plant Zone.

I am sure more can be added. Some items which Nature would put on a checklist probably cannot be known to us. She's a pretty complex Lady after all. Through it all, we do the best we can. And we open ourselves to the wonderful lessons along the way.