Keeping Track

I've decided (with some trepidation) that I want to track my inputs and my harvest in 2017. Gardening has been a somewhat expensive hobby up to this point, and I'd like some more objective proof of its value. I'd like to see for myself that gardening can pay for itself in tangible yields.

HOWEVER, before I delve into the cold-blooded world of black and red numbers, I must insist that the truest benefits of this sacred hands-in-the-earth work are immeasurable. Gardening keeps me in the air and light of nature's sanctuary, which has been for me a place to mourn, a place to test my strength, a place to be poured out and to be renewed. A place to meet with God. In Him is a well of creativity, ingenuity, resourcefulness and strength that never runs dry.

Growing food also makes vital contributions in the life of my family -- teaching my children how to feed themselves well, how to understand the seasons of produce, how to value fresh produce and the work of farmers, and on and on. It is a worthy pursuit in and of itself.

The end.

And now we can go back to the numbers.

It's very tempting to cushion my outcomes by starting with a friendly zero balance. No place to go but up and into the black. However, the truth is that I am beginning the season with a generous supply of seeds. I bought a lot on clearance last year and some I saved myself... and then I got a bit trigger happy with my seed catalogs in November. Thus, like so many farmers I've read about and listened to on podcasts, I'm starting out in the hole.

Seed Savers (peppers, tomatoes, beans, greens, herbs & flower seeds) - $50.87

Gurney's (sea kale, sweet potato slips & raspberry vines) - $40.98

Baker Creek Rare Seeds (fig tree, cucumbers, herbs, peas, okra, broccoli & flower seeds) - $41.75 

Archie's Gardenland (potatoes, onions, potting soil, compost) $87.52                            

RUNNING BALANCE = $221.12

That is a big red number, folks. Time to start making a dent.

Starting seeds seems like a good place to begin.