6 days ago4 min read

My Little Garden: 2023 Recap

Updated: 5 days ago

Gardening in 2023: Lessons, Challenges, and Growth

Gardening has always been a passion of mine, but 2023 was a year of both growth and learning in ways I didn’t expect. Looking back, I can say it went fairly well. I dove deeper into the world of growing my own food and connecting with fellow gardeners, both online and in my local community. I became more active on social media, sharing my harvests and learning from others in various Facebook groups. Joining my local garden club, the Memphis Herb Society, and the Memphis Area Bee Association also expanded my network. (We’ll talk more about my goal of becoming a beekeeper later—it's an exciting journey I’m gearing up for, but I’m not quite there yet!)

One of the things I’ve come to truly appreciate through this year’s gardening experience is the concept of self-sufficiency. Growing my own food isn’t just about the harvest; it’s about developing a deeper understanding of the land, the plants, and how they nurture both the body and soul.

Adjusting My Growing Season

In 2023, I focused heavily on herbs and tomatoes, which have become staples in my garden and kitchen. Whether it’s a simple tomato sandwich, a fresh pasta dish, or a salad brimming with homegrown flavor, there’s just something special about food you’ve cultivated yourself.

This year was a bit different, though. Instead of planting on Good Friday as I traditionally do, I had to delay my start. My neighbor’s fence had collapsed onto my property right where my garden usually thrives. They were in the process of dealing with it, so I decided to wait. Looking back, I realize I could have put the plants in pots and transferred them into the ground later, but at the time, I just opted for patience. It wasn’t until late May that their new wooden fence was completed, and only then did I begin planting. This delay definitely affected my harvest, but I tried to make the most of it.

The Herb Garden

Herbs have always been a favorite of mine to grow. In 2023, I had a great mix, including basil, oregano, thyme, cilantro, parsley, chives, and, of course, the ever-reliable mint, which returned on its own as it always does. There’s something satisfying about snipping fresh herbs right from your garden to use in your cooking. Whether it’s a sprinkle of oregano on a pizza or a handful of basil in a fresh tomato sauce, the flavors are just unmatched.

Tomato Overload

Tomatoes were another highlight of my garden this year, though the delayed planting affected them, too. I grew a variety of types, including beefsteak, Cherokee purple, Better Boy, heirloom, pineapple, and cherry tomatoes. There’s nothing like that first juicy bite of a homegrown tomato—whether it’s sliced for a sandwich or popped straight into a salad. Even with the late start, I was able to enjoy a steady supply of tomatoes throughout the season.

Peppers: A Spicy Journey

I also grew peppers, and I tried my hand at a wide variety. I grew bell peppers, serrano, jalapeño, habanero, ghost peppers, and the infamous South Carolina reapers. Most of my hot peppers took longer than expected to ripen, with my first big harvest not coming until late August or early September, when normally I’d be picking them by mid-July. I’m certain this was because of the delayed planting. While my South Carolina reapers didn’t produce any peppers at all, which was disappointing, the rest of the peppers did fairly well, and I’ve already started planning to adjust for a better harvest next year.

Watermelon and Cantaloupe: The Experiment

This year, I decided to experiment a bit with watermelon and cantaloupe. I stuck with the crimson sweet variety of watermelon, one of my all-time favorites. I planted three watermelon plants and expected a decent yield, but to my surprise, I only harvested three watermelons total! I was hoping for at least four to five from each plant, so the result was a bit underwhelming. Still, the watermelons that I did get were delicious and juicy, and it was a fun learning experience. The cantaloupes, while experimental, showed promise too, and I look forward to refining my techniques next season.

Reflections and Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, including the delayed planting and the disappointment with the watermelon yield, 2023 was still a successful gardening season. I’ve enjoyed every moment of getting my hands dirty, nurturing my plants, and watching them grow. I’ve learned new things about timing, the importance of adaptability, and how to be more resilient in the face of unforeseen issues (like a neighbor’s fence falling into your garden).

Next season, I’m aiming to start earlier, maybe even explore container gardening as a backup in case delays arise again. I’m also planning to experiment with new crops and continue learning about sustainability and self-sufficiency. Plus, as I hinted at earlier, beekeeping might be on the horizon—there’s something fascinating about the idea of producing honey right from my own backyard!

All in all, gardening in 2023 was a season of growth, both in terms of my harvest and my personal understanding of what it means to cultivate a garden. I’m excited to see what 2024 will bring, and I look forward to sharing more of my experiences and insights along the way.

Happy gardening! 🌱🍅🌶️