(This post is from 2015, in case you missed it the first time.)

I’m no gardener.

It’s always been a desire of mine to be able to have a garden. I remember my early years and my mother’s patch behind the garage. I was especially impressed by the row of corn, probably because it was so tall while I was so little.

Later, she grew strawberries by the side of the garage. I was fascinated by watching them blossom and then turn bright red and juicy. The rabbits loved them also.

Growing up in the city, I loved the concept of farming and living off the land. I read books about 4-H and fantasized about raising animals. I even pretended my bike was a horse, a blue roan, naming it “Sky Blue.”

I chose a college in the middle of the state, in a farm country. I listened to crop reports on the news. I remember being at a frat party in a cornfield. While others were drinking, I wandered into the field, envisioning the feeling of owning land.

But our vocation was not conducive to gardening. We had a summer assignment and/or a month-long conference each summer. We visited ministry supporters, admired their gardens, and even ate their apple pie. I planted fruit trees in California and Florida, but we moved a lot, and others enjoyed the fruit.

So in semi-retirement, while fighting cancer, I’ve wanted a garden. Getting on hands and knees is difficult, so I’ve opted for pots on the railings and a raised bed. What have I learned?

You have to commit to planting seeds.

I can hear you groaning, “Duh?” and I confess, it seems obvious. Desire alone doesn’t get you there. Buying equipment doesn’t get you there.

I’ve been pretty much a failure in planting the seeds. I bought a fail-proof tabletop greenhouse, but they never made it from seedlings to full-grown plants. It’s been hard to figure out seasons in Florida, with winter being summer and summer just being hot. I bought potted plants, and they died. The only plant I’ve had success with is peppers — and I don’t like hot food. But they have gone crazy!

I’m sure there are some lessons in all this. I’d love to hear your thoughts and gladly take some advice.