“Early Morning Garden Glory (and the War on Weeds)”by Mr. Real Frugalist
There’s something about stepping outside in the early morning once the coffee kicks in and before the neighbors start up their leaf blowers that feels downright magical. Or at least, semi-magical. Let’s say “comfortably quiet and not yet sweaty.”
This morning, the air was cool, (it has been well into the 90’s here in NH so this was perfect) the birds were chirping, and I took it as a sign from the universe (and my wife’s not-so-subtle suggestion) that it was time to tend to the garden. Not to worry, she was helping! We are a solid team. And by “tend,” I mean tie up blackberry canes that had started plotting their takeover, weed like a man who misplaced a tomato plant in a patch of dandelions (it honestly was not that bad, I exaggerate), and thin the beets because apparently, plants need elbow room. I mean how will they get bigger if they are all crowded. There is plenty of room between them to get four or five dozen decent beets. The dirt has been pulled up around them and they should do quite nicely now.
Now, I’m no high-falutin’ garden influencer with wide-brimmed hats and aesthetic wicker baskets. I was out there in my oldest jeans that are way too big, my old worn t-shirt, and my signature black hat I always wear. But I’ll tell you what: I got it done.
The blackberries are now upright and slightly less rebellious (they’ll try something again next week, I’m sure). The weeds—at least the ones I could pry from their grip have been evicted. And the beets? Well, they’ve been thinned. Which is garden talk for “I sacrificed some perfectly innocent baby plants for the greater good.” It’s tough love. Mrs. Frugalist grabbed a few and replanted them where there was a bit of room in the back of the bed.
But the best part? That first teeny-tiny harvest. A few tender beet greens and some tiny beets attached, but hey, it’s a start. They’re headed for dinner tonight, and you better believe I’ll brag about it while we eat.
“Do you taste that slightly earthy crunch?” I’ll say. “That’s homegrown, baby.”
Gardening isn’t just about saving money (though it helps). It’s about savoring the work, the dirt under your fingernails, the smug satisfaction of growing something you didn’t immediately kill. And on a cool morning like today, it’s also about remembering why we do it: fresh food, knowing how it was planted, quiet moments, and just a little bit of dirt therapy before the day begins.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a bunch of other things to do!
Stay thrifty,
Mr. Real Frugalist
Stretching dollars like I stretch my garden hose—awkwardly but effectively.
