During an unsettling time of social distancing and cancellations, many local residents have found a therapeutic and productive outlet in gardening, whether it is a newfound interest or a longtime hobby.
For families looking for activities that can involve their children, gardening can get the entire family away from screens while providing opportunities to enjoy the spring weather. Gardening also teaches a life skill in sustainability, and it just might produce a harvest that is both valuable and delicious.
"Planting vegetables can be fun and rewarding for the whole family," pointed out Dan Funk, owner of Funk's Riverview Greenhouses in Washington Boro.
"Some spring vegetables such as lettuce, radishes, and spinach can be planted in April and harvested in May. You can follow up with a second planting in the same soil with another crop such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants that will be ready to enjoy later in July," Funk elaborated.
Isolation and stress can be countered by an intentional effort to focus on something positive, and many have found such value in horticulture.
"Flowers around the house can brighten your spirit after being inside during this time," added Funk, suggesting that some area residents may like to try their hand at ornamental plants. For those who wish to add a pop of floral color outdoors but may not have ample yard space, window boxes are one way to dress up a home's exterior.
If produce is the goal, Funk advised picking a location with ample sunlight. "Too much shade and you will just get plant growth without getting any edible product," Funk advised.
For those who are new to gardening, just getting started can be an intimidating endeavor. Or perhaps space is at a premium, causing some to give up before they even begin. However, area experts can provide valuable insight to these issues.
More than happy to provide guidance, Norma Zimmerman from Zimmerman's Greenhouse of Ephrata supplied ideas for someone hoping to grow vegetables but lacking yard space. "Healthy homegrown vegetables (can be grown) from your own garden or patio," she encouraged. "Grape or cherry tomatoes are the easiest tomato to grow for new gardeners, and herbs are also easy to grow in containers."
For the past six years, Community Bible Church in Marietta has offered a creative solution for those who do not have space for a garden but would like to develop a green thumb, offering rototilled plots to interested community members upon completion of an application.
Bonnie Kleinhans is in her second year overseeing the 32 plots, each measuring 30 by 20 feet. "We are blessed with the land and wanted to share it with others and to interact with the community," explained Kleinhans.
A raised bed garden can also be a beneficial option, as it can confine the garden to a small location, allowing cultivators to concentrate their efforts. Other benefits of raised beds include a natural barrier that deters weeds and pests while at the same time holding nutrients, improving drainage, and avoiding compaction.
Joshua Wenger of Wenger's Greenhouse in Lititz emphasized the value of a family gardening project and offered helpful tips for those daunted by the thought of getting started.
"Start small, keep it simple the first year, then branch out with experience," Wenger suggested. "Imported vegetables cannot equal the freshness, taste, and nutritional value of homegrown fruits and vegetables."
As with any worthwhile endeavor, there are sure to be challenges along the way, but a little effort goes a long way. Taking care of weeds before they get out of control and seeking advice from a seasoned gardener will provide a head start for success.
"The Lord has a lot of life lessons to teach us from plants, and the best botany classes are hands-on digging in the dirt and tending growing plants," Wenger shared. "Dedicate time daily or weekly to weeding, watering, and pruning and you will be rewarded with beautiful flowers and a bountiful harvest."
Lancaster and Chester counties are known for their farms and family-owned operations. Whether the goal is organic, homegrown produce or a refreshing array of blooms, the answers to getting started on a gardening adventure can be found right within the local community.
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