Itz Holistically Wholesome

As the warm season approached, I was filled with anticipation and excitement. My small deck was about to become a lush, green sanctuary, brimming with life. Everything started off wonderfully—plants were flourishing, and my once gloomy space came alive with vibrant green. The cucumber plant grew to an incredible height, adorned with countless flowers, and I was ecstatic, eager to share the harvest with my neighbors.

But as the days grew warmer, the bugs began to appear. Initially, they weren’t a problem—just a minor inconvenience. What I didn’t anticipate was the invasion of spotted lanternflies and their relentless companions. These pests swarmed my garden, and before I knew it, everything began to take a turn for the worse. They chewed through the leaves, and soon, many of my plants started to wither.

Adding to the problem, the intense heat began scorching my plants. An entire section of my tomato plant was severely burned, forcing me to move it to a shaded area. The cucumbers, which I had so eagerly awaited, started to turn yellow, then brown, and eventually died. The callaloo, once full of promise, became pale, stunted, and tough. My beans and okra struggled to survive, and even the grapes began to wither, with some vines dying off completely. My heart sank as I watched my garden, once full of life, fade before my eyes.

In the midst of it all, I stood in my garden and prayed, “Lord, I’ve done my part. I don’t know what’s happening, but I leave it in Your hands.” Despite the challenges, I continued to water and tend to my plants daily, hoping for a turnaround.

What’s Thriving

Thankfully, not all was lost. The sweet potatoes I planted have taken over the entire area and have even made their way onto my neighbor’s step! I pray they’re doing well underground, and I’ll find out when it’s time to harvest in late September to early October. I’m excited to try the leaves in a salad or steamed, which will be a first for me.

My bell peppers are thriving, and they’ve started to bear fruit. I can’t wait to harvest them.

Growing watermelon has always been a goal of mine. In the past, I planted them too late, and only a few ever started growing, never reaching full maturity before fall. This year, I got an early start. While they began strong, they’re now struggling a bit. Several watermelons have started to grow, though two didn’t make it. I’m hoping at least one will reach maturity—fingers crossed!

The tomatoes are coming in, though not as abundantly as I’d hoped. But given everything that’s happened, I’m grateful for what I have.

The strawberries did great, giving us a bountiful spring harvest. The blackberries were exceptional—we harvested so many, and the tree is still loaded. Unfortunately, just a few days ago, I noticed the tree suddenly turned brown, and so did the blackberries.

A few weeks ago, the okra and bean plants were vibrant, then they began to struggle. Thankfully, the recent rain seems to have revived them—they’re looking better and have even started to flower.

I also planted four apple seeds, and all of them sprouted! They’re growing so fast. If anyone has tips on how to keep them from getting too big (since they’re in pots), please share!

Reflections

I’m beginning to think that the changing climate is making it harder to grow plants like we used to. The bug infestations certainly didn’t help. Despite all the challenges, I’m still thankful to God for what He’s provided for my family and me through our little garden.

Please let me know if you’ve had issues with bugs or the quality of your harvest this season. And don’t forget to share your successes too!

Bye the way, the bugs are slowly going away now that summer is near its end.

God bless.