Wild Planting

Potatoes will grow anywhere there is a bit of good soil, some sunshine and water. Between our professional lives in Alberta and driving back and forth purchasing seed and equipment, and getting field crops in the ground etc., we did not have a lot of time for getting a vegetable garden in this year. There was a heap of disturbed soil in the backyard and raw ground. It was pretty ugly, but the gardener in me saw a garden waiting to happen. I quickly chucked in nine pounds of Norland seed potatoes 3–4 inches below the surface and some extra corn, peas, beans and wildflower seeds to reclaim what could have easily turned into a muddy mess this spring.

By late July, we enjoyed our first potatoes from the ‘wild garden,’ the wildflowers added beauty, and the beans, corn and peas are coming on. With no watering, not much weeding or any extra attention, we have a great looking crop of taters!

We did the same in a sand box in front yard. The herb gardener in me saw a kitchen garden. I quickly planted lettuces, radishes, onions, dill, pansies, bee balm and nasturtiums, all of which have grown with no extra watering or assistance from me. If you have no time to garden, maybe you should try wild planting and see what happens.

—a No-Gardening tip from Pam Irving, Alberta