People and Berries and Bears, Oh My!

There may be snow in the corners of our backyard but in my living room window the tiny tom tomatoes are beginning to ripen. It's been a slow process. We've had more cloudy days than expected. This is the time of the year when I anticipate reading about black bears wandering into town looking for a snack after waking from their long sleep. So far, no stories, which is probably good for the bears as people bear confrontations within city limits often results in the bears getting shot.

I've written about this confrontation before and suggested that we need to share the wealth with the bears and all the other beings who inhabit the ecosystem we call home. In northern Ontario berries are a summer delight and not just fro humans. Bears rely on them to help them fatten up for the winter hibernation.

I know blueberries, in particular are wonderful when picked in the wild but consider, either growing your own or buying them locally. There is a wide range of berries that you could add to your family food garden. I've even try growing blueberries indoors but have so far had little luck. I can small blossoms but no berries. I'm thinking about using 4 plants instead of 2 next year and putting them in a large tub. This will take up considerable space in an already crowded room, but I want to know if I can successfully grow them. I always allow for a certain amount of experimentation in my overall growing plan. This enables me to have some fun, learn something and grow food all at the same time.

Of course, if you don't want to or can't grow your own, you may want to consider try picking your own. This way you get fresh fruit while working in someone else's field. Whatever, you choose to do remember the other beings who relish the same treats you do.

If you have a plot in a community garden and there is room for a common garden, you may want to suggest to the garden committee that berries be treated as a common crop so that everyone can benefit from their bounty when its picking time. It could a great time to work together, have lunch and swap berry recipes.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic