2022 is over. They year the just wouldn’t quit. In a year that had a bit of everything and no shortage of climate chaos, I did have some success in the garden and I thought it would be nice to sit down and reflect a little on last year’s growing season as we look ahead to the 2023 growing season.
By far the crop I am happiest with this year are my peppers. I bought some ‘Paprik’ pepper seeds from West Coast Seeds, started them way too early in February (especially given how late spring was), and carefully nursed them along until the heat came. One I thing I learned about starting peppers from seed is that they need a careful combination of gentle heat, steady light, and to be evenly moist without being damp. I recommend using any kind of seeding tray and soil mixture that has good drainage. The satisfaction I got from the nearly year long process of making paprika was actually pretty profound and something that brought me some joy in 2022. I made a video about it if you want to see the whole process.
Before I make a plan for next year, I’m taking the time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t in 2022 (at least in the garden). I posted a video with some thoughts on this year.
A few key things I am asking myself going into the growing season are:
- What is one crop I can add that will thrive in a warm but slightly shaded environment? (i.e. my patio)
- What is something I’ve tried but am ready to let go of?
- What are the climate realities I’m likely to face this year?
- What are things I can grow that other people will like so I can share?
Another goal of mine is to continue to try to get more people involved in growing vegetables and to see if I can’t get some sort of community seed exchange going. In the darkest parts of the last year, what has given me hope is learning about the ways communities can work together to ensure each others food security. Community is the piece I see missing so often from regenerative agriculture and permaculture discussions and I’m excited to learn more. What do you want to learn more about and try this year?
Last Ditch 
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