first homegrown corn: old ways vs. new gardens
This morning, I picked the first ear of corn from my own backyard—my own strain, saved and replanted year after year. As I peeled back the husk, I remembered my father’s rough hands doing the same in our family’s old garden, the sweet smell of corn silk mixing with the summer air. Back then, neighbors swapped seeds and stories over fences. Now, I see younger folks in our community experimenting with hydroponics and fancy raised beds, chasing higher yields and Instagram likes.
Sometimes I wonder if we’re losing something—maybe the patience to wait for a good harvest, or the joy of sharing a bumper crop with friends. But I also admire their creativity. My corn has weathered late frosts and dry spells, just like me. It’s stubborn, a little rough around the edges, but it tastes like home.
Yet, there’s tension here. Some in our HOA frown at my untidy rows, saying it spoils the neighborhood’s look. Others argue that growing food is a right, especially with food prices climbing. Who decides what’s beautiful or necessary in our gardens? As the seasons shift and storms grow fiercer, I wonder if we’ll cling to old traditions or embrace new ways. Either way, that first bite of corn brings me back—and makes me hope we find common ground, even if our gardens look different.
#homegrowncorn #gardeningdebate #familytradition #Gardening
