The Power of Observation

When we put our attention and our powers of observation onto something, we imbue it with our energy.  We begin to see through the veil of separation.  We can use all of our senses with our minds wide open.  And perhaps learn something.

There are some basic principles that apply to everyone who wants to grow nutrient-dense food

• Use only life-affirming methods. Abandon the use of toxic chemicals and poisons. Cause life to flourish.
• Use your powers of observation. This may require getting down on hands and knees. Or standing back and squinting. Or not listening to the story in your head. A small stool to sit on quietly in the garden is one of our favorite tools.
• Do what works and be cautious. And observe, observe, observe.
• Find out everything you can about your own situation.

Be curious! As you understand more about your own place, you become more a part of it.

• What are the limiting factors? Extreme temperatures? Lack or overabundance of water? Fertility? Shade? Drainage? Bugs? Gophers? Wind? Occasional hailstorms or troops of monkeys?
• What are the biggest advantages? Close to the kitchen? Wide open possibilities? Balmy summer nights?
• How does your growing style fit into the larger community? Will/do you grow mostly for yourself? Or do you share/sell surplus? Do/can you have special crops others don’t grow?
• What was the land like in your great-grandparent’s day? What native plants? What native waterways? Was it forest? Was it wetter then? How many people did it support?
• What is the underlying geology of your area? How was the soil built? By wind? By flooding? By truck? How old is the rock beneath your soil?
• How much rainfall do you get in a year? Over 40″? Under 40″?
• If you irrigate, what’s in your irrigation water? If you are using tap water, your water company may be required to publish a yearly analysis of the water they deliver. Is it full of calcium carbonate (hard)? How much sodium?
• What has the land been used for in the last 100 years? Do you have long-term neighbors who remember?

Dig a hole as deep as you can, just to see what is down there. Is the soil the same all the way down? Are there rocks? Is the soil on top imported (this happens frequently in suburban housing developments)? Do you run into an impermeable layer of clay or rock?