Is Gardening worth the Work?
By byfaithonly
@byfaithonly (10698)
United States
August 20, 2008 8:31am CST
I had actually planned to post this discussion yesterday but got so excitted about my herb garden it got put on the back burner, LOL little pun there:)
First let me say I do have a huge garden this year, in number of plants and seeds I put in that is. Besides the pleasure of working in the garden and eating fresh produce from the garden the other benifit of gardening is having food to last through the winter.
As a result of that I can and freeze alot this year. Monday my project was canning tomatoes which I will also be doing today because those tomatoe plants just keep kicking out the tomatoes and we do need more for the winter months.
What struck my mind Monday was looking at the counter as I prepared to do some canning. I go through this routine for each batch of canning and it works for me. If you look at the picture my 'production line' actually goes from left to right and back to the right.
Far right largest pot for doing hot water bath after the tomatoes are in their jars from there in order are: pan of boiling water to dip tomatoes in then next pan of ice water where they go next, this cracks the skins and makes them easy to peel. A bowl with strainer drains extra water off the tomatoes. Next pan is where I peel and core the tomatoes - this will be taken to the chickens and goats who love the 'junk'. Red pan is where I drain most of the juice off and out of the tomatoes - this juice will also be canned and used for chili mainly. The last pan is where the tomatoes go to wait to be cooked.
After all the tomatoes are peeled, cored, chopped, drained, cooked, put in canning jars and lids put on they go into the big blue pot where they boil for 35 minutes. Remove the jars, whip and label and they will store for the winter:) I on the other hand have a huge mess to clean up and all those pans to wash:)
Is all this worth it? I think so, not only do I have the joy of growing the plants but I am providing food for my family, I know what is in those jars - no extra junk I can't pronounce, and I just love hearing those jars 'pop' when the lid seals:)
So, for discussion:) Is there something you do for your own pleasure or for the good of your family that some people or even you yourself think is just a huge amount of work and/or mess?
Do you can anything? If so what? Have you ever canned or will you try it in the future?
I'm off to the garden to pick more tomatoes to can, some corn for dinner and to take to my son, and most likely do some more watering as it has been horribly dry this year.
5 people like this
26 responses
@cjsmom (1423)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I love to garden but haven't done much of it in my life. Our land isn't good for vegetables because it's part sand part dirt and very uneven. I'd like to figure out a way to grow vegetables in large plastic tubs; I know it can be done. I've also heard that you can grow veggies upside-down anchored to a tree.
I would love to be able to grow my own veggies and can them; I've made homemade BBQ sauce and canned it before but would really like to have canned vegetables.
I'm proud of you Faith in how well you're doing with your gardening. Keep up the good work!
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
Check your library and see if you can find the book "Square Foot Gardening" - I have it but it's really old and very very used. If you can't find it give me a yell and maybe I could 'Loan' it to you for a bit. Example is a tomatoe only needs 1 square foot of dirt to grow - as do things like peppers, cauliflower, broccoli and much more.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Aug 08
You may have a hard time finding it but the system is wonderful and it really helps to have the book - we got ours over 20 years ago though, the author had a weekly TV show that was all about gardening.
@biggerb (2024)
• India
20 Aug 08
I love gardening.i have more ornamental plants and a huge lawn,just a small patch of vegetable garden.I do not get a regular supply of vegetables but its not too bad.Atleast I have all the herbs and i dont have to go hunting for them in the market.Gardening for me is a hobby which keeps me engaged for hours.I do not preserve or do any canning because I do not have anything much to do it.I have never tried my hand at it.I feel gardening is really worth the work.It gives me alot of satisfaction to see my garden in full bloom when there is not much of flowers I make sure its all spruced up and it looks clean and presentable.I get a lot compliments when people drop by and i feel very proud about the way I have kept my garden.There was nothing when I moved into this house.I gradually made this garden and now when I see people stopping by or slowing down their cars to get a glimpse of it or trying to take photographs from outside I feel really good that I worked at it to have a good garden.I can spend hours in my garden it is a fulfilling hobby.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
Isn't it fun when others recognize your labor? When we lived in Texas years back my 2 oldest sons raised rabbits which ment I had an abundance of natural furtilizer. I actually had people walking by ask if they could walk through my back yard to see all the plants both flowers and veggies. I too love to spend hours in my garden.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I also have neighbors that love to see my garden.
it isn't neat nor very organized though.
I also go next door to check out the neighbors garden a lot.
A great feeling knowing others enjoy just seeing the gardens.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
2 people like this
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I think it is worth the effort to can fresh veggies..I use to do a lot of canning myself...I use to have my Mom and we canned all day long...I have not canned to much since my Mom passed away..I did can some fig perserves 2 years ago.To tell you the truth i love canning..My husband grew tomatoes one year,he only had about 4 tomato plants and you would not believe the tomatoes we got from those plants.I think we canned 70 pint jars of tomatoes,and oh they are sooooooooo much better than what you can buy at the store..I also canned some salsa in jars and when i opened a jar people just loved that salsa..I think it is well worth the effort.I have canned jelly and all kinds of perserves as well..I might just make me a garden in the fall with cabbage and greens..I love a garden,granted it is work but nothing is better than lining up all your jars & looking at your work.I was sooo proud of my canned goods..Not only is it rewarding but it always gave me a satisfaction of seeing all my efforts....My Mom always had a garden and oh the fun we had,plus we enjoyed the effort so much.I will never forget the bonding between Mom & i on the adventures...
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I was the same way with my Mom - special times. Now I'm getting back into canning and gardening Mom is really excited and gets a thrill out of every time I come to the house - I surprise her with whatever I have at the time. She doesn't have a garden but buys produce from the local farm market and does some canning.
LOL - I have cabbage coming out of my ears right now :)
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
20 Aug 08
I confess I am not really good at gardening.Then again I also don't have the space for it. We could plant something in the back yard, but it's my in-laws part mostly so we prefer not to.
However even if I had the space I'm not sure if I would do it because I seem to be hopeless when it comes to gardening LOL
When I was in my apartment we had a small terrace and I did plant some peppers in those big plastic pails as well as parsley etc. It worked nicely for us but hubby took care of it for the most part.
Even though I don't have both the space and even the inclination to plant tomatoes, I usually do some canning as well. I buy it when there's lots of tomato, thus cheaper , and make enough to go trough the winter when it's a bit more expensive. I also prefer it this way rather than to buy in cans that have to have plenty of things I don't even know what they are just to make sure it doesn't go bad. I don't do it with anything else because tomato is what I use the most. SOmetimes I do make some jam and jelly but not always.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I used to make jam and jelly every year but the stuff that goes in it started getting so expensive it was cheaper to buy the off brands - note, I have been a single mother of 4 for 17 years.
When my ex-mother-in-law was still alive we always went to the orchard to get apples for apple sauce and strawberries for jelly. I had tons of blackberries, mint, and she had tons of everything else. My grandma and I did peaches a few years also. I love the home canned fruits so much more also.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
21 Aug 08
I'll have to see how things go this year - may have to get back to making jelly myself, grape and strawberry are my favorite.
1 person likes this
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
21 Aug 08
I love jams and jellies, but I can't stand the ones we buy. SO I either make even if it's just a bit or I prefer not to have at all :)
I wait until they're in season and cheaper and then buy. I use the apples both for jam and jelly and sometimes I buy quince it's really good for .. I don't know the name in english we call it marmelada. It's kind of a more dry fruit jam.
THis year we didn't have much luck with strawberries, but I already made some peach, and I think I made a bit of apple jam for my mom.
1 person likes this
@mflower2053 (3223)
• United States
21 Aug 08
oh man that is so good. I love fresh tomato sauce so much more then store bought. My garden didn't do too well. We did more herbs then anything else and my husband said he would cut them and dry them out but didn't and now they are all dying. I wanted something that would grow and I could go pick off of the plant and eat. We have a canalope growing which I am very excited about. I would really like to grow a pumpkin or 2 if I could but I think I thought about it too late. Not sure. As you can tell I don't know much about gardening. I'm just winging it. lol
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Aug 08
I'm thinking if you started them soon that you could get some pumpkin this year but I don't think in time for Holloween but you never know. A little trick I learned was give them a mini-greenhouse to get them started. I've found that large Sunny Delight bottles work best but any plastic bottle will help. Just cut the bottom out of the empty bottle, leave the cap off and set it over your seeds or young plants. It helps keep the heat and moisture in, helps keep pests and pets out, and you don't forget just where you put the seeds (I have done that before and ended up digging up what I had already planted)
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
21 Aug 08
As far as pumpkins it would depend on where you live - I'm in Michigan and am seeing I planted my pumpkins too early in the year which is hard to believe here but I have a ton of pumpkins that are orange and nearly ready to harvest - my vines are dying off for the year. I'm not possitive but I think they take 3-4 months of warm (above 60) weather.
LOL - I wing most every thing I do just I've been winging it for over 50 years :)
@mflower2053 (3223)
• United States
22 Aug 08
thanks. I am pretty sure it will be above 60 for a while so I might have to go get my pumpkin plant this weekend. We live in Louisiana. Thanks for the information.
1 person likes this
@irishidid (8688)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I tried gardening some years ago. It did not go well, but it wasn't a horrible experience. At least I ended up with some things. Cukes grow like crazy and I found okra easy to grow as were the beans. Other things looked pretty darn pathetic.
After the husband tilled it I did pretty much on my own with only my toddler daughter who got to put the seeds in the tiny holes I made. It was about impossible to tell grass from garden. I wanted the top area of sod removed from the area and then tilled. Instead it ended up being a guessing game. I refused to do a garden the next year being pregnant with my son. If I couldn't get any one to help it wasn't worth my time.
I have been thinking about a garden again, but it would have to be an inside garden.
2 people like this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
Oh yes, fresh tilled garden space where sod has been tilled in is a chore - I've been all spring and summer fighting the battle but just keep telling my self next year it won't be so bad, thankfully.
Best to do is just start small and each year add a little more space - you will know how much is enough but you and your family can still benifit from what you grow. My 3 year old granddaughter has given herself the name 'Garden Girl' she helps grandma alot in the garden and loves it, even telling her older brother what things are and 'don't step on that' or 'don't pick that' :) she's darling.
@sweetdesign (5142)
• United States
23 Aug 08
I love gardening and canning. I have canned tomatoes and pickles and green tomato pickles and a lot of other stuff this year and will be canning even more cause we garden all year round here in FL. I just started new seeds. I have baby plants coming up from zuchinni and bush beens. I think it is so worth the effort cause I, like you, like to know what is in the food I serve my family and the more I can control that (yeah I am a control freak) the better I feel. I like that I can grow some of our own food. It gives you a real sense of accomplishment.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Aug 08
Today I am really wondering - I just finished putting up 10 gallons of cabbage (in the freezer). That was only 7 of the 16 heads of cabbage I have/had. I also used some to make a big batch of cole slaw - first time I've ever made it totally from scratch but oh oh is it ever good. We have both green and red cabbage so it's really pretty too :)
@kiwikidz (753)
• New Zealand
21 Aug 08
Hi, I used to bottle my fruit and tomatoes years ago, but now live in a flat so only have a wee garden. I have planted some lovely flowers and am looking forward to seeing them show in the garden as it is just coming into Spring here in New Zealand. I have brightened it up with lots of lights and figurines so it gives it a lovely look.
Keep up the good work in your garden I'm sure it must be great to be able to eat your "fruits of your labour".
God Bless.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
22 Aug 08
I have a lot of flower beds also but afraid with the dry weather we've been having they haven't done too well this year - my sunflowers are starting to bloom now. From the garden tonight we had cherry tomatoes, corn on the cob, and watermelon for desert - BBQ ribs were the only thing not grown right here at home :)
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
23 Aug 08
I believe gardening is completely worth the work. How lucky your family is to have all those yummy tomatoes throughout the year due to your hard work.
Having healthy food available to you is a great perk, but all the exercise you get from working the garden as well as the mental benefits of working with earth. I hope you have a happy healthy year due to all your work.
1 person likes this
@sweetdesign (5142)
• United States
23 Aug 08
Oh how wonderful. I know that was a whole lot of work but think how much better it is for your family than buying the stuff in the store.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Aug 08
Thank you dear - today I was really wondering. Did tomato sauce today everything came from the garden but I was at it for nearly 8 hours for 13 quarts. It sure did smell good though :)
@snowy22315 (169979)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I dont really work that much at gardening except for alittle ocassional weeding and watering. I kind of let it do it's own thing. I think it is definitely worth it now adays with the cost of produce. I am preparing to plant my fall crop as we speak.
I think it is really fun to watch the garden grow. I've never tried canning, but I amight try it next year if I have enough produce and time to do it.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
Sometimes particularly in the evening after a hard day I love to just set and look at the garden - I even had my grandchildren doing it when they were here "Watching the garden grow" there's something relaxing about it.
I was amazed to find the number of people who are taking up gardening and canning because of the cost and the dangers of store bought produce. I think we will see more and more people going back to the 'old ways' of doing things.
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
21 Aug 08
I guess it depends on why you're doing it, and only you can answer whether it's worth it to you.
Someone that works full time, can afford fresh vegetables from the farmer's market, and doesn't like working outside is likely to see gardening as a real chore and no, I doubt it would be worth it.
For someone that is having a tough time making ends meet and loves fresh vegetables, it most definitely is worth it.
Someone that wants to put good food into their family without all the chemicals sprayed on or poured into the ground from things they buy at the store, it is most definitely worth it.
Someone that has either no money or way to get out and enjoy other hobbies, but they enjoy seeing things grow, it is most definitely worth it.
I fit the profile of the last three statements, so yea, it is worth it to me.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
21 Aug 08
:) same here for all those reasons - sounds silly but I love digging in the dirt and the canning is like the final step in the process, just doesn't seem complete until I get to that point.
@fluffnflowers (1594)
• United States
20 Aug 08
It's definitely worth the work! Homemade tomato sauce tastes soooo much better than storebought cans. I haven't been feeling too well, recently, so I've just been drying the tomatoes we've been picking. I use dried tomatoes a lot, when I'm cooking, so it'll be nice to have them this winter. I sure will miss the tomato sauce, though!
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I've never dried tomatoes - how do you do it and what do you use them in. I would almost think you could use them in place of tomatoe sauce.
@fluffnflowers (1594)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I just slice them up and throw them on the dehyrdrator trays. After a few hours, they're nice and crunchy and go into a jar. I usually use them in things like muffins, throw them in with sauces, omelets, quesadillas, etc. I have soaked them and pureed them in water for ketchup, before, and also made tomato paste out of them.
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I am going to have to try this once my herbs are out of the dehydrator - started those yesterday :) This really sounds easy, you don't skin them or anything?
@applegirl (11)
• China
21 Aug 08
I love gardening work. There is a small garden arond my house,my parents planted some plants in different seasons. Sometimes,when I stay at home,I help them do gardening work. When I saw the green plants, green vegetables,I really feel cheerful,it is not only a feeling of happiness but also a feeling of satisefy.SO I want to say to you: it's worthy of doing it! come on!
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
21 Aug 08
I don't know what it is but when I'm working in the garden, even just pulling weeds, I get a great feeling of relaxing, a peacefullness seems to come over me. I can't imagine life without a garden even if just a very small one.
@applegirl (11)
• China
22 Aug 08
Hi! I'm so glad you have the same feeling with me. But I want to say that a garden around my house is not very small like you imagine.I think it will get large more and more in future, just because all of my families love working in the garden and sharing the sense of harvest.
@thestar (304)
• Egypt
23 Aug 08
sure it worth why not you could do every thing you wish in you garden and planet everything you care about it or need it in you kitchen also you could planet very nice flowers with good smell sure it worth every minute you spend it there dear friend have a nice time and happy posting.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
23 Aug 08
That's how I feel - my gardens both veggie and flowers are special to me and canning produce is nothing but an extention of the garden.
@ali136 (199)
• United States
20 Aug 08
Nowadays with the cost of food going up, I believe it is worth the effort. If you think about it, it really isn't a lot of work for saving possibly hundreds in food cost. I have not canned for my family, but I used to help my mom can. We just bought our first house, and next year I plan on having a huge garden and canning and freezing will come with it. I almost can't wait for the work. The pleasure of being able to provide healthy food for my family is so worth it!
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
Congratulations on your new home - I pray you will have many many happy years in it. In answer to your question up above I'm in Michigan, southern Michigan, and honestly don't plan on a fall crop. What I have now will keep me busy well into fall plus I have pumpkins I'll be selling and tons of gourds I'll be drying and making into different craft projects such as birdhouses.
@venshida (4836)
• United States
20 Aug 08
Gardening is worth it, I do not have a vegetable garden. I am busy working towards getting one. I think just knowing there are no pesticide etc into your food is reason enough. With all the scares about imported food, it is worth it to grow your own. I have never canned, but I definately will when my vegetable garden become a reality.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
21 Aug 08
When I first feel in love with gardening there weren't any 'scares' but as years have gone by I am very thankful that I have a 'hobby' I love doing that is both enjoyable and benificial.
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
21 Aug 08
I used to have a garden, I have a small fruit garden now, but I did not can the tomatoes, I froze them, and I also made spaghetti sauce and put them in jars and put them in the freezer. I did not have a big canning pan just a double boiler. But I do not live out in the country. When I had to do telemarketing and delivering fliers to make money (having been cheated out of an inheritance) my husband decided to put the garden into grass. I guess some think that me writing is a waste of time, since my name is not on Amazon.com. My husband said it was, that why write a novel? But now he is listening to his radio plays, he does not complain anymore.
I guess it is because I am writing a novel with lots of sword play, bad guys, and not some literary work. 
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
21 Aug 08
It's too bad that people around us don't appreciate our dreams but it seems to be common place. I am blessed to a few people who support me in my writing but at the same time they are not paying the bills and I know how it is to have to do things we don't enjoy to make money - I'm in much the same boat and will soon be doing the same as you, whatever I can to make money.
@Annie2 (594)
• United States
20 Aug 08
When I was in my early twenties, I used to raise a garden and do canning and freezing. It was a lot of work, but it seemed like I had more time as well as more energy back then. I should have done a garden this summer, but I was focused on other things. I am definitely considering gardening and canning and freezing next year. With the way the prices of everything is going up, I feel it is going to be out of necessity.
A neighbor brought over some fresh tomatoes and cucumbers yesterday and I've really been enjoying those. Our duck really enjoys the scraps from the tomatoes.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I think more and more people are gardening and canning to save on grocery prices - it really does make a difference in the bills and I don't care what they say it's better for you.
I do know what you mean about the energy though - with the heat and huge garden this summer I am exhausted all the time.
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
21 Aug 08
It seems to me you have gone so far in your gardening. Imagine you are now even canning. You're wonderful. I wish I have a garden as huge and as plentious as you have and I wish I also have all the time in this world to do just like you do. I love plants and those that yield fruits and vegetables and even flowers are really worth all the time. Imagine, you are just picking those corns and tomatoes! If I wanna eat those, I have to buy! But newly picked ones are far fresher and better than those in the market. Hmmm! You are so blessed. I am happy for you. I wish one of these days I can also own a bigger garden. Maybe when I retire from my job. Thank you for giving me an idea and inspiration.
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
21 Aug 08
I am blessed to be working from home right now so can spend lots of time in my garden and preserving the produce. I am going to have to return to the working world though and fear for my garden that I won't have so much time or energy for it. I will still do it all but will have to I'm afriad get much more organized than I am right now.
@StarChild517 (657)
• United States
20 Aug 08
I love gardening my grandmother has a huge veggie garden along with a flower garden shes even let me use a area of her garden to grow some herbs it is totally worth every minute of it
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
20 Aug 08
Oh that is so nice of your grandmother, I miss mine dearly, we used to do a lot of things together. She's been gone 4 years now but I still plant a flat of patunias every year for her - she loved them.
I posted a discussion yesterday about my herb garden you may be interested in - I'm making my own Italian seasoning right now :)
