“Distribute the Surplus”

Permaculture….a series of founding principles for gardening and life.

This week was the Great Tomato Give-away. Because I love to experiment with new varieties and colors,  I always purchase and plant far more seed than I will be able to use. The first year, it was accidental. I just did not think “Where am I going to plant 85 tomatoes in two ten by four raised beds?” I planted, bumped up, pulled out the ones I wanted—and decided to give the rest away. Everyone was thrilled; my selection was more varied than theirs, so I introduced variety to the neighborhood. Since, then, I have “over-planted” every year. But, not really. I give away tomatoes on sunny afternoons in late April. I receive far more four inch pots than I send off, jam and green beans in jars, and a karmic blessing on the garden. It seems to be a fair trade. Which is good, because I realized a few nights ago, that I  way overplanted cabbages and broccoli.