Summertime Gardening with a Veteran

As the warm summer sun beats down and the soil beckons, many of us homesteaders and gardeners are eager to get our hands dirty and coax bountiful harvests from our beloved plots. However, for those of us who have proudly served our country in the armed forces, the joys of summertime gardening can take on an even deeper, more profound meaning.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with my good friend and fellow veteran, to glean her insight on the unique intersection of military service and the art of growing food. As a lifelong gardener and a board-certified veterinarian, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to this topic.

"Gardening has always been a passion of mine, even during my time in the military," She shared. "There's something incredibly grounding and therapeutic about getting your hands in the soil and watching your hard work transform into something nourishing and beautiful."

For many veterans, the transition back to civilian life can be a challenging one, marked by the need to find new sources of purpose, community, and mental well-being. She believes that summertime gardening can play a crucial role in this process.

"When you've experienced the intensity and high-stakes nature of military service, the relative tranquility of the garden can be a true balm for the soul," she explained. "There's a sense of control and autonomy that comes with tending to your own plot of land, and the physical labor can be incredibly cathartic."

Moreover, the act of cultivating edible crops can provide a tangible sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency – qualities that many veterans deeply crave after the structure and clear-cut objectives of military life.

"Watching those first seedlings emerge and then harvesting the fruits of your labor is immensely rewarding," she said. "It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, you have the power to nourish yourself and your community."

For veterans like my friend, gardening also offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature and find solace in the rhythms of the natural world. "There's something deeply grounding about being outside, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of a thriving garden," she remarked. "It's a chance to slow down, reflect, and find a sense of peace that can be so elusive in the hustle and bustle of everyday life."

As we move through the peak of the summer growing season, I encourage all of my fellow veteran gardeners to embrace the therapeutic and empowering benefits of tending to the land. Whether you're cultivating a lush vegetable patch, a vibrant flower garden, or a thriving orchard, know that you are honoring both your service and your connection to the natural world.

And to those veterans who are new to the world of gardening, I extend a warm invitation to give it a try. With the guidance and camaraderie of fellow, green-thumbed, veterans like my friend, you just might discover a newfound source of purpose, healing, and community. Happy gardening, my friends!