Things started off slow and frustrating over at our new community food forest. Between low seed germination rates and the discovery of flood areas within our melon patch, I was seriously questioning my decision to put this lot into production. I’ve seeded this new area three times, put in a valiant effort in the war against the weeds, and been hauling water to keep the soil cool and moist.

If our neighbors didn’t already think I’m a total weirdo, it was affirmed by my excited squeal at the sight of trailing plants and bursting yellow buds in the food forest.

Upon closer inspection, I found that some of the melon plants had started setting fruit! (I don’t think I’ll ever get over how teeny-tiny watermelons start off.) I really wanted the community food forest to have something to offer the neighborhood this season. I’m grateful that nature agreed.