Let’s talk about getting our hands dirty. The last two years many East coasters tried their hand at gardening because of the pandemic (so many raised garden boxes!) but that isn’t anything new in the Fraser household. As a family we decided to make it goal of ours to teach our children where our food comes from, to respect the land and appreciate what amount of work that goes into it. Farming and gardens thrive on the East coast, from potatoes to blueberries the possibilities are endless.
Lately I have noticed a huge interest in homesteading. Chicken coops are popping up in neighbours backyards, you can stock up on produce at the local farmer’s market or keep your eye open for people selling fresh rhubarb, yellow beans or smelts (during the winter) on the side of the road! Many of us have tomato plants growing on the patio. Once they are ripe they’re perfect for homemade salsa, pickling or a fresh toasted tomato sandwich. Having the knowledge to grow your own food is potentially a lost skill in this generation.
“Papa always said to plant your garden after the first full moon in June then there shouldn’t be any frost and fertilizer is your friend.”
Tanya McEachern (my aunt) quoting her grandfather. Above you can see some of her produce pictured.
Growing up in rural New Brunswick, it seemed like everyone had a garden. Our neighbours, relatives and friends had some variation of a green thumb. Swapping gardening tips or passing along advice that came from grandparents and hearing about how our ancestors worked the land to survive. My grandparents always had a large garden and us grandchildren had an endless supply of vegetables for the picking. I swear, you haven’t tasted a carrot properly unless it’s been freshly pulled from the earth and rinsed off with the garden hose. My grandfather who’s family has worked the land in Tabusintac, New Brunswick since the late 1700s carried on the practice of covering the garden at the end of the season with seaweed. Seaweed is a slow release fertilizer. Using crushed oyster or lobster shell as fertilizer was and still is common.
“Well wed, watered and work the earth.”
Helen McEachern (My grandmother)
This year we are taking advantage of the wild raspberries on our property, hopefully with some luck and good weather they will flourish! Along with our blueberry and blackberry bushes we hope to have a great variety at our disposal. Our goal is to have a plentiful garden and greenhouse in the future, so stay tuned for our progress! Have any tips you’d like to share? Feel free to comment below!
Living East 
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