My grandpa is a backyard garden veteran, growing vegetables and fruits out of his home since he was young. When my grandparents lived in Hilo, I remember visiting them in the summer. My cousins and I would run through his anthurium plants past the vegetables, sometimes help pick tangerines, and earn 5 cents for every slug we speared. As far as I can remember, he always grew his own lettuce, tomatoes, green onions and radishes to name a few. Being a kid, I only cared about running around the plants, climbing down their gulch, and playing slip and slide on their driveway. I didn't truly appreciate the importance and value of growing and eating from their own backyard.
Now as we fast forward 15 years and I look back on these experiences, I finally understand the importance of sustainability and the value of growing your own produce. About 6 years ago, my grandparent moved to my parents house on Oahu. It was an adjustment for them as they had to make new friends, join different activities, and most of all, live with their children all over again. However, one thing that grandpa kept consistent is raising a backyard garden. He currently grows asparagus, soy beans, bush beans, tomatoes, herbs, flowers, radish, bok choy, and lettuce. These vegetables are a great addition to family dinners, get togethers, and everyday cooking.
In January, I was able to document his plant process as he prepared, planted, and grew bush beans. It was a great learning experience for me. I am inspired to one day start small and grow a small garden where I live. Having a backyard garden is a great way to help our environment and truly eat organic.
Thank you grandpa for your inspiring deeds. We all need a green thumb like you. :-)
Please watch as grandpa shows us how he prepares, plants, and harvests bush beans.
