I spoke to my dad on the phone just now. By our terms it was a long call – 30 minutes or so. I thought I would capture his advice on gardening. He is the master of the garden. He said his favorite vegetables to plant are tomatoes followed by potatoes, corn, cucumbers, zucchini, broccoli, squash and of course pumpkins. Carrots were in there somewhere I think.
Advice for vegetable to plant in Alaska as follows:
Tomatoes: Try to use Glacier, Fantastic and Sweet fantastic. He suggested planting different kinds in groups of two. Best if planted up against a wall as this would provide more warmth. Plant in 2 foot deep x 2 foot wide hole. Mix top soil with peat moss (approx 50/50). Include organic fertilizer (1/2 hand full). Evidently peat moss holds the water. Expect about 4 weeks to full maturity (by Vashon standards in any case). Potatoes: Butterball and Yukon Gold. Best if purchased as seedlings.
He told me he wanted to give me his carrot seeds as he had just purchased them and did not want them to go to waste. Daddy said he wished he were here to help me plant. It seemed to be said in sincere earnest. He has talked of visiting my home for the last 18 years. Perhaps I never sincerely invited him.
It was a surreal conversation interrupted several times as he asked the nurse for more morphine. He was moved into hospice care last week. He said he is looking forward to what is to come – certainly as compared to what is. He said he loves all 5 of us (kids) equally. ..several times. He spoke of gardens and memorials.
I do kind of feel like planting…. glacier tomatoes and butter ball potatoes.
Desperate Pursuit 