We grew onions the size of softballs, harvested mushrooms from straw, and accidentally bred watermelons that tasted like cucumbers. It wasn’t perfect—but it was unforgettable.
There’s something grounding about tucking a garden in for winter. As we wrap up the 2025 season, I can’t help but look back on all the experiments. There were victories and “well, that didn’t work” moments from our biggest garden yet. From one-pound onions to hybrid mishaps, it’s been a year full of growth in more ways than one.
Strong Starts and Small Wins
This year, we tried something new—consistent weeding. Just fifteen minutes each evening turned the chaos of past summers into tidy, thriving rows. It wasn’t perfect, but it felt like real progress. Small, steady habits made a big difference.
The Stars of the Season
Our onions stole the show. Started from seed, they matured into hefty red and yellow bulbs, some weighing over a pound. They’ll serve us well through the winter. It’s hard not to feel proud knowing how far they came from those tiny seeds.
We also are running a few fun experiments. Carrots will overwinter right in the garden under a thick layer of straw. The celery turned out beautifully—tall, green, and crisp—and I’m exploring ways to preserve it for soups and sauces. We even grew oyster mushrooms on straw, then added the spent substrate to enrich our Three Sisters garden beds.
Natural Harmony: The Three Sisters Garden
The corn, beans, and squash worked together like old friends. The corn stood tall. The beans climbed gracefully up the stalks. The squash spread wide, shading the soil and keeping weeds away. Watching that ancient partnership in motion felt like seeing teamwork at its best.
Tomato Chaos and Watermelon Surprises
Of course, no season is without its blunders. Our tomato patch turned into a jungle. Skipping the trellis was a rookie mistake, and by midsummer, the plants were an impenetrable mass of green. The cherry tomatoes only added to the chaos.
And then there were the watermelons—except they weren’t just watermelons. Somehow, they crossed with cucumbers, resulting in fruits that looked beautiful but tasted dismal. Definitely not something we’ll repeat, but it gave us a good laugh and another lesson in garden genetics.
Beauty, Abundance, and a Helping Hoof
The basil overflowed this year, so we got creative—pesto, basil salt, and enough dried leaves to last till next summer. It was fun sharing armfuls with friends and neighbors.
Cosmos, marigolds, and sunflowers framed the whole garden, drawing pollinators and adding a cheerful backdrop to every harvest. And when our produce exceeded what we could use, our pigs were more than happy to indulge. Nothing went to waste; every harvest found its purpose.
Lessons That Stick
Every season teaches something new. This one reinforced patience, balance, humor, and gratitude. From those oversized onions to the watermelon-cucumber mystery, the garden reminded us that even the oddest outcomes have value.
As we close the gate on this season, I’m thankful for muddy hands. I appreciate the full baskets and the quiet wisdom that comes from working close to the soil.
Your Turn
What garden surprises or “oops” moments stood out for you this year? Did something unexpected turn into a favorite memory? Share your stories in the comments below!
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