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So, in the first 23 years of my life I believe I probably mowed three or four lawns(poorly) and never glanced at a garden or even dared to eat anything out of one. Then I was sent to Booneville correctional center where I obtained a job in the garden. This is a decent sized deal(3 acres) with all kinds of crap, about thirty different crops throughout the year. They donate the food to various pantries and food banks in central Missouri through the Restorative Justice Program and average 45,000 pounds donated a year.
The very first week I started the three leadmen in the garden got fired for suspicion of drug peddling, and there I was all alone left to get this big ass thing started. The first part of year one it looked like crap. The lines were all wrong, the strawberries were planted too late, the radishes and corn weren't growing right and the damn grass around everything was even poorly maintained. Later that year my skills improved through trial and error and it ended up being successful thanks largely in part to huge pumpkins and watermelons. 48,500 lbs.
Year two I was on one. Everything was pristine, I was out there 12 hours a day, so tan I looked Mexican. Year end total was a record for a Missouri prison garden, 67,000 lbs. Everything ran smooth and looked great. Warden came through and told my boss he'd never seen the garden look so easy on the eyes.
So, I think I found something I enjoy and am good at. I just wish I could find a way to apply in out here.
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