Mulch

“Foolish dreamers live in a world of illusion; wise realists plant their feet on the ground.” (Proverbs 14:18 MSG)

Spreading a layer of mulch in your vegetable garden can improve your yield significantly. A blanket of mulch insulates the soil, cuts down on weeds, and reduces erosion. Bags of store-bought mulch can get costly. With a little ingenuity, you can make quality mulch from materials that you have on hand. Broken branches and shrubbery can be put through a wood chipper to make mulch. Grass clippings, pine needles, leaves, and straw can be scattered between rows of plants. Compost made from kitchen scraps can add nutrients to the soil. A lot of what we think of as useless waste may have value. 

Over the years, I have pursued many dreams and illusions. These experiences, achievements, desires, and possessions appeared important at the time. Now, they seem foolish. Yet, even what I think of as useless waste may have value.

Everything can be processed and used as mulch. The detritus from the past can be worked into current thoughts and choices. This insulates against impulsivity, cuts down on gullibility, and reduces recklessness. It enables us to plant our feet on the solid ground and grow in wisdom.