Scripture or Quote:
D&C 59: 16-19
16 Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the afulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth;
17 Yea, and the herb, and the agood things which come of the earth, whether for food or for braiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards;
18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the abenefit and the buse of man, both to please the eye and to cgladden the heart;
19 Yea, for afood and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to bstrengthen the body and to enliven the soul.
Purpose:
President Spencer W. Kimball called upon Latter-day Saints everywhere to produce their own food. For several years, he asked each family to have its own garden. He said: “We encourage you to grow all the food that you feasibly can on your own property. Berry bushes, grapevines, fruit trees—plant them if your climate is right for their growth. Grow vegetables and eat them from your own yard. Even those residing in apartments … can generally grow a little food in pots and planters. Study the best methods of providing your own foods. Make your garden … neat and attractive as well as productive. If there are children in your home, involve them in the process with assigned responsibilities” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 170–71; or Ensign, May 1976, 124).
Opening Song: Faith – CSB 96
Lesson:
When President Kimball asked each of us to grow a garden, he reminded us of the words of the Lord: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
There are good reasons for this counsel from our prophets. Gardening has many benefits. It expands our appreciation of nature. It teaches the family to work together. When we have a garden that produces well, we are not entirely dependent on others for food. We can select crops we like that provide a nutritious diet. Growing our own food gives us the satisfaction of providing for ourselves. We can also trade produce with our neighbors, save money, and help those in need.
Begin with a Plan
Before we can actually plant our gardens, we must make some decisions.
Where to Plant
First we must decide where to plant the garden. A garden needs the best location possible. It will become a valuable piece of land. Choose a sunny location with at least six hours of sunlight each day. Check the soil. Some soil is so sandy that it cannot retain water or so full of clay that water collects in puddles on top and runs through very slowly.
What to Plant
The second decision we will have to make is what to plant. Some gardens have plenty of space; others have only a little. If space is limited, choose crops that grow upward, such as berry vines, pole beans, or tomatoes on stakes. Choose seeds that bear heavily, such as squash and tomatoes, rather than crops, such as radishes, that produce only one fruit or vegetable from a single seed.
Be sure to choose foods that will give your family the nutrients they need. But avoid planting foods they do not like and will not eat. Also be sure to select foods that grow well in your climate and soil.
It is a good idea to draw a map of your garden each year while planning. The same plants should not grow in the same spot year after year. If crops are not alternated, the soil will become poorer and poorer, and crops will not grow well.
When to Plant
Another decision we must make is when to plant. Each food grows best under its most favorable conditions. Some crops grow better in a dry season, while others prefer more water. Some crops—beets, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, onions, peas, and spinach—grow best in cooler weather. Others—beans, corn, melons, squash, and tomatoes—grow best in warmer weather.
As a family decide where your garden will be, what you will plant, and when you will plant it. If it is the time of year to plant, do so! People who live in homes or apartments without yards can still have a garden. Plants can be grown in small pots.
We can show that we love the Lord and trust Him by doing as His prophets have asked us. Each of us will receive blessings if we will plan and prepare our gardens and then care for them so that they will be orderly and produce well. President Kimball counseled: “Keep your lawns and your gardens well-groomed. Whatever your circumstances, let your premises reflect orderliness, beauty, and happiness. Plan well and carry out your plan in an orderly and systematic manner” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 171; or Ensign, May 1976, 125).
Closing Song: The Prophet Said to Plant a Garden – CSB 237
Treat:
For your treat pick some vegetables or fruits that you can grow in a garden. A recipe for a yummy dip is:
Delicious Dip
1/2 cup of shredded cucumber
1 clove of garlic, finely minced (read invisible small pieces)
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil
2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
2 cups of plain yogurt
herbs to taste
1.Wash, peel and shred cucumber.
2.Finely mince the garlic into very small pieces
3.Combine garlic, salt and cucumber in a small bowl.
4.Combine olive oil, lemon juice and yogurt in a medium bowl, stirring to mix well.
5.Add in cucumber/garlic to the yogurt mix.
6.Gently stir to evenly distribute all ingredients.
7.(Optional) Garnish with finely diced dill, mint or parsley.
Use as a dip with veggies, crackers, or torn homemade bread. Delicious and healthy!
Prepared by the Harrisville 2nd Ward EP Committee
Source: www.lds.org
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