my radish, my roots: a tale of old and new gardens

When I pulled this radish from my backyard, I was instantly transported back to my grandmother’s garden in rural Ohio. The scent of fresh earth, the cool morning air, and the pride of holding something grown by my own hands—it’s a feeling that never gets old. But I can’t help but notice how different gardening feels today. Back then, we grew food out of necessity and tradition, passing down secrets from one wrinkled hand to the next. Now, my daughter’s friends grow hydroponic radishes under LED lights, tracking every sprout on their phones. Sometimes I wonder: are we losing something real in the name of convenience? My radish may not be perfectly shaped, but it carries the taste of memory and the grit of seasons survived. Yet, in our neighborhood, some folks frown on backyard veggies, worried about messy yards or HOA rules. Should we prioritize tidy lawns over the healing joy of growing our own food? As summer storms roll in and the climate grows unpredictable, I find comfort in these small acts of resilience. Maybe it’s time we talk about what we value more: tradition or innovation, beauty or bounty, rules or roots. I’d love to hear your stories—do you grow the old way, or embrace the new? #gardeningmemories #oldvsnew #communitydebate #Gardening