Fern and Fog

Last year we grew things in two places: the townhouse and the farm. Between the two, my dad grew enough tomatoes to feed an entire town, and I’m not being dramatic. We canned a ridiculous amount, made soup starter, froze even more, and were still picking into October like it was our job.

At home, we focused on plants we actually use. Calendula, chamomile, bee balm, rue, sage, basil, rosemary, and catnip. I planted dill too, which turned into an unexpected swallowtail caterpillar situation (worth it, honestly).

What we’re not doing again: squash and beets. They grew, but they were hard, weedy, and squash bugs suck ass. Lesson learned.

Native plants, though? Fully sold. They worked, they behaved, and they made sense. I’m already planning additions for next year, even though it’s not quite January 2026 yet. Some habits stick.