Why Gardening & Money Are the Same

August 21st, 2008

There are a million gardening cliches, as there are financial ones. And the elements that go into producing a good crop aren’t that different from the principles of prosperity or success:

Think about it: Consistency, wise choices and, honestly, some things that just aren’t in your control.

I can water my tomatoes (consistency), I can plant them in a good place (wise choices) but if the summer is especially hot or we get a crazy drought or rabbits get at them, who knows?

Just like with money. I can budget my spending, I can find a good-paying job and diversify my income but if the stock market plummets, if the economy goes nuts, if I get laid off, there are set backs.

Maybe that’s why, at least to me, picking large baskets of fresh, juicy, red tomatoes gives me such a feeling of satisfaction. Sure, it’s part what we did, tending the garden; but, mostly, it’s a gift.