I would say being a systems thinker hasn't always come naturally to me but over time I have learned to slow down and observe everything.
In my own garden I am always asking questions. "Why do the bees really like this plant?, why did a critter eat the lettuce in this bed but not the lettuce in that bed, why do these weeds grow here but not there?, why does this soil retain moisture better than that soil?, how did my plant get sick so quickly?". Asking questions prompts me to think about my observations. Like how basil was the most fragrant plant I have ever planted. I could smell it as soon I walked into the garden. I learned through cooking that basil adds a strong aroma to a dish as opposed to a flavor. Aroma's are something we value as a species, and so do bees. So when I want to attract generalist bees, basil is a great choice to plant. It acts as a food for bees and a seasoning for me.
I have made all these little connections like how having a diverse plant population has attracted beneficial insects, or how the water table in the area and the nearby creeks supports a population of dragon flies and lightning beetles that visit the garden. I've noticed in years that I planted the same crops in the same spots as the previous years, the plants don't grow as well and are more prone to pests/disease.
Planning for this year I have decided that I need better systems to have a well planned crop rotation. Only one of my 3 garden beds have a trellis. I have 6 tomato cages and usually plant more than 6 tomato plants. I have never used cover crops and tend to leave the beds bare/mulched if I haven't planned a crop for it. This year I'm hoping to embrace a better system so each step supports the next. I can have portable trellises to move around. I can plan for 6 tomato plants or have more supports for more plants. I can plan a crop for each part of the growing season that will help the next to thrive.
Hi Jon,
I really enjoyed reading your reflection on systems thinking in the garden. The way you described slowing down and asking questions about what you observe is exactly what leads to deeper understanding over time. Gardens really do become great teachers when we pay attention to those small details.
Your example about basil and aroma was especially interesting. It’s a great reminder that plants interact with their environment in ways we don’t always think about at first. The connection you made between fragrance, pollinators, and culinary use is a perfect example of how one plant can serve multiple roles in a garden system.
I also liked how you reflected on patterns you’ve noticed over the years, like crop performance when planted in the same location repeatedly, or how nearby water sources influence the presence of insects like dragonflies and lightning beetles. Those kinds of observations are exactly what help gardeners start thinking in terms of the broader ecosystem rather than just individual plants.
It sounds like you’re taking those lessons and turning them into practical improvements for this coming season—things like crop rotation planning, better trellising systems, and possibly incorporating cover crops. Those kinds of structural changes can make a big difference in how well a garden functions over time.
Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful reflection. It’s always interesting to see how different gardeners observe patterns and adapt their systems from year to year.
I really enjoyed reading your reflection on systems thinking in the garden. The way you described slowing down and asking questions about what you observe is exactly what leads to deeper understanding over time. Gardens really do become great teachers when we pay attention to those small details.
Your example about basil and aroma was especially interesting. It’s a great reminder that plants interact with their environment in ways we don’t always think about at first. The connection you made between fragrance, pollinators, and culinary use is a perfect example of how one plant can serve multiple roles in a garden system.
I also liked how you reflected on patterns you’ve noticed over the years, like crop performance when planted in the same location repeatedly, or how nearby water sources influence the presence of insects like dragonflies and lightning beetles. Those kinds of observations are exactly what help gardeners start thinking in terms of the broader ecosystem rather than just individual plants.
It sounds like you’re taking those lessons and turning them into practical improvements for this coming season—things like crop rotation planning, better trellising systems, and possibly incorporating cover crops. Those kinds of structural changes can make a big difference in how well a garden functions over time.
Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful reflection. It’s always interesting to see how different gardeners observe patterns and adapt their systems from year to year.