When I started working on the Tiny Farm one day a week way back in 2007 I had very little market gardening experience. I had grown vegetables on the side, but it was purely for my own consumption. On the Tiny Farm, I was immediately thrown into harvesting, weeding, seeding, tractor driving, etc. with laid back, but helpful instructions. Mike's relaxed attitude was helpful for my way of learning. He was relaxed, with a small undertone of 'don't screw it up'. Which at the time I respected, but didn't quite grasp how important that 'don't screw it up' part was.
Now as I am starting out this growing season, people who have little to no experience have been helping me start all my vegetable babies. I am so happy and grateful for the help, as it not only speeds up the process, but it also makes the work fun. The other day when we started our first major seeding of the brassica family (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, etc.) I felt it. I was happy to let Jenny, Maya, and Scotia take the reins with the seeding, but in the back of my mind I was very aware of that feeling: 'don't screw it up'. Aha moment! I am no long growing a garden for just me, this is my livelihood! I am growing food as a job, to make money, to fulfill my contract to my CSA members. I am so happy to be teaching people techniques for growing food and of course there will be the occasional mistake. I just need to be okay with that part, while still maintaining an importance of being a successful grower.