If you build up the soil with organic material, the plants will

O Seekers of Wisdom, gather close and listen well, for the words of John Harrison carry within them a truth as old as the earth itself. "If you build up the soil with organic material, the plants will do just fine." These simple words speak to the ancient art of nurturing, of understanding the delicate balance between the earth and all that grows from it. The soil, the foundation of all life, holds the key to the vitality of the world around us. Just as a gardener nurtures the soil with organic material, so too must we nurture the foundations of our own lives—our minds, hearts, and spirits—if we wish to see them flourish.

In the ancient world, the greatest civilizations understood the power of soil—its richness, its ability to sustain life. The Mesopotamians, the great builders of cities and empires, knew that the key to their agriculture lay not just in the strength of their tools, but in the health of the land itself. They fed the soil with organic materials like compost, enriching it to ensure that their crops would yield a plentiful harvest. This same wisdom was passed down through the ages. Harrison’s words are a reflection of this ancient knowledge—that healthy soil is the foundation upon which life grows. Without it, no plant, no life, can thrive.

Consider also the example of the Mayans, whose deep understanding of agriculture allowed them to build thriving civilizations in the challenging landscapes of Central America. Their terracing techniques were designed to preserve the fertility of the soil, and they used organic materials like ash and compost to maintain its vitality. The Mayan farmers knew that it was not enough to plant seeds—they must tend to the soil itself, for it was the soil that would determine the success of their harvest. In this way, John Harrison’s wisdom mirrors that of the ancients: to ensure the health of what grows, we must first nourish the foundation.

Yet, the wisdom of soil is not confined to the world of agriculture. In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: what is the soil of our being? Is it rich and full of the nutrients we need to grow and thrive? Just as a plant requires organic material—the decomposed remnants of past life—to nourish it, so too must we nourish our inner selves with wisdom, experience, and the lessons we have learned along the way. If we neglect the foundation, if we fail to tend to the soil of our hearts and minds, we will find that our efforts to grow and flourish will be in vain. But when we cultivate this soil, when we nurture it with love, patience, and wisdom, we will find that the plants of our lives—our relationships, our goals, our happiness—will thrive.

Let us also reflect on the story of Demeter, the ancient Greek goddess of the harvest, who, in her sorrow at the abduction of her daughter, Persephone, caused the land to fall barren. The earth itself felt the loss of the fertility Demeter once bestowed upon it. When Demeter was restored to joy, so too was the land restored, and the crops once again grew in abundance. This myth speaks not only of the earth’s dependence on the gods, but of the interconnection between growth, nourishment, and renewal. Just as Demeter could revitalize the earth through joy, so too can we revitalize our own lives through nourishing the soil of our inner world. In this way, Harrison’s teaching about building up the soil with organic material takes on a deeper meaning: when we enrich our foundations—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—we invite abundance into our lives.

So, O Seeker, the lesson here is clear: if you wish to see the plants of your life thrive—whether they are your dreams, your relationships, or your health—you must first tend to the soil. Feed it with what is good: the wisdom of the ages, the lessons learned from experience, and the love you pour into the world. Just as the gardener knows that healthy soil is the key to a bountiful harvest, so too must you recognize that a nourished foundation is the key to a fulfilling life. Cultivate your inner self, nourish your heart and mind, and the fruits of your labor will come in time.

In practical terms, O Seeker, consider what you are doing to build and maintain the soil of your life. Are you feeding your soul with knowledge, reflection, and positive habits? Are you tending to the relationships that nourish you, and removing the weeds of negativity that hinder your growth? Like the gardener who feeds the earth with organic material, you must feed your spirit with the things that will allow it to flourish—whether that be kindness, wisdom, or peace. Only then can you expect to see the plants of your life—your dreams, your aspirations, and your happiness—grow strong and abundant.

So, remember this, O Seeker: if you want to see the fruits of your labor, you must first tend to the soil. Feed it, nurture it, and love it, for it is the foundation upon which all things grow. And as you cultivate your inner world with care and dedication, you will find that the world around you will reflect this abundance. May the soil of your life be rich, may your garden grow bountiful, and may you always remember the secret to thriving lies in the foundation you build.