“I’m blessed to be at Welsh Mountain Home,” says 67-year-old resident Merle Becker.


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arah Albertson, Director of Resident Services at Welsh Mountain Home, smiles and adds that Merle is “a true community helper. He has a very grace-filled heart.”


Merle was born and raised on a farm in Ephrata and has been hard of hearing since he


was just a boy. Each morning after helping with the milking, he went to school where he recalls enjoying math, especially since he really needed that understanding to be a good farmer. Merle got married at age 26. He and his wife (who is now deceased) had three children, who he calls miracles due to his wife’s health complications.


Merle moved to Welsh Mountain Home less than a year ago after living and working on a farm on Snake Lane in Kinzers for 22 years. “I feel it’s God’s calling for me to be here to communicate with others. Te residents here all come from all different backgrounds,” he notes.


Merle’s faith is deeply important to him. He fondly recalls attending tent meetings and reading books by evangelist Billy Graham. Sarah says, “Merle offers biblical insight at our daily devotions, especially noting the love and grace of God.”


Merle is also passionate about finding ways to help others. Tis year he used his experience as a research assistant for a seed company and understanding of the science of how corn grows to help in the garden. Welsh Mountain Home’s garden is limited in space to 20 feet by 18 feet, but he believed he could help grow a bumper crop of fresh produce for his neighbors. Merle’s vegetables have been used in the Welsh Mountain Home kitchen, including fresh tomatoes, beets, beans, mint, carrots and corn. He is getting ready to harvest turnips, brussel sprouts and cabbage for the fall.


Merle notes, “Te key to growing sweet corn is that you must always plant your seeds seven inches apart.” Using the math he learned as a child, Merle also carefully plants the seeds at all the same depth, “About an inch and a half under so it all comes up at the same time.”


Merle shares that the key to maintaining a good garden is keeping the weeds out. “Weeds have a cycle and can be in the ground for 40 years before they sprout!” He also recommends planting seeds for next year in the fall for the best results. Merle has already planted a second crop of beans, peas and red beets in Welsh Mountain Home’s garden plot.


Even though a hail storm in New Holland shredded the leaves of the corn this summer, Merle didn’t lose heart. All of his efforts paid off! Even with his many years of farming, he says, “Tis was the first time I ever planted sweet corn that pollinated all at the same time!” Merle’s crop resulted in seven beautiful, bountiful rows of delicious sweet corn.


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Fall 2022 • 11


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