One of these days I’m going to actually keep track of how much money I save with just a small garden. As I wrote earlier, my garden this year won’t win any prizes in a beauty contest. I moved here last fall and my new neighbor kindly tilled my little plot. The soil is wonderful with loads of worms. I spent a day planting seeds in the spring along with gorgeous tomato plants from the local greenhouse. I stood back and admired my handiwork…..and then the weeds came!

I happily hoed and pulled, determined to keep my little space beautiful and had visions of the fresh vegetables I would enjoy in the coming summer. Long story short, the weeds I did not get out grew as well as my vegetables, as time has been a huge issue this year. I knew a long time ago that most of what I planted would have to survive in a not-so-orderly plot. And, survive they have, right along side an invasive grass around here that I call “rat grass”, and a few other pesky weeds common to this area of the midwest. Read the rest of this entry »

Over the years I’ve moved alot, so have had quite a few gardens. Some have been better than others. Most of the time I was pleased with my handiwork, but I remember killing frost, desert sunburn, hail and being mowed down by accident. My last garden was one of my best. After five years it was filled with my favorite vegetables and herbs. The flowers were gorgeous.

Well, I moved again and this season it’s a whole new garden spot. The soil is great and there’s a fine supply of earthworms. Worms are a gardener’s friend because they make even the best soil better. I already have lettuce, spinach and radishes. Later there will be tomatoes, cucumbers and great zucchini and yellow crook neck squash. The basil and parsley will become mouthwatering pesto to freeze for winter enjoyment. Read the rest of this entry »