To celebrate my new book Grow Curious, I’m giving away prize bundles to three randomly selected people. We are also offering 10% off the book (print or eBook versions) in our online shop until Monday, September 4. To apply the discount to your order enter curiousinaugust into the space marked “discount” at checkout.
Each prize bundle includes:
- One signed copy of the limited first edition print of my book, Grow Curious: Creative Activities to Cultivate Joy, Wonder, and Discovery in Your Garden
- One Gardening is Resistance print (edition of 200 total) hand-lettered by artist Davin Risk and printed locally here in Toronto.
- One handmade journal, made by me using recycled and vintage paper products gleaned from garden catalogues, magazines, etc.
- One set of six botanical postcards illustrated by artist Renee Garner
- Two packs of tomato seeds (grown here in my garden).
UPDATE: 3 winners were selected: Margaret, Lauren, and Nat and their prizes have been sent. Thanks for participating!
To enter the contest, please answer the following in the comments below, “Tell us about one thing you learned or accomplished in the garden this year that you are proud of.”. As always, you can type in “count me in,” rather than answering the question, and that will count as an entry.
Details
- Three winners will be chosen at random from the comments below. Comments sent as an email or posted to social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram will not be counted in.
- Contest runs until midnight,
August 31September 4, 2017 EST. [Note: I have extended the entry deadline until Monday to give newsletter subscribers more time to enter -Gayla] Winners will be announced here once they are contacted. - Contest is open to Canadian and Continental US addresses only.
- Shop discount code is limited to one use per customer.
I learned about fruit tree guilds and began the process of, hopefully, bringing my huge apple tree back under control and the fruit fit for human consumption without pesticides.
My cats have been crushing and eating quite a few of my plants in one of my beds this year. Instead of trying to kept them out, I have been planning a new plant bed just for them. I am excited to see what they think.
A few new ways to use multiple parts of the plant, instead of just the fruit or root.
We grew beautiful fragrant basil and mint, which I used in my recipes over the summer. It’s so satisfying to eat what you’ve grown, and it’s given me a deeper appreciation for the food I eat and the meals I make!
I was exhausted from moving at the end of April, and all I managed for the yard was to put in a small garden in pots and set out chairs on the patio. I didn’t see it as an accomplishment then, but I’m seeing it as one now. Those chairs and the cherry tomatoes and beans and zucchini have brought plenty of joy to my summer.
This season I learned that carpet sedum is awesome.
For various reasons, it’s been a stressful summer. I’ve had to remind myself to go out into the garden and play in the dirt (even for 15 minutes). Trim, plant, dig, pick veggies, collect seeds etc. These are all things that nourish the soul and bring peace to my body. Have a great day ?
As a new gardener I accomplished a harvest of chard, squash, okra, green beans , tomatoes and cucumbers. I learned about the importance of plant spacing, lol, and I’m enjoying the journey!
I’m proud that my corn produced flowers and my beans made beans instead of disappearing! I suspect that was less my doing than nature though… I’m proud that bindweed doesn’t scare me now. There. That’s better. :)
Bindweed still scares me, what’s your secret?!
I grew green beans for the first time.
Been learning how to grow dahlias from tubers and over-winter them for some years and finally getting the hang of it, so as growing more plants from cuttings, indoor sowing.
Still learning but slowly I’m getting better!
I learned that being part of a gardening community, locally or on social media, enhances everything else. Also that neem oil is a good thing to have.
count me in
After a very wet year, some things in my garden did very poorly. But some things, (like cucumbers, zuchinni and melons) loved all the water. I’m realizing that life in the garden is like that and I’m learning to accept the good with the bad. There are gifts in both.
I learned that blueberries need more fertilizer than I thought and when to fertilize them. Maybe next year our crop will improve!
I learned that onions will not grow at all in the shade. Many things will do ok but they just sat there.
For the first time, we were able to control most weeds between seasons, (we can garden year round), with mulch, (straw, leaves, compost and weed barrier material). It is a very satisfying thing not to see weeds covering dormant parts of the garden.
This year has been so incredible for my tomato plants – it’s the first time I’ve ever got more than one decent tomato from my plant ??
That there is still joy in garden ‘failure’ – aka all the rain drowned my beans and peas.
I am proud of getting in the garden with my 1 year old daughter this summer whenever we can and showing her the magic of nature and gardening. She loves to dig in the dirt, eat peas from the garden, and smell the flowers. I don’t get much done these days but we always have fun together. ??
I grew tomatoes, cukes, peppers and eggplants from seed under lights for the first time and everything not only survived but produced abundantly in the garden!
I learned how to orient my 3 sisters garden
This year I learned to have more confidence in my gardening ability because everything I grew has lived and is thriving! :) thanks in part to your beautiful books!
I made watering comparisons. The difference between rain barrel water vs. hose city water. Makes a huge difference!
I set up a drip irrigation system in my raised garden beds. And because of it, we just ate corn that I grew for dinner.
My accomplishment is less about what I did, but what my dear friend did for me. I had surgery mid may, and she completely weeded and planted and mulched my garden for me. Because of her, we are harvesting so much kale, tomatoes and herbs. :) she also built my grandson a sandbox and completely looked after me! If I win, I will let her have first pick from the prize package! Thank you :)
I learned that I can get bored with my garden sometimes. This summer was about change and moving on… and I gave little care to my garden, other than the necessary watering during heat waves. Despite this, the garden still gave me lots back :)
I learned to utilize as much a space as possible in my small garden. Companion planting is the way to go!
I’ve learned that the imperfect is just fine and the veggies taste amazing no matter what. I’ve learned to always include my babies in the gardening activities because they benefit in so many ways. I’ve learned that the garden heals my soul.
I have installed an irrigation system for my tomato plants in my greenhouse, which gives me more time to enjoy the garden, and the tomatoes also look happier with the steady watering than they did with my erratic schedule! I also learned that tomatoes will produce just as much without pruning.
I’m proud that I worked with many in my neighborhood to pull out the invasive species in our area called garlic mustard. We worked together to clear a large area of path and an entire park. Though not specifically my garden it was very satisfying to work together as a community of gardeners who care so much for our shared public space.
I had a big summer of learning in the garden! I moved from the Pacific Northwest to Richmond, Virginia and learned quite a few differences from soil structure to plant preferencing. Count me in for the giveaway????
I have been interning on a farm since may and I have learned so much about farming, gardening, the agricultural system and politics its impossible to write it all here. But i think the one thing that has stuck with me most is not a specific gardening practice but a deeper awareness of the life cycle and how important it is and how we are all connected to it: In the garden and in our own lives. Weeds are pulled out as green mulch. They break down and nourish the soil which nourishes the plants which nourish us. People pass on. Babies are born. It’s always flowing and I feel at peace here.
I learned that trying to start a garden from scratch in Dallas, TX is a lot harder than anywhere else I have lived. A lot harder. My timing is all off and here, it’s best to take the summer off instead of the winter months. But, I’ll get the hang of it probably right before we decided to move again. Always learn and keeping myself on my toes. Oh yeah, and thistles rule!!
Please count me in.
Count me in!
I am growing pumpkins for the first time! I knew they spread a lot, but they’re taking over the whole side of my house. As of now I only see 3 tiny pumpkins. Hopefully they’ll be worth all the space they occupy, or else I’ll know for next year.
I think I have finally figured out how to grow summer squash without the squash bug destroying them. I am planting them right after July fourth and wrapping the base of the stems in aluminum foil. So far, have been able to harvest summer squash and see little pumpkins!!
Companion planting principles used in all my raised beds this year-so beautiful to see veggies, herbs and flowers together- have never seen so many pollinators and other critters together . Fun learning about principles of it and what works in my own space!
To not always trust seed/bulb packets. I now unintentionally have nicotiana and star of Bethlehem growing in my garden.
This is our 2nd year gardening, and we learned that we just love it! We grow veggies from seeds, and it is fascinating to see how some work and love make wonders in the garden!
I learned you can’t do it alone. Our community garden started as an empty field and 4 months later we have 50 plots and an edible forest in the works for next season. As the project coordinator, I initially took full responsibility for the outcome of the garden but soon realized it wasn’t about me and what I would or wouldn’t accomplish. It is about what the soil and plants teach us about what it means to take a risk, to hope, to watch and listen, to let go and to celebrate together.
I learned that composting directly into the ground is much easier than in a barrel. And I also learned to plant things that I actually like/eat otherwise a lot gets wasted or gifted.
This year I doubled my Tiny patch of growing space and turned it from bare space into soil that is full of Worms and other insects. We had a lot of strawberries and tomatoes this year. And I have my plans made for a fruittree guild that we are going to plant this autumn and next spring. Really happy with that :)
Count me in!
We have welcomed a gang of hedgehogs into our garden by creating a huge bug corner and keeping the gaps in the fence free… they now live in our shed and eat all (most) of the slugs ?
Rabbits and deer get to eat my spring crops before I do
I would like to say something definitive, but I am just learning how to put my best effort when I can and learning how to be okay when things seem to fall apart. This year I am taking away to double plant what worked and lighten up on the ones that didn’t.
This was the first year I grew ground cherries, asters, and brussels. I read the brussels like to have the lower leaves pinched off to encourage growth…still waiting to see how that plays out.
I once heard a farmer say, ‘you gotta give a little back to nature’. So when the green caterpillars ravaged my cauliflower, I tried to be cool. I still sprayed the crap out of them with neem, but that didn’t work like it did with the aphids on the eggplant and the jap beetles on the basil. Eventually the wasps moved in and feasted. And who knows, maybe I’ll get one or two caulis. Sometimes, it’s all about luck and watching by as nature take its course. Either way, I try to tend as tenderly as possible here in NE Ohio.
XX to all my gardening guys and gals,
gianna
We bought our house at the end of April. The backyard was nothing but grass. Perfect for creating my dream. The small strip of land between patio and fence has been planted in with lilacs, lilies, valerian, lemon balm and scented geraniums. I’ve placed pavers as steps off the patio, flanked with lavender on either side. I’ve been introduced to skinks, lizards who scurry beneath my feet and drop tails when I move too close. I’ve created for them a Fairy Garden with toad houses and drift wood for hiding. I figure, it is best to appease the dragons when planting scented gardens, for the heated breath of angry dragons kills the sweet essence of the flower.
I love following you on Facebook..your garden s are very inspirational! Congratulations on your new book..I also think its a great Christmas present for all of the green thumbs that I know! Cheers!
We learned (again) that summers in Texas are hot and that by mid-July, most plants die off. Only the basil is still going strong. We will get seeds and starts in the ground earlier next year.
This year I went chemical free on my lawn and grew two types of milkweed to help the butterfly population increase
I’ve learned that Poona Kheera cucumbers are a necessity. I’m crunching one as I tap this out, direct from the microgarden during the eclipse. Yum. Congratulations on your new book.
i’ve been following the progress of thus book, looks fascinating. I’d love to own my own copy.
I haven’t been in the garden as much as I’d like this year but I’ve learned that (some) plants thrive when ignored. :)
I have read so much about companion planting and finally I was able to plant seeds in my raised bed garden. I decided to surround my roma tomatoes with borage and calendula, some peppers and cherry tomatoes with marigolds, and melons with dill. What a difference! I’m thrilled not only with the lack of pests, but also that the herbs grew faster and provided needed shade for uoung veggies. My garden is still going strong! So proud that I’ll have enough to share this year!
I attempted artichokes for the first time, and I successfully tricked them into blooming the first year!
I planted a small flower bed in our community garden plot this year. By doing so, I realized that I much prefer planting veggies to flowers… not entirely sure why. Maybe because I can’t eat flowers!? ;). Wonderful giveaway! We have your You Grow Girl book and think it’s fabulous! :)
This year, I learned:
-the volunteer cherry tomato starts from two years ago are still sprouting
-the Long Island Cheddar pumpkin starts that didn’t do anything for 2-3 months? Are now coming in like gangbusters, now that I’ve planted two other varieties of pumpkins (along with the 3 other kinds of squash we already had going)
-the spot where the previous homeowner had started to put a swimming pool in and then abandoned a bunch of gravel and metal bits (which we’ve discovered but not yet mapped out the full extent of) makes a great place for tall water troughs (where we’ve planted greens) but a terrible place for at least two of the four huckleberry bushes that I’d planted directly in the ground
-I’d suspected but now I know for sure – we grow enough stuff to share with at least one other household, so we’ve become a sort of mini-CSA for them. They’ve helped a little with work around the yard, they’ve traded some other food and services for fruit/veg from the garden, and they come over to our house to visit more. Total win!
I live in an apartment with almost no natural light, but I have focused on getting and growing Low-light plants on my balcony and I got 5 flowers at once to bloom on my Peace Lilly and got my Spider Plant to bloom as well!
I’ve learned a lot about embracing the beauty in my garden this year. “Purpose not perfection “. Much to my chagrin my cherry tomatoes were a flop but my basil and kale were beauties that I am truly grateful for…and proud of. New to vegetable gardening and a work in progress lol.
I learned how to grow my own sweet potato slips and have them growing in the garden….very excited
I am amazed at the amount of apples I am getting on my tree this year. The branches are sloping from the weight. I know I should have thinned them out but find it hard to “kill” healthy baby apples.
In the past, I’ve focussed my small garden space on growing fresh vegetables, which are limited in the (relatively) remote area I live in. This year, I learned the joy that growing flowers brings me. Some of them are edible, but some I chose just because they are pretty!
I learned not to be disappointed and to learn from plants that don’t do well.
I learned that butternut squash plants really do need lots of room around them in all directions so that they won’t smother everything else!
I just started gardening after I watched Food Inc, Forks Over Knives, & What The Health. I went to my local library looking on where to start & got your book Grow Great Grubs. It is my holy grail for gardening. So far I have tomatoes, mint, and spinach. And they are all ORGANIC!! I’m proud of myself and once I get my green thumb going my goal is to grow 75% of my food. Thanks again for the step by step guide!!!
I learned about patience. It’s my first year with a “real” garden (not just windowboxes or a faraway allotment plot) and I couldn’t wait to get started but of course way back in January I had to. And then there was still a long wait in early Spring when all the seeds I planted took a long time to get started on the shorter cooler days so i kept planting more. It’s all worked out wonderfully in the end as most things germinated and then grew, taking their own sweet time, flowering and then fruiting at their own pace. The waiting was hard at first until I realised it was all part of the joy that was unfurling from each and every plant. That sweet waiting and anticipating is just as important as what happens next. Patience is just wonder waiting to happen. And it’s all still happening and I’m happy I get to have this garden and watch and wait and enjoy every moment.
My 5th year having a vegetable garden and this year I’m very proud of my pepper plants, first time I successfully have a lot of them! Thanks!!!
Not proud of it but I learned that peppers do not grow very well when it’s a cool and wet summer. :(
I went to Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds on a visit to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s home in MO. It was interesting to see how much attention was paid to vegetables vs flowers. And how much variety there is. That would be a unique place to garden – since it is warmer than where I live.
Even though I didn’t get to plant my in ground garden this spring, I found container gardening to be versatile and fun!
Count me in
I’m very new to the garden world, and planted my first potted cherry tomatoes this past summer. I used your “You Grow Girl” book a lot to learn about caring for my plants, and was able to successfully get rid of the dreaded horn worm when they invaded my plants. I also had to learn how to keep my plants from getting too dry (live in a townhouse, so only have a small concrete patio) while I was at work by using water crystals and sticking wine bottles in the plants. The plants turned out great and the harvest was plenty, and the cherry tomatoes had great flavor! I’m officially hooked and can’t wait to delve more into this newfound passion of mine!!
I learned that even if you think you’ve lost a certain plant (it just never came back this year) look around, it may have just transplanted itself in a new and different part of your flower bed!! ? Gardening – always amazing and miraculous!
I learned that there are at least 16 things to learn every year, and that it is very important to adapt every year given weather/climate change.
congrats on the book!
Count me in :-) I’ve been gardening for many years, and this year for the first time, I’ve sown seeds for fall harvesting. So far so good. I planted seeds for bush beans, chard, kale, lettuce, spinach, beets — red and golden, and small carrots. It seems a bit incongruous to be nurturing seedlings in the heat, but if I keep them watered they should do well. A new adventured!
I’ve learned patience and peace. It takes a lot to let yourself slow down and clear your mind. It also takes a lot to let yourself relax and feel peaceful. My garden helps me with both.
I learned how to turn the life of an apple tree around. It’s looking strong and healthy again!
I grew something new. I tried different methods, and I haven’t used any insecticides.
My big accomplishment was my zucchini! For once…they did not die from bugs! For the last 3 summers I’ve woken up to them totally dead, covered in bugs after only producing one zucchini. They are growing some beautiful zucchinis and I am so proud!
I have learned that I can’t do it all. And some years it is all right to just let it go and discover the volunteers, be appreciative of what bounty you can salvage, and move forward with hope. (it’s been a hard summer)
I have learned that it is okay to question things, do research, try and keep going. I finally managed to successfully grow carrots after years of trying, got edible beets & found out I enjoy putting in more perennial fruits & veg, even if it does cut down on my plantable areas. Gardening keeps me grounded and looking forward.
I am especially proud of my new butterfly garden! I started it from scratch, and now it is blooming even more than I imagined it would. It’s three circles made with curved concrete edging, filled with raised bed soil. My favorite flower is the Mexican sunflower, which unfortunately is an annual. I planted a lot of seeds, including a butterfly garden mix, which made plant identification a fun mystery until they bloomed! I learned that the raised bed soil is too fertile for pineapple sage, which is a huge plant with no flowers.
I learned that one of the “weeds” in my yard was purslane… then I learned some purslane recipes.
I’ve been trying to establish a small orchard in an area with deer. Every year, despite my efforts, they’ve nibbled back the new growth on my saplings. This year I had the idea to spread and stick hair on and around the trees. I also sprinkled it over a patch of hostas they invariably raze each year.
It worked! The trees were untouched. Some other, un-treated patches of hostas were razed, so I’m confident the deer visited to graze.
Gross AND Effective!!!
? ? ? ??????? ???
This summer I learned to let the garden go a bit. I broke my wrist in February and the healing has been slow. So, weeding has gone by the wayside. The garden has been on it’s own and still looks beautiful and feeds my soul <3
Count me in! And…
Husband and I managed to not kill our habanero plant when we transplanted it from our old place to our new place. Not only did we not kill it… it is flourishing in its new home like never before!
We bought a house on 2 acres and I started my garden from scratch! Dug all the garden beds by hand, and still managed to plant over 100 plants! I’ve got tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, peppers, pumpkins, watermelon, peas, carrots, radishes, marigolds and even more all growing. So proud to start my new garden, at my new house and have it be decently successful year 1 :). I learned, that the peppers and potatoes do awesome next to the new chicken run we built. I also learned that I’m committed to organic gardening, but I definitely need to spray my broccoli and cabbage next year with a homemade pest repellent spray, because the bugs enjoyed them more than we did!
I moved my raise planter to the front of my house- north facing- last year I had a dismal experience of trying to grow lettuce in my south facing backyard. No shade at all.
My poor lettuce just crisped.
This year was a great lettuce experience for me.
Still trying to figure out how to grow and plant enough for 2 people’s appetite for daily salads…
this your was our first garden at new house and really our first try at a large garden. tanya made an herb garden by the side of the house and it was really the first time i’ve ever had so many herbs to work with in the kitchen. as a cook i know the import and value of herbs, but having so many and so much available makes me experiment more. so that’s what i learned, how a garden can change the way one thinks, cooks and eats. it’s been transformative.
To encourage pollinators, I planted bee balm and sweet alyssum in our vegetable garden, and I let the cilantro, parsley, and dill go to flower. We had lots of bee activity and have seen more butterflies than ever, with even some Swallowtail caterpillars hanging out on the dill and parsley plants. : )
I learned that we live ground cherries! Every year I try a new plant on the garden. This year I grew ground cherries. We are hooked! I will grow them again next year. Have had many orders placed by friend and family members for a plant as well. It’s so exciting to bring back a plant from yesteryear.
Well we grew a few plants of corn for the first time which was awesome!!
Also, our tomatoes came down with a calcium deficiency so we had to add calcium to the watering solution.
Every year we learn something else but it’s a relief to solve the challenges in the garden!
This year I decided that even though I find myself very transient in my location there is no excuse to not have plants around. I’ve been putting off learning to garden on my own and inviting this thing that i want to love to be part of my life. For now it is a small part, but I bought a few pots and planted basics like egg plants, squash, tomatoes, nasturtiums and I smile every day I leave the apartment knowing that they are mine :)
Finally grew watermelon! They were happy climbing high on trellises.
I’ve been reminded how healing being in my garden can be.
I grew straight instead of curly carrots (though I love them ones too!) I had spinal surgery in October and thought I’d have to give up my allotment – but here I am, recovered and with carrots and all.
Count me in! I learned that I do need to use row covers. Every year the pests come back and I’m surprised!
I love following all that you do and I would love to read your book! Cheers to all our fellow gardeners out there :)
I have finally grown a decent pumpkin for my son! We have been trying fairly unsuccessfully for years but seemed to have nailed it this year. I also very much improved my succession planting and have had a much longer growing season that has been more plentiful.
Count me in! I planted a last minute zucchini. One. It has thrived and supplied massively. Also, for the first time I planted my tomatoes outside instead of the greenhouse. We live in a northern coastal area with winds and evening cooling. The plants are huge and we have a crazy endless supply of tomatoes. This year has been crazy, shocking, and bountiful!
This gardening season I I started a lot of plants from seeds that I collected from last years garden instead of buying from the nursery (which was really a beautiful process for me.) Seeds are so amazing!
I moved from Indiana to Florida…and have been working on re-learning everything I know :). I have started by embracing and introducing natives to our yard….some of the only things that have survived the summer so far that I planted! Can’t wait for some cooler weather to try out some edibles as our growing season gears up.
COUNT ME IN!!
This year I finally finished pathways in my garden by putting down cardboard with a thick layer of woodchips on top. It took ALOT of elbow grease, but it looks fantastic now. And there are so many fewer weeds!
I learned that it can really survive without me. I’ve been too unwell to do much else than suggest plants to purchase. My partner who never really gardened until we moved in together started taking over a couple years ago, but this is the first season I feel like I’ve really stepped back from trying to control what’s going on. He’s becoming a gardener in his own right and my stepping back has given him the space to do that. And I just get to enjoy it when I can, without the worries of not being able to do the work. Never thought I’d learn to accept this particular loss, but it’s a relief.
I learned that when you live in the middle of agricultural fields your weed count skyrockets.
I learned to appreciate variety in the garden this year. It was so wet and cold this summer here that I learned how important it is to have a variety of vegetables. What normally thrives here struggled (most of my tomatoes are still green) but I had some pleasant surprises as well (spaghetti squash seemed to love the weather)!
I learned that winter sowing and mulching is the way to go in my rain forest climate!?
I have learned that no matter what and where I am, I can grow food to sustain my family. I live in Central Northwest BC(zone 2) where we get frost and down to 0°c at least once a month in the the summer.
I learned that things you did as a kid (I.e. Make a greenhouse out of an egg carton, plastic wrap, and skewers) still work well.
Count me in
I am having a go at Straw Bale Gardening this year and so far so good! Next year, I’ll definitely do a bit more tweaking of what plants to put where ?
I had a baby in March and so spent very little time gardening this year. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful and wild all the prennials looked plus we had lots of herbs and volunteer greens and tomatoes to enjoy. Honestly, the garden has never looked better and we get to just sit back and enjoy it!
Tried square foot gardening with big success! Also grew tons of flowers from seeds and even cut a few bouquets! ?
Count me in!
Last fall I collected seeds of some vegetables and flowers from my garden for the first time and in the spring I planted them. They did wonderfully.
I learned that a groundhog will not only eat all of your good veggie plants, they seem to also like purslane , which is a weed in this area
I learned that you can use coffee as fertilizer and it works great. Thank you
I am successfully growing radishes in pots this year.
I have learned to use coffee grounds for greener leaves on my plants and more vibrant tomatoes.
Count me in. My wife and I learned that a bit of buckwheat seed scattered as a cover crop right after the garlic harvest makes for wonderful soil structure into which fall brassicas can be planted. Also, I learned that raccoons really love to dig holes in places where there might be worms and grubs, so the rotting logs that edge some of our ground beds probably need to be replaced!
I have a ton of tomatillos this year!
Count me in. I learned that I don’t get enough consistent sun to grow anything successfully.
Count Me In
I learned that the “rules of thumb” for gardening go out the window in Texas, and that I can grow melons like a boss!
I grew my best tomatoes and peppers yet! Thanks for the giveaway!
This year my husband and I got our first raised bed garden set-up in the backyard of our first home. I harvested our first tomatoes just a few weeks ago! I’ve wanted my own permanent garden and yard for many years and we’re excited to get started with landscaping and more gardening next year.
That I really could grow tomatoes from seed! I planted Cherokee Purple and Black Krim and both grew to over 6 feet tall from the tiny seeds I started and transplanted. I am so proud of myself!
I am am a new gardener. I learned that pruning my tomato plants can help increase air flow and help focus the energy in the fruit.
Gayla
Enjoy reading your blog and emails, such a delight!
Good luck with Curious too I just know you will do well you seem to exceed in writing which I have been doing some myself recently as I entered a story with the wording ‘body in the library’ to win.
My daffodils look good as I know the foxglove is just starting to flower too, soon my grass will be flower bulbs, herbs and assorted ‘unknowns’ as I have a tendency to forget where I planted what then it’s a great surprise to me, like the parsley!
Rosemary
I had so much fun growing plenty of heirloom tomatoes for the 1st time. They’re wonderful and so nice to gift to friends. I learned not to let the string beans get too big or they don’t taste very good! Bigger isn’t always better. I’d love to try growing your tomato seeds :) please count me in ?
I learned that in being in remission from breast cancer and regaining my strength day-by-day is enabling me to return to my love of all things “Garden!” I can trim my hedges, mow my lawns and cultivate my beds. Not easily, but with thoughtfulness and determination.
I learned that I am allergic to grass. Also, I do great with potted herbs!
This summer I learned how much space 2 zucchini plants actually need!!! They taste so good!!
I learned this year that my garden can actually be too big. I took over too much ground and many things got away from me this year. Next year I will scale back so I can enjoy it again.
This year, I let the garden take its own course to see what it will teach me. What I learned from this is that Calendula and Plantain LOVE my garden, and therefore I will have tons of skin-healing salve to use for the next year…. I learned that Carrots can be growing hidden in previously mentioned Calendula for months, but when you finally find them and dig them out, they still taste good. I learned that “benign neglect” can actually work to my benefit in herb gardening (but not for growing greens).
I was away from my garden this summer while my son received medical care at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. I learned to seek out opportunities to be with plants. My favourite encounters were at the Botanical Gardens, the hospital’s rooftop garden and with my house plants in my Ronald McDonald House apartment.
I learned that sometimes you have to let the garden go for it to really bloom or produce to its full potential. Even if it looks like it’s dying at first, sometimes nature needs to retreat for a moment before really bouncing back.
After settling into our 20 year (urban) home (3 years ago) I have taken over our quarter acre yard with chickens, veggie beds, and high density orchard planting. Some of it is thanks to some of your earlier books that I read. I just can’t seem to get enough of it… or books… or seeds! I have been reading and planting anything and everything I can get my hands on.
I learned that there is abundance all around me…even with weeds and volunteers choking the beds, the insects, birds and critters have abundance. And so I too have abundance. Abundant nature….and that feels good. And all those pollinators bring my veg garden abundance. We each give and receive freely…now that’s a garden lesson.
Here in California, when the fruit trees’ leaves start curl up a bit, it is time to water them.
I learned to use compost and more mulch in my garden plot at the community garden. What a difference in keeping weeds down and feeding my vegetable plants.
Every year, something different may thrive. Don’t get too attached.
I discovered the delights of putzing around in the garden at 5:30 a.m. on a summer morning. As for what I accomplished, I grew six kinds of tomatoes this year and they’ve all done beautifully. Fantastic flavors, abundant harvests. My kitchen is awash in tomatoes!
I had some serious learning in the garden this year-my first battles with squash vine borers AND root-knot nematodes. I don’t use chemicals in my garden so I had to learn all about dealing with them organically. I’m happy to say what I learned worked! I still ended up with some tomatoes and zucchini!
I learned that if I waited long enough, my crazy growing sunflowers (almost 3 metres) would finally flower.
I also learned that geese love baby kale, chard, peas and beans. Sigh.
I learned that depression can hit hard even in the bright summer. On a happy note, I had beautiful little yellow birds eat away at my thistle plants. I read up on the many beneficial uses of weeds.
I grew artichokes and cotton in Toronto. Both were experiments and mainly ornamental, but I am thrilled to have buds on the artichokes and bolls developing on the cotton plants.
I learned to no beat myself up over something I never succeeded in year after year. For instance, eggplant. Annual heartbreak. I use that space for more variety in things I AM good at and celebrate that success. You can always trade, or support the farmers market.
When things seem to be falling around me, I have the garden. There is peace on the piece of earth on which I work. Gardening is resistance.
In my zone 8 garden I learned to fill a container with caladium bulbs & soil for a fabulous show of color that lasts all summer (hot!) long& to tuck succulents everywhere, containers & garden beds for color, texture & low water maintenance.
Count me in!
I am pleased that the plants that came up on their own are doing so well, and I would like to try more of this. The only tomatoes we are getting now are from these plants. The plants I planted are not producing right now.
I grew zucchinis for the first time ever and it’s like the gift that keeps on giving. I didn’t realize you can get so many from just one plant and the leaves were so big that it covered more than half of my 4’x4′ raised bed. Next year I will definitely grow it again but space it out a little bit better.
I started converting a friend’s junkyard into a fruitful garden.
I m proud of our community garden that feeds the Homeless and Low Income Families and this year we grew 6 types ot Tomatoes and Peppers
I grew tomatoes in the cold, Yukon climate! They are little bites of heaven on earth, from my little heaven on earth, my garden.
This year I learned, and am still learning, about permaculture, and how it can be used even in city gardens.
Learning what herbs you can sprout vs cuttings has been a great journey this summer; )
Count me in!
One thing I accomplished: I discovered a website that connects tree trimmers to people who want free wood chips. I ordered some wood chips and I covered my whole front lawn! I trimmed the mostly dead grass really low, covered it with cardboard, and then piled on about 8″ of wood chips. I am very excited for it to decompose so I can plant some natives.
I learned that mistakes are important… it is how you learn new things and they are ok. Sad, but ok.
I learned that planting too early really does have lasting consequences, but also that plants really do want to live and grow and will do their best to catch up when they can.
I learned that perennials and self-seeding plants can come to the rescue when your life disrupts your ability to garden. Shout out to raspberries, tomatillos, and that one parsley plant that made it through the WI winter in my garden!
Apparently I should be using a vacume to get cucumber beetles out of my pumpkin and squash blossoms early in the morning. Who knew!
I learned about glacial rock dust and it’s been a great fertilizer for my plants.
This year learned how to deal with all the limitations of a muddy, partly-shady back garden that’s also home to squirrels, raccoons, and rodents (not to mention thousands? Millions? of slugs) — that is, I learned to share and move on with less frustration and, let’s face it, heartbreak. Accepting the balance can be hard, but I’ve come to appreciate the challenges. Aready planning for next year!
I learned that I cannot grow tomatoes on my balcony but that herbs will grow. Not enough sunlight I guess but next year I’m going to attempt to grow some different plants.
Learned how to grow better tomatoes.
Hi, Gayla. I learned that we can trust plants to know where they will do best and to show us what they need. Also, a lot of satisfaction can come from 60 minutes in the garden. Thirdly, it is important to get out in the garden to witness subtle changes dah to day! ~Lucie in CO
As a widower, I’ve always been worried that I don’t understand my teenage daughter. This year we are growing dozens of pumpkins, tomatoes and a strawberry patch. Together. That’s what I’m most proud of. That it is our garden.
I learned that my cat does not give one minute of interest in catnip plant and I’m going to pull it out.
We held a tomato tasting & contest at our library on Saturday. Although the weather in our area has been rainy, we still managed to slice & dice at least 50 samples-many of them heirlooms for people to try. Fortunately some of our local CSA farmers enriched the showing. Everyone who tasted had a chance to vote for their fave. It was a blast!
I’m proud that I FINALLY sowed nasturtium seeds in an old horse feeder that was left on our property when we moved in, and they grew and bloomed so well. It made my summer!
This year in my garden I learned how to grow pumpkins!
Count me in!! I learned to sit and watch the bees work away.
I learned a lot about rose care. And I still have more to learn!
I successfully grew lemon cucumbers and four varieties of peppers from seed – a first. Always purchased starts in the past.
We grow greens very well even with a couple of neighbor Walnut trees
I moved into a new home and established 48 sq ft of new garden areas so far, with more to come!
2017 is my first year growing in a greenhouse (in the Yukon) and I learned that I have soooo much to learn about soil. I had six foot tomato plants but very few tomatoes. So I am now looking forward to a winter of reading and learning.
I learned that I can not always get everything done that I want to in the garden. Sometimes I just have to give myself grace.
This year I learned that Radish seed pods are delicious especially the rat tail variety. I also learned hour to propagate my own strawberries and basil. Unfortunately, I also learned that cilantro does not like to be transplanted! Can all be wins.
Trying to learn to share goodies
I learned that extra SCOBY’s from my homebrewed kombucha can be good for the garden!
I’ve learned patience and compassion when experiencing “disasters” “setbacks” “mistakes”. It’s all a learning process and just because I had a great year one time or a few times, doesn’t mean that it’s always going to work out that way or that I’m going to be able to do as much work, tend with as much love.
I think I learn the same thing every year – There is always so much more to learn and to understand about gardening and there are no magic bullets and no secret recipes that will ensure a successful garden, just hard work and little bit of luck.
Time spent in the garden, no matter how little or how much, is ALWAYS time well spent. And I learn something new every day whether I want to or not!
I started a window on herb back garden :)
Please count me in, thanks !
I graduated from herbs and grew my first peppers and tomato plants!
I want to learn all I can!
I had great success with eggplants- 4 varieties. Major fail with tomatoes- from starting too many to trying a staking method that didn’t work. Already thinking about next season!
This year I harvested enough figs to preserve, while eating my fill of fresh figs and sharing a few with the birds who seem to love them as much as I do.
This year I experimented with no dig gardening, planted a plot of potatoes in it and they were awesome! Also I am learning the joy of using straw mulch in my veggie beds. No weeds!
Not enough time spent in my gardens this year, due to too much else going on in life, but I’m learning to appreciate every moment a little bit more. Especially early Sunday mornings when I can sneak a few undisturbed hours in. The best therapy ever!
I learned that rich, fertilized garden soil will make your cosmos have lush greenery with barely any blooms at all, and that yellow cherry tomatoes are my absolute favorite to grow and eat!
I learned that trading plants with other gardeners is a great way to expand your garden with little cost! I have new milkweed, coneflower and coreopsis plants that I received from friends that are doing great where I planted them. I can “pay it forward” to other gardeners from the seedlings that spring up in the years to come!
So much to learn
All my heavy duty mulching this past spring paid off royally through our drought-ridden summer. Did not have to water as much as neighbors.
I learned to be certain your watermelon is ripe before you harvest it
I learned that even a simple little garden can make me incredibly happy, as my health prohibits a larger one. A few tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash and roses are excellent for my mental health!
Hi Gayla and Davin! Congrats on the new book! This year, I learned to live with the pollinators. I used to get cranky when I found caterpillars eating away at the late season zinnas, or all of a sudden our parsley was eaten to the ground! I’m proud of myself for learning the ebbs and flow of gardening and embracing these wonderful little workers that depend on our garden for food and shelter. :)
Many plants and flowers grow back when you trim them too severely!
I learned more about growing tomatoes.
Hello all! I have learned about my body this gardening season! Will be in surgery having a total hip replacement on Saturday Sept. 2. I have worked all season doing my garden maintenance biz and know that the constant prostrations while being in so many beautiful gardens has kept me supple and fluid. I have worked right up until now and look forward to a fast recovery to put me in time to put all the gardens to bed this early November! Green Blessings to ya’ll….Tess
Count me in
If you hadn’t asked I may not have taken a moment to consider what I actually have accomplished in the garden this year! Thank you for that!
I’m still trying to figure out how to have a veggie garden that the critters won’t attach out here in the woods. In the meantime I did plant some lettuce, cherry tomatoes, zucchini and herbs on the back deck. The weather wasn’t entirely helpful but I’m happy with the start.
And I managed to stay on top of the weeding and deadheading this year!!! Miracles do happen!
This year I made a planter box full of both veggies and flowers in front of my workplace. I learned to practice patience when introducing people to the idea that vegetables are beautiful and that you can add vegetables to flower planters. At first the owners of the business were not very receptive when I added different colors and shapes of kale, cherry tomatoes, mint, lemon balm, peas, and nasturtiums in with traditional flowers. But now that the kale has filled out most of the planter, the nasturtium is piling over the edge, the tomatoes have ripe fruit, and the mint has bloomed, the customers and staff comment on its beauty daily.
I have only gardened for three years now, still a newborn with so much to learn. The thrill of picking tomatoes and okra every morning thrills me so much. I experience such a calmness while working in the garden. My mission is to admend my soil from a lifeless, compacted, icky nothing to dark, rich fertile soil teaming with life, I am up for the challenge!
I learned that some years, no matter what you do, are just horrible growing years. We had extreme moisture/flooding this spring which delayed planting in our already short season. Then came the extreme heat which stunted all my peas and bolted just weeks old lettuce. After that came the rust and other weird diseases which destroyed the foliage off the most random plants, including our grandmother poplar tree. To top it off we were hit by aerial herbicide drift. What wasn’t destroyed by all of that has had to contend with a massive slug infestation and aphids. Oh, and I can’t forget the storm that delivered golf ball to palm sized hail mid season, that did a number on the plants, house and cars! It makes you really appreciate your ancestors who faced years like this without grocery stores or the funds to buy what has been lost. I don’t know how they managed the stress of it all but I know that just like them I will dust myself off and try again next year!
Count me in.
I learned that my kids are fantastic at planning and caring for our garden, and also that if we’re going to travel during August we need to have someone come check on the garden to water or pick ripe fruit… that wasn’t a good time to neglect our plants!
i was amazed at how great my little garden did this year! grew tons of mammoth sunflowers, rhubarb and raspberries
This year I’ve learned to take advantage of succession planting by having plugs of lettuce, spinach, beets, chard, herbs, and other plants ready to fill in empty spots in the veg garden. So easy and so much more productivity!
I learned how to properly trellis and tie up tomatoes to prevent disease and rot.
We moved to our farm from the city in January. Everything had been such a huge learning curve. My husband built 3 gorgeous raised beds. I learned not to plant a whole packet of carrot seeds in an area of 10 inches by 18 inches. We grew LOTS of 1 inch long atomic red carrots. Very pretty BITE SIZED carrots! Doh! I should have listened to my husband!
The main thing that I accomplished in the garden this year is just getting out there and doing it! Not listening to the inner voices based on fear of failure / fear of success. Just leading myself out into the garden and then what followed got easier and calmer.
I learned that striped cucumber beetles feast on a wide variety of plants! I’m from Toronto and visited friends in Oakland – as a gardener, my mind was blown seeing all the cacti gardens and fruit trees: agave, avocado, passion fruit, kumquat, kiwi, citrus, persimmon….and the incredible heal the plant nurseries! Wow!
Thanks for your newsletter (for those of us not on social media yet).
This summer I learned that when moving to a new house, there are people out there who are confused upon seeing that I have dug up multiple favorite specimens and are moving those to the new house. Apparently most people just move furniture and household items, not garden plants. :)
I learned (the hard way) to bring my hummingbird feeders in at night to prevent raccoons from emptying them during the night. I’ve also continued to add butterfly/bee/beneficial bug friendly plants to the garden and have noticed an increase in them this year.
I am learning to share my passion for growing with young people. A local homeschooled teenager worked alongside me every Wednesday this spring in our vegetable garden and we both learned so much. Me, imparting technique and ‘green wisdoms’ and she, refreshing new insights. I gifted her with your book, Growing Curious, as the perfect connector with the garden and our time together. I extend help and resources to our local elementary school with donating spring bulbs and my volunteer spirit as we continue to naturalize bulbs in the margins of their grassy playing field. Ever learning.
I’ve learned that if you transplant things when you move, you should do it after you see what already grows there so you don’t give the bindweed a rose to climb. Also that the volunteer tomatoes on my fence line are my new favorites!
One thing I accomplished this year in my garden is growing beautiful green peppers and hot peppers. I am going to make hot pepper jelly as soon as they are all big enough.
me i do alot of gardening i have 400 blubs in grown and then the flowers are all over the yard so i am a green thumb i have all kinds of plants
I learned to cook with wild plants and herbs.
I do not have a green thumb and this giveaway would definitely help me.
I was able to find that elusive area in my garden that’ll bump my cold zone up (ever-so slightly) and get a pomegranate to survive through the winter. Yay! Please count me in, and thank you for all you do.
Our 3rd year in a new backyard and second gardening! This year we did it! So many strawberries, greens, herbs, garlic! Our accomplishment was that twice we didn’t need our CSA box because we had so much of our own produce! Trying now to keep production through winter in cold frames. Wish us luck!!
Grow Great Grub is my go to book for gardening. It was the first one I picked up when my daughter wanted to learn to garden and it is our favorite. Thank you for putting this contest together.
I really need this!
This year I have been experimenting with compost tea. I made a batch that seemed super for my veggie garden.
Next year I plan on making at least 3 batches!
This year, my family learned about the power of cardboard to reclaim our lawn and also as mulch! We have transformed our front yard into a bee magnet because we want to start some hives, by smothering the grass and planting perennials. We’ve also used cardboard to smother our weed nemesis, mallow, in our vegetable garden with great success! We can put lasagna style layers of composted materials on top of a cardboard and plant right into it. Fantastic!
I learned how to care for a rose bush! It was very productive and I thoroughly enjoyed the bounty of flowers!
I grew most of my veggies from seed for the first time this year. I saved a bunch of money not buying starts, and feel much more accomplished!
I learned to grow dahlias from tubers this summer, and I’m really proud of them!
I had great success with tomatoes this year, which is a huge accomplishment for me :-)
count me in please
I learned that lemon balm can be a lifesaver for my loved ones anxiety. I have grown it all over my acre of perennial beds for years and use it for tea. I also learned that cayenne pepper and male urine work best to prevent groundhogs from consuming my hostas. :)
I learned how to grow fresh tomatoes and strawberries! I am proud of myself!
Count me in!
I grew ground cherries for the first time and am enjoying the fruit.
I converted my front lawn to a perennial garden last summer with a lot of pollinator friendly plants, and this year planted an abundance of zenias along the border (the seeds were quite old so I seeded generously not knowing what the germination rate would be). The monarchs love all the flowers! It’s a delight to see the monarchs along with all the other pollinators in the garden.
I have learned everything in the garden happens for a reason, to be patient, and that you can’t control Mother Nature. If the bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, chickadees, squirals, and quail babies are happy, then so am I.
Count me in! Paths can make all the difference, introduced two new paths into a very densely planted large pollinator garden bed. From being able to weed and deadhead more easily, to simply enjoying more “garden bathing”, with up close observation of pollinators in action.
This year was the first year that I started all of the plants in my vegetable garden from seed. And I was patient enough while hardening them off that very few died (also a first!). It was very fulfilling to thumb through the seed catalog last winter and pick out the exact species I wanted and not be restricted to whatever was in stock at the garden store.
I am sharing my community garden plot for the first time, and I learned I am less laid back than I thought!
You can count me in
I learned that I could grow 4″ pea plants with flowers in pots. I also learned to protect tomato plants more after my largest ones were nibbled and couldn’t grow back to produce. Happy pruning is a joy and I have learned how to prune both raspberries and blueberries better this year. I really messed them up last year.
I grew purple potatoes!
I learned that I need to investing drip watering system for part of my garden. It has grown beyond my ability to hand water. I’m excited to figure out this project and a rain barrel or two to provide the water.
my grandmother, who lived with us, grew the most beautiful vibrant large pink rose bush in our small cement back yard in the city. i think i might have my grandmothers green thumb…there’s no one to teach me but my intuition says that i have it….i rescue plants left at my apt dumpster; i eat something and put the seed in soil to see what happens; i feel sad if i hurt a plant; i like to see what a plant will do if i leave it to grow without controlling it. i’m not the typical grower, but i luv plants and flowers (esp. wild ones).
I was able to keep it all alive, which is big for me!
I learned that planting naive plants make a HUGE difference. Jalapenos grow well inn South Texas!
I tried some new plants! Tea, blueberry, and American cranberry – all of which died in the summer heat! I’m proud of myself for trying, though :)
I finally got 3 loads of free wood chips. I though there is no way I can spread all this by myself (little old lady) but I did!
Great contest and prizes….thank you.
I learned how to hand pollinate my pumpkin flowers (Thanks, Gayla) and now I have a little pumpkin growing. I’m very excited for Halloween now, carving my own pumpkin will be so cool.
I grew eggplant for the first time this year, and so learned all about how to tend to that plant – it had never occurred to me that the flowers would also be a beautiful purple! Will definitely be a garden staple going forward.
I learned that weeding really does increase yield, despite the fact it’s not so much fun!
I tried growing herbs in a giant barrel since I only have a balcony–it works!
I have learned to be content with how our garden produces. No two years are the same, but the bounty is always a blessing! And, of course, count me in!
The tomatoes are turning out gloriously!
I could use any help and inspiration I can get. It would be wonderful to win your books
This year I finally managed to take out a large miscanthus grass in my back yard and put in a flower garden area in its place. The flowers are now thriving and are attracting hummingbirds daily, as well as butterflies and bees. I will be doing more of this next year to help out the pollinators.
Thanks for your blog and inspiration, Gayla.
God bless Texas.
Thank you, Gayla.
It turns out that you CAN grow carrots in a pot. And rubber snakes may actually scare the birds away so that they don’t eat the young pea and bean plants. And that when your soaker hose breaks, if you fold the broken end over and tie it down, it works just fine (although is now quite a bit shorter).
I’ve been receiving your emails for quite some time and have learned so much from them. I love herbs and my flower beds are mainly devoted to herbs. Since I’m in Texas, I also have a lot of succulents and drought hardy plants. This year has been a trial and error year for my garden skills. I was so excited to find a purple passionflower vine and the normal white ones. I had them looking great growing up on my little DIY climber thingies, taking pictures every time I got a bloom. I got sick and I missed a couple of days of checking on my beds, my husband comes home and informs me I no longer have any passion vines! I’m like what, I ran out to look and they were gone! But this beautiful rust colored butterfly was flying around the stripped vines. I started looking and I saw my culprits and what I thought looked like spent blooms were actually cocoons! I love butterflies so I’m trying to keep the vines on life support and removing the caterpillars a little at a time because they are starving themselves by eating every bit of new growth on my vines. It’s odd that they haven’t attacked anything else in the area. That’s my story for this year! I would win your giveaway, I have learned a lot from your blog and newsletter.
I learned that after 4 years of growing a blackberry bush with thorns that how evasive it was and how it took over my yard and my neighbors yard. I always had to chop it down to control the growth but I always got cut all over in the process. Thus, I decided this year to chop it down completely down to the roots, dispose of it and replant a THORNLESS blackberry bush in it’s place. It will take another 3 years to grow to it’s full potential so I can have a bountiful harvest but in the end it’s totally worth it!
Gardening is really about rearranging plants to suit one’s self, and this year, I decided to actually grow some wonderful weeds- yes, I sowed them intentionally to harvest for herbal preparations: Yarrow, Elecampagne, Scutelaria lateriflora, & Nettle. I wondered if they could actually grow in good garden soil or if it would be too “rich” for them. Happily, they all grew fantastically well, despite extremely hot dry conditions for periods of time (well, herbs do tend to prefer heat, so I’m not too surprised). The bonus was that I planted them in the least desirable places (little light)where lettuce even struggles, and they were a success. Now my lettuces, planted in the richer soil with afternoon shade, are happier, too.
I am proud this season of learning to take my next step to ongoing planting and harvesting to keep the produce happening from early fall and on through till winter. I am doing some seed saving as well, to share with others at my community garden. I am also learning that some plants once planted -like garlic-thereafter some other plants like peppers do not want to grow there. So more and more it is about building up the soil, adding some kelp meal, teas, and rotation.
Love your informative site.
Lisa
I am just getting started in gardening…so I have much to learn…so count me in.
tallulahjane65(at)yahoo(dot)com
This year I have started a school garden at my son’s elementary school! It’s taken a whole year of planning and we are so excited to get growing :) My home garden has been flourishing as well. We harvested more grapes than all our friends or family could eat!
Count me in please!! I am very “into” small space gardening. I’ve done raised beds, companion planting, containers, also hoping to do some Indoor gardening soon.
I grew some tomatoes from seeds of tomatoes that were given to me. I was surprised they did so well!
We grew garlic for the first time and our local store gave us a free Charlie Brown type lime tree which was heading for the dumpster because it had dropped all of its leaves. The garlic has made us proud — we got 70+ heads. Two of our favourite ingredients are lime and garlic so we got brave and planted our lime in a protected south facing area in front of our house. We have been rewarded with a about a dozen limes that – so far – are about the size of a man’s thumbnail. But we brought that tree back from the dead, it flowered and is now in fruit….so we are encouraged. One day, if we take proper care of it in our west coast winters (christmas lights and blankets etc)…it will be big and tall and full of limes. Oh the optimism of gardeners!
I grew tomatoes this year!
This year, I learned that I need to provide better support for my peas (so that they don’t flop over and crowd out my under-planted beets). Also, I learned that you need to cover your cabbages earlier BEFORE the worms start. Oops!
I took your advice on making my own potting soil and replaced it with some of my plants and saw an amazing difference. Thank you so much!
I learned this year that I should have planted all male asparagus roots, rather than half Mary Washington. She is producing pretty red berries now, but I’d rather have more spears in the spring!
I grew cilantro that didn’t bolt immediately!
I accomplished patience. I am not a natural when it comes to gardening and often ave way many failures then successes but I keep going. I love the pride my kids get from finally harvesting their vegetables.
“count me in,” I have a green thumb and save all plants that other people throw out.
i am fed up with the beetles eating my rose bushes
I learned that weeds are an super annoying on going JOB!!! Also, different kinds of tomatoes are fun to grow, chickens love tomato worms:)
I am rather tickled with myself for entering the amateur horticulture contest at the Wisconsin State Fair this year , and winning a pile of ribbons, including a blue for my beloved coleus, another blue for my black petunias growing in an old skull shaped trick or treat bucket , and best of all for second on some ” ornamental grasses” that self seeded on my porch , and a fourth on a collection I dubbed ” Roadside Attraction” of queen annes lace, wild asters and thistles!
I look forward to subverting the state fair in the future!
I learned I can grow cucumbers : )
I learned about Armenian cucumbers! They are so good!
I have learned this year in the garden that rabbits will eat anything green in my garden. Even though I give them plenty of veggies to eat that I was not able to eat, they still enjoyed my plants and flowers even more.
I learned that onion blossoms smell like grilled onions. I’m not sure how much of an acccomplishment that is but I’m pleased to know it.
We planted several heirloom tomatoes this year and they did really well.
I learned how to ‘build’ soil out of green waste, brown waste (tree branches), horse manure and wood ash. Gorgeous!
I learned I need to build a fence to keep out deer and rabbits out of the vegetable garden. Option #2 would be to get a good beagle :)
I managed to put a garden in in the first place.
I’ve been doing much better this summer at keeping up with my crops — avoiding loss-to-compost of strawberries, tomatoes, peaches, plums, pears, garlic, onions, herbs, greens, and what-all — by consuming, preserving, selling, or giving them away. Even more exciting, I just extracted honey for the first time. And I’m always learning something new!
I love the artwork!! Looks like a great book.
I finally installed a rain barrel!
I’ve learned that each year my garden is an experiment and evolution. Some things work and some don’t, but I can try new things next year.
I learned to be more forgiving of my shortcomings in the garden. Gardening is not a competition, and maybe my neighbor gets so many tomatoes that they don’t know what to do with them, and maybe I only got a few at a time…they still taste sweet, and I adore them.
Here in Tucson I accomplished the feat of growing herbs in large pots this summer.
Count me in! :)
I learned that even 5 minutes of watering in my garden can bring me peace. As a solo Mama of 4yr old & 8 month old daughters it’s the little moments of enjoyment in our bountiful backyard that enrich our hearts & our souls.
I am pleased that my efforts to nurture, coddle and baby along my grapefruit seedlings, basil plants and Egyptian spinach through over multiple 100 plus degree days in August in Central Texas have been successful !
Count me in
I learned how important good soil truly is. Also learned how to remind myself to sometimes step back, sit down, and appreciate it all.
I moved to a shady 2nd floor apartment and most of my plants are struggling, but I learned that I can harvest and preserve large amounts of produce during a heatwave while taking care of my kids. Might be a bit more of something I learned about myself rather than gardening, but I’d never much canned things before this year so that was exciting
I’ve learned that even (and especially) during busy seasons of my life I can reap joy from growing plants, even (and especially) if they are small, easy, native, and bring me back to basics.
I’ve learned that harvesting okra while it’s smaller yields more flavor than when I let it grow larger. About 3-4″is good. At first I was letting it grow to 6-7″.
I learned the difference between carpenter bees and bumble bees, and that the former love my bee balm.
I grew Calendula again after many years. It started flowering late and the blossoms are small. I wondered, if it was because the seeds were old. Or maybe its the city air and much dust we had this summer.
I learned that it is worth getting plants in even if it is late in the season. I had a crazy spring and didn’t get anything planted until VERY late. I almost skipped it altogether but am so glad I didn’t because both my vegetable and flowers are thriving and bringing so much joy to me!
The gardening accomplishment I’m most proud of is the success of our bee and butterfly garden in attracting a variety of pollinators throughout the summer.
I am happy that some seeds harvested off of a vine I admired on walks last year actually grew. I have identified it as a Lilac Bean. It is a beautiful, prolific grower. I am going to save it’s seeds.
I transplanted False Blue Indigo from a garden spot in the shade to a sunny spot under our flagpole. I’m very pleased that it has taken it well. The plant is strong now, and I expect to see pretty blossoms in the spring. I was told that the transplant was a huge risk. Yeah for the times when stuff like that works!
Count me in! I grew runner beans for the first time and was amazed at the beautiful salmon coloured flowers off the vines
Count me in.
I learned that planting nasturtiums are a natural form of aphid pest control, and not only that they are super easy to grow and leaves taste delicious too!
Count me IN! My garden is always there for me…at the end of each day…growing just for me!
I started growing all kind of flowers this year instead of just veggies. I learned to wait and watch. Beautiful flowers take just as much time as beautiful veggies!