This year I’m learning to be a gardener. I thought that I would struggle to keep things alive, but it’s actually quite the opposite (so far!) This is our tester year, just to see what happens. Here is where we are at so far.

 Here we have tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, and squash.

Here we have strawberries, raspberries, and watermelon.

And finally cucumbers and peas.

I find myself taking a lot of pride in my garden (since the rest of my yard is dirt and weeds.)  I find myself wanting to take care of it, instead of dreading one more thing to do (like I thought it would be.)  I have learned a lot already and have lots to improve on, but things are growing.  I went out to do some weeding yesterday and was actually bummed that it was too muddy.  Funny.  My garden is helping me learn something new and I’m feeling more and more self-sufficient.  I’m excited for the bottling I plan on doing in the fall.

Does anyone else garden?  What are you growing this year?  Please share your best tips with me.  I don’t think you can ever learn too much.