Fall Garden Update

Broccoli, carrots, romaine Lettuce and three varieties of Onions share the long bed.  

Once the temperatures dropped last month, everything started growing a lot better. I'm not that surprised. Today and yesterday we've had some really cool weather, and these fall crops are loving it.  The Front garden is doing very well, everything is full green and those that are fruiting are still going strong.  Even my peppers are still producing and doing well. We're also having Squash almost every night. I made soup yesterday with it. Nothing beats homemade soup with all raw veggies.  

The yellow squash has consumed a few pepper plants, it seems

 ok because they're staying warm and are still producing.  

I recently planted lots of onions, about 25 garlic cloves, and I have leeks in the backyard that I planted from seeds. So I've gone Allium crazy. The great thing about them is they store really well, and I use them all the time in my cooking. So I don't mind if i have an over abundance of them.  

I also picked up some different shade tolerant varieties of mint that I want to take over a few of the back beds.  There's so little light back there when the trees are full, that it's hard to grow anything useful. My brilliant plan  is to grow those mints and some edible flowers that like the shade. That should solve the problem and make it more colorful too.  We shall see.  

Reasons to Garden

I'm doing a presentation on gardening next week. I had to put together an information sheet. The first thing I did was come up with a brief list of reasons why everyone should grow their own food. It's by no means comprehensive. It doesn't even address the vast environmental benefits, because I'm afraid I'll lose the conservative contingent of my audience ( which is large here in Texas). I focused more one independent prosperity and beneftis from producing your own food.

A few reasons why having a Garden is one of the best things you can do for you and your family.

Lower Cost-
A small investment in seed and soil produces a large return in produce. No fancy or expensive tools are required.
Superior Taste-
Fresh organic produce that you grew yourself always tastes better than anything in the store.
Better Health-
Organic food produced in your own back yard will be richer in nutrients and minerals than in commercial foods that lose those benefits over time due long distance shipping. They are also free of chemicals like arsenic that are used to improve appearance and color of some fruits and veggies.
Improved Eating Habits-
With abundant fresh produce available 10 feet from your door, it will be easier for you and your family to snack on a carrot instead of a cupcake. This will help you and your kids cultivate good eating habits.
Preventative Care-
Childhood diabetes, obesity and depression are on the rise in The US. Studies indicate these problems can be prevented through better diets, including unprocessed foods that can easily be grown where you live.
Smarter Exercise-
Working with a shovel and a hoe in the garden burns plenty of calories, and develops largely unused muscle groups. You could pay a monthly fee and go to a gym, but all you’d get in return is sweaty gym clothes. Wouldn’t a bountiful harvest for the price of your labor be smarter?
Peace of Mind-
You know what your family is eating, how it developed, where it came from, and who helped it grow. No more worries about salmonella, ecoli or other pathogens that often afflict commercial and processed foods.
Family Unity-
Gardens are for young and old, plenty of fun activities can be geared around planting, growing and harvesting. Little ones love planting seeds and watching them grow.
Property Value-
In a time of a depressed housing market, a property with productive fruit trees and bushes, as well as a beautiful and bountiful garden, stands out.
Beautiful Yard –
Edible ornamentals like blueberry bushes and vibrant nasturtiums not only give you food, but also create a serene and beautiful yard.
Self Sufficiency-
Fruits and vegetables will grow during good times and bad, you can beat back high food prices with a trowel, and continue to provide food for you family in times of joblessness or other situational woes.
Good Stewardship- 
Growing your own food makes you aware of this beautiful earth and our responsibility to take care of it.
Great Therapy- 
Taking some time among the flowers and butterflies as you pick sun ripened tomatoes will do more to improve your happiness than any amount of time on the couch with the shrink.