Gleanings from the Editor

Spring has sprung, and at least in my yard, water is in short supply. We haven't had appreciable rain in weeks and although it isn't hot yet, I'm having to water all my young veggies regularly.

Of course, this time of year I enjoy watering. The sun isn't beating down on my head and I'm not having to pour gallon after gallon on the plants. I have to go out and check them daily anyway to see how they are coming along. The period between planting and harvest is exciting and nerve-wracking as well. I just can't wait to taste the first tomato, and I dread the signs of hornworm chewing away on the leaves. So I have to go out and check on everything at least once a day and sometimes more. That is the fun and excitement of gardening - watching the young plants come along and grow and flourish, mourning the losses to cold and bugs.

I had to plant my garden twice this year. Our average last frost date is March 15, so I planted right about then. The next week we had a fine freeze and everything was cut down before its prime! So, I replanted and now everything is going well.

I guess one of the best things about gardening is anticipation. I guess that's one of the best things about almost everything in life. Looking forward to fresh tomatoes and cucumbers and squash lasts longer and is more exciting than actually eating them - which is pretty great in itself! The same is true of flowers and other plants in the garden. Imagining how they will look, smell, and contribute to the overall splendor of your yard is a lot of fun. Even if they don't turn out as well as you'd like, you still had the fun of anticipation.

So I like to recommend that people experiment in their gardens. Don't just plant and ignore. Try something new and watch to see what happens. It's part of the joy of gardening. (This year I'm trying apple gourds. Wish me luck!)