By Mindy McIntosh-Shetter

Many years ago I decided that everyone should grow something to make the world a better place.

Through many sleepless nights and meditation the perfect plant came to me.

The simple basil would solve world conflict and hunger.

Just think what the world would be like if we all sat down, had pizza, and discussed the world’s problems. Maybe the United Nations should think about that as a form of conflict resolution. I can see the headlines now “Basil stops the war.” Well I can only hope.

Basil can grow inside or out and does not require a long-term commitment. This simple plant is started from seed and only requires a general soil mixture in a container or a patch of ground in the garden. Once seeds are planted water in and fertilize once a month and that is it. I tell people if you can keep a goldfish alive you can grow basil.

To encourage those Read the rest of this entry »

By Cindy Naas

Gardening is repetitive but never boring.

As the years pass and you become ever more familiar with your garden, there will always be milestones you begin to anticipate, some even in the dead of winter.

Here are a few of my favorite milestones in my garden:

New Seedlings: When the first lettuce, carrot or beet seedlings push through the earth for the first time each season, I am overjoyed! I know that it will happen, it’s why I plant the seeds. However, getting that confirmation that yes, my garden still does work properly is a cause for celebration, and a sign that a lot of work and joy lies ahead.

Pesto: Tonight I am going to serve this season’s first batch of pesto. This is something I look forward to all year long, and so Read the rest of this entry »