About MY GARDEN

Well, this is my first attempt at growing a garden on my own.  When I was a wee tot my family grew some things in the backyard, and we've always kept some houseplants, so I'm not completely unaware of how plants work.

My garden is...large.  Over 2500 square feet.  Much too large for a beginner experiment.  I realize this.  But I'm half insane, and always do things on such a scale that I get burnt out.  That's just what I do.  Go big or go home. 

I'm in Zone 4 here in Northwest Iowa.  That means that some of the things I'm planting may not mature in time for first frost, but hey...we're all about experimenting here.  That's the theme of this garden:  Experiment.  Try as many varieties as I can mentally keep track of and then some.  I've tried germinating in dirt, in water, wrapped in moist paper towels in plastic baggies...growing in peat pots, pellets, individual cells, flats...flourescent lights, incandescent lights....I will try anything.  White watermelons?  Sure!  Scaling lily bulbs?  Why not?  Propogation through stem cuttings?  Bring it on!
I would like to take this time to mention two things. 

1.  Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.  I love this website.  So many varieties, all open pollinated.  AND they ship fast, as in...I order on Monday and receive seeds on Thursday.  AND each order comes with a free seed packet.  I have Pink Ponderosa tomatoes and Okra for free.  How cool is that?

2.  Garden Wisdom & Know-How:  Everything You Need to Know to Plant, Grow, and Harvest.  I got this on a whim for $20 at Barnes and Noble.  Best investment so far.  Has everything...biology-type things like parts of a seed, fertilizing, planting, garden planning, propogating, flower arrangements, pest control....everything.  Highly recommended and very worth $20.  I just looked it up on Amazon and there is a whole series....que interesante!