Grow Great Grub Book Giveaway
I did a quick and easy giveaway of my new book “Grow Great Grub: Organic Food from Small Spaces” on The Twitter last week and as promised I’m doing one here too. It’s still winter and most of us are hibernating and reserving energy for the spring, so let’s keep this simple.
To Enter:
- Simply post a comment via the box below. Please be sure to use a valid email address as I will be using that to contact the winners.
- Include a link to a photo or post online of something that is inspiring your edible garden this year. It can be a picture or post about your garden from the last season, your garden as it is right now, or a garden grown by someone else. Let’s inspire each other and get excited about the forthcoming growing season!
- I will choose 2 winners at random on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 6pm EST.
- Please note that this contest is only open to addresses in Canada and the Continental USA. (Sorry.)
Update: Since so many of you have asked: You don’t have to link to anything if you don’t want to. Simply stating what is inspiring you is great! The point is really about getting us all fired up for spring through our collective enthusiasm.
Update: Please note that this giveaway is over and the winners have been announced.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:21 pm
Don’t include me in the contest- I just want to join in and share two inspirational photos that are helping me get through winter:
http://twitpic.com/10vbwd - My first tomato of 2009, Black Seaman. I can’t wait for my first tomato of 2010!
AND
http://twitpic.com/105t40 Our first sprout of 2010, Purple Potato!
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:39 pm
I’m hoping for basil like this in my garden again this year: http://lisaiscooking.blogspot.com/2008/10/basil-oil.htm
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Yay! I’m so excited to read this new book! Here’s a link to a seed company specializing in asian vegetables and herbs. They even sell “chef garden” seed sets, like a pickling garden or a macrobiotic garden. Love it!
http://theurbanfieldguide.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/kitazawa-seed-co/
Hope the book sells big!
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Hmmm… I think the seed catalogs are whet is inspiring me right now, but here is a photo of last year’s garden: http://www.boogaj.com/knitting/2009/08/garden-harvest.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:58 pm
I’m a bit tomato crazy, so I’m always looking for ways to use them up. I’m growing 12 heirloom varieties this year. Here’s a link to Mother Earth News magazine, which did an article on drying and freezing tomatoes:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2008-08-01/How-To-Dry-And-Freeze-Tomatos.aspx
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:59 pm
i am so excited for your new book! i’ve gotten quite a bit of use out of “You Grow Girl”, especially now when i’m planning out the garden for the spring. i move just about every year, so it’s nice to have a reliable resource that i can apply to all sorts of new situations.
this image http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/05/chelsea-flower-show-opening-day.php inspires me and reminds me of a garden in town. there is a lot of contaminated soil in our neighborhood, so raised beds are a good idea. i like to think of them as gift boxes bursting with herbs, vegetables, and flowers. having the plants up higher also creates a bit of a jungle feel!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:00 pm
My seed savers catalog showed up today, so I’m eager for gardening season to start!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I’m not entering the contest (my copy is en route!), but just wanted to thank KDilley for the link to the Kitazawa Seed Company - awesome!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:09 pm
It’s sort of outside of the box for your question, but thorough planning (see link) has inspired my garden this year:
http://www.foodieandtheeveryman.com/2010/02/01/the-most-ambitious-project-yet/
Oh, and also the fact that even after I order ALL those seeds when the Richter’s catalogue showed up last night I made a list of a dozen more I want!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm
The Rouge Vif D’Etampes pumpkins are what I am really looking forward to this year.
http://ydsalittleofeverythingplace.blogspot.com/search/label/Pumpkin
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Ok, so this is a little cheesy, but my link is to a picture of Rabbit’s garden from Winnie the Pooh: http://dblawg.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/rabbit-s-vegetable-garden-posters.jpg
My husband and I planted our very first vegetable garden last year (and will again this year), and I think I always dreamed of having my own garden after seeing Rabbit’s veggie garden!
Right now we are only growing garlic…when is the best time to harvest that? (We live in South Carolina). Thanks!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Van: I love the ‘Black Seaman’ tomato. Always high up on my list of must-grow tomatoes… especially in containers.
Jessica: Kitazawa is great.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I’ve been looking through photos of my harvest from last year, especially the photos of tomatoes.. trying to make my list of what to grow this year. I wish I could grow every heirloom tomato out there!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/megz/3805811568/
I can’t wait for summer salads of fresh tomatoes & garden basil. Mmmmm!!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:25 pm
I’ve been gardening for a couple of years but hope this book will give me some new inspiration for spring!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Congratulations on 10 years and the new book Gayla. I blog about our century home renovation and cooking (my renovation stress reliever), which includes cooking from my garden. Last year I tried out some container gardening with some success. My last post on our blog was about planning a kid’s themed garden for this year.
Here’s what’s getting me through until spring: http://moreoptimism.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/hibernating/
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
I LOVE the idea of urban gardens and growing edible food in the back and/or front yard. We started a little veggie bed last summer in our backyard. One post here: http://www.familyfriendlyfood.com/2009/05/urban-garden-getting-started/, another here: http://www.familyfriendlyfood.com/2009/08/summer-crazies/ (there’s a whole category for this topic on my blog). We have so much to learn.
I also blogged about hunger in the past week. I think it would be great if each person grew something they could share and swap with neighbors. It’s good for the soul and the pocket.
Love the idea of your book! I tweeted about it. Only found out about you 15 minutes ago :)
I’ll be back!
Congrats on the book!!!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I am excited for spring to come! I am working hard to plan a garden in our small backyard that will keep us in vegetables for months. :)
I don’t have any pictures I can post, but I did grow some wonderful beets last fall. Here is a picture I found of sweet peas, which we’ll be planting soon: http://www.panix.com/~wbrodie/Garden/2005/July/7/index.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Oh man, I’m moving to a new place soon, one where I expect to stay for more than 6 months at a time and I’m looking forward to filling the place with plants! I’m in NYC so the outdoor bits will probably be something like this: http://www.urbanorganicgardener.com/fire-escape-garden/ but I’m looking forward to getting some plants indoors to make the apartment feel homey.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Thanks so much for making me look at last summer’s blog entries. My feet don’t feel quite so cold now!
I so miss being able to pick fresh food and turn them into supper, so my choice is this post from one of the hottest days of last year when I gathered a gorgeous selection of corn, tomatoes and peppers and made paella. Now I’m really hungry, just thinking about it.
Congratulations on the new book!
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:44 pm
These seeds arrived in the mail yesterday and I can hardly wait to start them in some trays. This summer I would like to focus on herbs and flowers to be used in homemade teas, desserts, and oils. Can’t wait for a nice batch of dried lavender, either.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Congratulations on the big day! LOVE your blog, it give me these little jolts of inspiration and nudges to try this or that in my own garden when the spring comes. Thank you.
Here’s a picture of my one-day harvest from the backyard garden on 8/10/09: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=509086&l=1b6a134d87&id=1556762640
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:55 pm
We don’t have a garden spot yet, but I am going to be working on one as soon as our snow melts. I am so excited. I remember as a kid looking through the Gurney’s (http://gurneys.com/Default.asp?) catalog. I can’t wait to do it again!
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:02 pm
The book looks amazing…congrats! Here is post featuring my garden from last year, chickens and all: http://lavenderlimes.blogspot.com/2009/05/garden-tour.html
The only difference this year…those fluffy chicks are now full grown, egg-laying machines!
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:08 pm
I planted blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, and kiwi last summer. I’m looking forward to the next few years full of wonderful “mixed berry” concoctions!
http://img4.realsimple.com/images/food-recipes/shopping-storing/0508/berries_300.jpg
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:17 pm
We garden all year long with two green houses and seven high tunnels, but gardening indoors is of little comparison to working outside on a warm, sunny day. The thing that excites me most is waiting for all the insects, birds and animals to wake back up and join us! I miss the sparrows and killdeer that live in our fields and barns, and all the interesting beetles and butterflies to identify!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avllesarah/2975039040/in/set-72157604822142953/
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:17 pm
We garden all year long with two green houses and seven high tunnels, but gardening indoors is of little comparison to working outside on a warm, sunny day. The thing that excites me most is waiting for all the insects, birds and animals to wake back up and join us! I miss the sparrows and killdeer that live in our fields and barns, and all the interesting beetles and butterflies to identify!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avllesarah/2975039040/in/set-72157604822142953/
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:19 pm
I do most of my gardening at work - a studnet/community centre in Peterborough. These pics are from our Heritage Veggie garden we started this year using donated plants and lots of volunteer labour.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21503300@N00/4326031934/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21503300@N00/4326031494/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21503300@N00/4325294501
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:20 pm
I don’t have too much space for growing, but I definitely use the space I’ve got! I can’t wait for spring.
http://www.kingstudiosblog.com/2009/06/planters.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
As a city dwelling wannabe gardener I’m so looking forward to reading your new title. Unfortunately this is pretty much the extent of my gardening over the past few years (http://www.flickr.com/photos/girlieerin/186538610/) but I’m determined to be more ambitious this year. Perhaps something a little along the lines of this: http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/gardening/10-inspiring-gardens-for-growing-food-in-small-spaces-083198
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:31 pm
This is what I am building as soon as the snow melts. I just bought my first drill too!
http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Build-Raised-Garden-Beds-59797501
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:34 pm
I’m so excited to finally begin a garden this summer and just stumbled upon your site and book.
I’m inspired by my mother-in-law’s garden:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitchenmouse/3811492309/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitchenmouse/3812308630/
Since my area only has a farmer’s market for a few short weeks, if I want my fill of tomatoes, I’d better get growing. :)
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:35 pm
I would love to win a copy of this! I have a few planter boxes on my urban patio and I’m looking forward to planning my spring garden projects. Here’s my inspiration, the heirloom tomatoes at the San Francisco farmers market:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomashawk/2189055770/
heaven on earth to me! I’d love to grow some of those myself.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:36 pm
We don’t have a home of our own, yet, but once we do I definitely want to start growing something. http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2008/05/let-the-children-plant/
that gets me excited to teach my child and my nieces and nephews!
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:37 pm
I would love a copy of this book. This year will be our first having planted garlic. We’re pretty excited.
My balcony garden from May last year.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:42 pm
It feels like I’ve minced thyme for every recipe I’ve cooked up every day for the past eleventy-eight months.
How about a little thyme growing love in the wilds of Oakland, CA?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/margaretedith/4310174605/
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:44 pm
fruits from my labor. i hope to have a more efficient and productive growing plan this year… thanks to my favorite garden book: “you grow girl!”
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:48 pm
If i could close my eyes and dream up the garden of my dreams, this is what it would look like:
http://a6.vox.com/6a00e398a76bc00003011015fbb47e860b-500pi
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Oh, to have a copy of this - I’d be very excited. While I am perusing the seed catalogs, my link is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/booksnyarn/sets/72157604106929766/ to my FLickr photostream of my gardening. This year I get to break my own ground for a garden. New adventures await!
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:54 pm
Seed catalogs are arriving by the week and I’m looking forward to trying to grow some edibles for the first time. I’ve been relying on my Grandmother’s tomatoes for the past couple of years, but I want my own! I will eat them all from pasta dishes to sandwiches: http://www.terrainathome.com/images/site1/content/Resource_EdibleGarden.JPG
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:55 pm
These photos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whirled/sets/72157623211695377/) may not seem exciting to the casual observer, but they are of my first backyard that I get to call my own. There are so many possibilities and this will be the first spring I get to spend in my new home. I’m overwhelmed and excited with the gardening possibilities, so I would love a copy of your new book.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:09 pm
You book looks fabulous. I have never been to your site before, but heard about your book and had to come by. I am going to head to the bookstore today and see if I can find your first book.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:12 pm
My garden right now is a square box of grass surrounded by a fence. That’s it. I don’t have a photo of the grass but do have one which demonstrates the suburbia and lack of green stuff I am living amongst. My most important goal for this spring/summer is to plant a garden and grow some food and hopefully get my kids eating it.
my backyard view
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
I’m so very excited about my garden this year! I’ve done a ton of research on things that grow well in my area and am really looking forward to it! I made a gardening link on my blog so I could keep them organized and people could find them easily. The first post that shows up is actually about me wanting my garden to finally die last year so it’s not exactly inspirational. Having everything organized is though!
http://theadventuresoffaith.blogspot.com/search/label/gardening
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Loved your first book- excited to check out the new book!
the beginning of my garden!
http://pknitter.blogspot.com/2010/01/photos.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I have some serious cabin fever!! I can’t wait to get outside and try some new things this year. This is my third year growing veggies and I’m very excited!!!
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
I would love to win this book. I love to garden and need some organic tips. What keeps me going through the winter are my frozen veggies…corn, zucchini, and tomatoes. There’s nothing like getting out a bag of corn I grew and chomping it down like candy.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Perfect! A friend sent me the link to your new book this morning (on Amazon). I’m so glad I clicked around and found this lovely blog, not to mention a chance at getting a copy of the book.
Here’s a link to my post on our first harvest from my first vegetable garden last year. Meager as it is, it was really exciting to have food we had grown ourselves, and seeing it now just gets me excited for how much more we can try to do this coming season.
http://www.totalmomhaircut.com/2009/07/09/you-capture-food-harvest.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
This is such a great giveaway, and on my birthday! So this is a picture of last years salad patch.
http://picasaweb.google.com/m/viewer?hl=en&gl=us&source=mobilesearchapp&fgl=true&pli=1#photo/speer.jen/5326169723337687281/5348339579155044754
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Alas, my inspirational link is of a garden long since bequeathed to someone else (gardens in backyards of rental properties seem to have limited lifespans), but I had a wonderful time gardening here while it lasted.
I hope someone at that address is still enjoying all the strawberries.
And, I hope to get into the ground again soon! Meanwhile, I do my best with containers.
http://urbancarrot.blogspot.com/
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Congratulations on the new book, Gayla.
This is a picture of the community garden I was a member of in St. Louis. It’s one of my favorite places in the world!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3884530&l=58f1d288c0&id=618600011
You inspired me to start gardening and what’s that done for me, I can’t begin to explain. Thank you for starting this website so long ago.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
My inspiration is a whole website: Folia.
I’m including my “invite” link below so that if anyone signs up (it’s free!) I’ll know and can welcome you, plus keep an eye on your gardens!
http://www.myfolia.com/gardener/XUMusketeer/invite
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
I love tomatoes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cowalsh/3847068944/in/set-72157612719729810/
And zucchini:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cowalsh/3846281769/in/set-72157612719729810/
And basil, and….
Last year we had a lovely set of raised beds but this year we are downsizing so I will definitely be needing this book.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
I am getting so excited for the garlic I have in my garden right now under the snow. I am excited for rainbow chard and basil and heirloom tomatoes!
I love this photo and I am hopeful for a great growing season.
http://blogs.kqed.org/bayareabites/files/2008/09/heirloom-tomato.jpg
I need your new book!
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Canning…canning and more canning! That is what is inspiring me! Especially pickled green beans! Yay!
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Your book looks delicious and makes me want Spring to be here as soon as possible! Here are two links to our family blog that make me excited for the planting and growing seasons to begin:
This is what we made with some of our garden’s veggies (vegetable foccacia):
http://thegouldhouse.blogspot.com/2009/07/whats-for-dinner.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Last year I spent about 6 months living at an organic farm in Italy doing dissertation research.
http://www.spannocchia.com/index.cfm
My garden reflects the insights I gained from the amazing people there. This year I hope to incorporate even more of their sustainable practices, good spirits, and spirit of conviviality.
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:16 pm
I need to learn to grow great grub!
Here are my sugar snaps from last year. I’m hoping to plant even more this year!!!!
http://picasaweb.google.ca/lh/photo/MBGCjW69g9w3kJ_UrHjF1g?feat=directlink
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
I’ve linked a photo of the small space I’ll have to work with in our back yard (inner city, postage stamp size). I have now 21 month old twins and I’d like to get them out there this spring and learn the earth and tend to a garden together. http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1115/577713451_23b9bcfb2e_o.jpg
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
This is the first year that I’m going to attempt to grow some vegetables. I watched a film that inspired me to start trying to eat organic, and since I have the space, I figured I’d try a garden! I’m terrified that nothing will grow, that if it does, it will taste terrible, or that I will kill all the plants within days. But I’m going to try anyway. And I’m excited!
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:26 pm
After buying our first home this past summer, I am so excited to start my first garden EVER! I’m a tomato freak, any size and shape (I don’t discriminate) and I would LOVE to have a selection of tomatoes like this one!
http://lesauce.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5506b058d8834010535fafa2a970c-pi
Fingers crossed that I win your book! :)
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I just love your blog! I also like to find some great inspiration at this website: ‘The Cooks Garden’.
Thanks for entering me in your contest!
- Leah
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Im excited about this: http://realfoodchallenge.org/MWsummit2010. I live here in St. Paul MN, and Im excited to get to talk to people about gardening, because I wont be able to garden for a few more months
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:40 pm
webiste link Correction to my previous post.
I just love your blog! I also like to find some great inspiration at ‘The Cook’s Garden’.
http://www.CooksGarden.com
Thanks for entering me in your contest!
- Leah
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Well, this isn’t really an amazing picture of a garden or anything, but I’m excited to grow my own herbs this summer because I just bought the St. Louis Herb Society’s new cookbook and it has interesting sounding recipes like Roasted Banana and Arugula Soup, and Lavender Tea Cookies. So here’s a link to their page:
http://www.stlouisherbsociety.com/
Oh, how I’d love to win this book too…
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:52 pm
This is a post about a garden I did with some friends last year. We did not get too much produce but we had a lot of fun!
http://chinos.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/community-garden/
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Here’s a link to a photo album of with pictures of my son (just under two at the time these were taken) in both of our gardens last year. One garden was in a community garden green house, and the other was a regular outdoor community garden. We made a “bean house” teepee for him to play in, and when he woke up in the morning he would say “Garden, garden, dirt, dirt, dirt, MY BEAN HOUSE!” It’s been so much fun rediscovering growing things with him, and this year I’ll have the “help” of son number two, who will be six months old at the beginning of planting season.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29696&id=1073034675&l=759f92a7b3
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:16 pm
I occasionally check the blog of self described “father, husband and part time homesteading, urban farmer” Paul Gardener. It is this post with pictures of his “urban farm” that really inspires me. http://apaetoday.blogspot.com/2009/08/yesyesyes-i-really-do-have-garden.html
He also makes me want to get some chickens. crazy.
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:22 pm
I WANT YOUR NEW BOOK!!! I’m a brand new rookie gardener, just starting this year. I’ve just finished You Grow Girl, and I’m desperate for the next one!
Here’s my post:
http://briansinbritain.blogspot.com/2010/01/ah-seeds.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Just wanted to say I’m so excited about your book! I’ve recently begun cooking on my own, for my single-self, and realized how much I enjoy not only cooking for one, but for all my friends! It is so satisfying, and it’s wonderful knowing exactly what is going in our tummies. Love it, keep it up! :) Beautiful book.
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Oooh, I’d love a copy of the book. I’m so excited to have real space of my own to grow veggies and flowers this year.
I’m planning on making seed bombs with leftover flower seeds, here’s an instructable on how:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-Seed-Bomb/
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Hi!
Watching food inc has inspired me to grow my own food. We have started a compost, so we hope to have a great veggie and herb garden this year!
http://www.foodincmovie.com/
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I’m so excited for this new book and can’t wait to break ground in our garden this year…this is the first spring in our new house and I have lots of plans! Someday, I hope it will look like this:
http://photos.pathtofreedom.com/Backyard_g133-_p550.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:50 pm
My last year’s garden was, well, still in the experimental stages. Not much was successful, looking back. BUT! The garlic came out great!
http://santafegarden.blogspot.com/2009/07/garlic.html
Congratulations on the book. If I don’t manage to win a copy, I’ll have to buy one. :)
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:56 pm
I want to be like Michelle…
http://www.tagbanger.com/archive/white-house-vegetables/
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I’d love your new book too! I just went back to school (after 10 years of being a SAHM) for plant science. Here’s some pics of what I did last year: my garden from last season
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:05 pm
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! Totally inspired me to grow all heirloom tomatoes this year!
http://www.amazon.com/Heirloom-Tomato-Recipes-Portraits-Beautiful/dp/159691291X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265151842&sr=8-1
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:23 pm
We just had a baby, then moved cross country and are now in a temporary house so I haven’t been able to grow anything in over a year. In the meantime I have been blogging about my plans to start a small family farm using sustainable agriculture methods as soon as we can buy our own home…
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:25 pm
I’m inspired by my grandpa, dad, and other family friends who are devoted to their gardens. I’m always amazed by their dedication and knowledge of Filipino fruits and vegetables, and how they are able to adapt to the differing climate from the Philippines to the US.
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Congratulations on the book! I plan to use it to help with my 2010 garden.
I get a lot of inspiration from forums on YGG, and in particular I always look at photos of Sorellina’s garden and read her advice. We just bought a house, so when I plan my veggie garden this year I’m going to take that advice :) Look at her tomatoes! http://www.yougrowgirl.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=11110&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20 (scroll through the thread).
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:37 pm
I can’t wait to get in the garden with my Little Madeline!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maddies_garden/3630935658/in/photostream/
and enjoy the beauty my garden gives
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maddies_garden/3631023544/in/photostream/
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Congrats, and great giveaway. I’ve recently been inspired by all the possibilities of spent grains. What’s spent about it? It’s good for compost, livestock feed, to make a crowd-tested yummy malt ice cream flavor with, and to bake bread. Was inspired by all the photos for that in this blog’s post: http://ourmothersdaughters.blogspot.com/2009/02/spent-grain-bread.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:42 pm
This thread made me think of our first baby broad bean harvest last year and how much I’m looking forwards to the next; fantastic finger food for small hands. This is a link to a post from my blog which shows the first harvest and some flowers that were at their best at the same time..
http://robandrosie.blogspot.com/2009/07/local-goings-on.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 6:56 pm
I will be honest and say I’ve never grown a thing in my life (well, besides my children…) just heard about this website and I’m thinking I might give it a try. Who knows, maybe my children will love it too! Thanks for the inspiration!
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:04 pm
After four years, I finally have an area protected from deer, so I can grow some veggies. This book is just what I need! Though there are no plants in it yet, my garden already has lots of color: http://hillcountryliving.blogspot.com/2010/01/cantina-garden-color.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:14 pm
http://www.reimerseeds.com/images/products/Tomato/Sungold_Tomato_Seeds.jpg I am all about the tomatoes for next year. My two little girls love to pick them and eat them right off the vine.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:15 pm
So, the community garden steering committee that I sit on found out at the eleventh hour that the proposed location failed the required soil test.
Although disappointed with the outcome, we are committed to greening the urban core, community gardening and offering a sustainable urban gardening option.
We are committed to assessing any and all creative solutions. I found a pic from Flickr that could provide a whimsical way to maximize space with container gardening.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milkmaid1979/2341950786/
Life isn’t about the falls, but how you get back up again right?
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:16 pm
http://www.hopeseed.com/images/Basil_genovese.jpg Desperate for some fresh herbs.
February 2nd, 2010 at 7:41 pm
http://myfolia.com/journals/72624-queen-of-winter-harvests
This year I’m inspired to do more season extension by building another cold frame and maybe even a hoop style greenhouse. My January 26th 2010 harvest of spinach in eastern Ontario has shown me that I can do a lot more to get food out of the garden year round.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:00 pm
http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2009/02/thinking-about-gardening/
I enjoyed this introduction to planning a garden. I’m going to start composting this year.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:15 pm
This year I am being inspired by the many volunteers that put together the GROW! Community Garden. It is amazing how much produce comes out of a small garden. This group donates much of the produce grown to the local food bank! I am looking forward to your book as I design my 4 x 20 ft plot at the garden!
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I have a small terrace and still enjoy gardening. Mind you, it’s almost all container gardening. Including vegetables! I’ve got all my seeds for this coming summer. Some I’ve swapped for, and I’ve begun to Winter Sow perennials! I’ve got all my 2010 seed catalogues ‘dog eared’, so new garden reading material would be welcomed. A great way to get me through the Winter blues!
Congratulations on another great book!
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:37 pm
After reading below article my wife and I have decided to start a vegetable garden to help supplement the food we have been preparing for our family. We both don’t have any experience in growing our own food, but we hope your book will help us out.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/Grow-Your-Own-Food.aspx
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:37 pm
It’s so awesome to hear so many people crazy excited for their gardens!
Can’t wait for that firsttiny green tomato of hope! http://www.flickr.com/photos/47164006@N03/4326090115/in/photostream/
and help from my favorite kitty!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47164006@N03/4326089753/in/photostream/
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:53 pm
I have enjoyed You Grow Girl so much. It’s very exciting that you’re giving away a copy of your new book.
Here are some terrariums I made with my students. http://librarianismchronicles.blogspot.com/2009/04/earth-day-mini-gardens.html
They’re very satisfying, because they sprout so quickly. I can’t wait to see my outdoor garden start to grow this spring.
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:23 pm
I’m not much of a vegtable gardener, i’m addicted to growing trees from seed… it just gives me a world of my own one day as my forest grows others will see the beauty of my trees from all diffrent walks of life as they are..
Halene
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Congratulations on the publishing of your book…what a wonderful accomplishment!
My inspiration is Kathy at Skippy’s Vegetable Garden http://www.carletongarden.blogspot.com/
As a second year gardener who lives just an hour north of Kathy, I find great encouragement from her blog!
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:50 pm
My favorite part of gardening is my little helper…
http://thedunsmores.blogspot.com/2009/04/thank-you-nana-and-grampa.html
Thanks! So excited!
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:14 pm
http://www.flickr.com/photos/quirkyviolet/3782984148/in/set-72157619351877982/
This is what our first cucumbers looked like at the beginning of last year. Now there are jars of pickles in our cupboard! We had a really successful harvest (we container garden), and just started our seeds for this year! I’m looking forward to sugar snap peas soon.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:16 pm
So far all I’ve managed to grow in my apartment is herbs. I’m excited to try more!
My window-sill “garden” from last summer:
http://amymak.tumblr.com/post/124203191/things-im-growing-part-2-basil
http://amymak.tumblr.com/post/124203900/things-im-growing-part-3-garlic-chives
http://amymak.tumblr.com/post/124202622/things-im-growing-part-1-thyme
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:37 pm
I have been waiting SOOOOOOOO long for this book, my green thumbs are twitching! Can not wait to get my grubby mits on this book.
Here’s my blog… http://dirttherapy.blogspot.com/
there’s some cursing and non-garden related trivia…but that’s how I roll.
My gardening style is a little on the crazy side, corn in the front yard, hopefully chickens in the backyard…urban farmer wannabe.
Congrats on the book Gayla!
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:46 pm
I sort of turned the prompt for this around and asked myself “How has my edible garden inspired me?” It’s the first my partner and I have planted together, on the first piece of land we have ever been able to call our own (for six months at least). I can’t wait until the time in my life when I can tend something more substantial, but this will do for now!
http://lostisfound.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/watching-the-garden-grow/
Oh! And even though I’ve written this from New Zealand - I do have a mailing address in the States! Thanks Gayla!
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:49 pm
After many years in urban cores so dense that no sun hit anywhere near a window or stoop I now have a bright spot to grow!
Trying to refresh my memory on the gardening knowledge from many years ago. Your book sounds great and I would love to win a copy, thank you for the opportunity and for creating this community.
This week headed to the Seattle garden show!
I am inspired by the photos here…
http://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/projects.html
My plan is to incorporate my veggies into the landscape I am directing. Looking for some dynamic herbs to play a starring role!
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:03 pm
http://www.seedsavers.org/ There is a pic of heirloom tomatoes on the cover of their catalog that is gorgeous. Maybe one day I will learn the secret to growing great veggies. It is a work in progress
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:05 pm
looking forward to reading your book!
my inspiration is the yummy food i got from my first try at gardening last year:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heidi/3947134742/
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Since I have moved back to the U.S. from Australia, I have not had a chance, nor the room, to start a garden. Recently, due to a friend’s break up, I have been asked to help with her garden and gladly said YES! I’m really excited to have an edible garden both at home and at my friend’s house. I’m inspired by the memory of a garden I had in Australia, as well as books such as Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.
Here is a link to the garden I had in Australia (a shared venture):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/catherinechandler/4326431809/
February 2nd, 2010 at 11:27 pm
2009 was my first year of ’serious’ gardening (i’d been mindlessly growing things prior, sans méthode) and it was so wonderful! voilà my modest edible container garden (edible garden, not container ;-)
http://tinyurl.com/y98qurc
very much looking forward to your book! it’s been on my Amazon wishlist for months.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:16 am
I’ve been planting a 14×40ft row garden for the past 3 years but this year converting to raised beds and square foot garden. I’m in North Eastern Canada where we’re under a blanket of snow and -32C now so basically any picture of a green garden works for inspiration…lol
One I do like lately and use for inspiration for my own garden is http://www.whgmag.com/SquareFootGarden.gif
I’m planning for substantial yield increase this season as well as extending my growing season by using hoop covered beds. Look forward to your book and best of luck!
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:28 am
This blog keeps beautiful food as its subject and makes me excited for getting have super fresh beautiful food right in my reach!
http://sunday-suppers.blogspot.com/
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:11 am
Unfortunately, I didn’t take any pictures of my gardening experiment last year and this year, so far, there’s nothing but dirt in some lovely bowls … but hopefully soon I’ll have something to show for it!
I would love to learn more about gardening in small spaces!
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:12 am
The pictures of strawberries really does it for me, as well as the idea of strawberry lemonade. Excited to expand my edibles garden from one rosemary plant.
http://www.digginfood.com/2009/07/strawberry-lavender-lemonade/
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:17 am
Yay! Super excited for your new book.
I spent seven months last year on an organic farm where we grew a lot of veggies and fed a lot of people. It was wonderful. I am back in the city and hoping to get a community garden plot and grow a lot of spinach, radishes (this time i am going to try watermelon radishes, broccoli, herbs and tomatoes- hopefully they will not be hit by blight. that was so sad last year. we had some that survived in the greenhouse though.
Thanks for the inspiration Gayla!!
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:29 am
forgot the link!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46214531@N07/
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:37 am
You have inspired me to grow more and spread the word of how important to learn and teach others to grow vegetables and have a garden. Thank you and I would love a copy of your new book!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40167698@N07/4326719433/in/photostream/
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:06 am
I’m hoping my allotment will look like this again in the next summer: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11606177@N03/2743311237/
Plenty of beans, pumpkins, zucchini, raspberries, swiss chard and peas to last me the whole fall and winter!
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:21 am
I am excited to work on my 150 sq ft garden in Seattle’s P-Patch system for the 5th year. This year I am going to be a bit more free form with the planting, a scary prospect for a planner like me! Inspiring me this winter has been this blog: http://www.modernvictorygarden.com/apps/blog/. While I don’t think I will ever own property that large, I am inspired to plan a garden where I meet 90% of my veggie and fruit consumption.
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:26 am
Sounds like a fabulous book - I have a small yard in the city and need some ideas on how to better use what space I have!
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:44 am
Now that we’re back at the other end of the cycle, reading my post from last fall inspires me to work towards a beautiful harvest again.
http://megsheff.blogspot.com/2009/09/late-summer.html
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:59 am
I would love a copy of this book. I Just ordered my first organic seeds and can’t wait for spring!
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:04 am
I had a very unsuccessful first garden last year, but I did grow carrots very, very WELL. So well, in fact, we decided our soil was bionic soil.
Looking at this picture inspires me for the coming season!
http://www.blogger.com/profile/01468406296316647670
So excited about your book!
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:11 am
Some photos of last years garden–2009. I have a few photos on Flickr–maynekitty http://www.flickr.com/photos/42051744@N07/
I think I get particulary inspired when I visit Gardeners Supply site. homepage for Gardeners Supply http://tinyurl.com/q7xhqb
The giveaway books sounds like the perfect addition to anyones gardening library. Thanks
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:12 am
I had a City of Toronto allotment this year, but medical issues didn’t let me tend it as much as it needed. I think I’m giving it up this year, to focus on the balcony where I can take care of things more easily.
Here are some peas that I grew in the allotment: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfc/3749109459/in/set-72157620914794149/
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:12 am
This was our garden last year. It inspires me for this year’s garden — to learn from our mistakes last year and try new things this year. I hope your book has some tips I can apply down here in Arizona!
http://ow.ly/13nqR
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:15 am
I’ve never been able to grow a thing, but I’m inspired by the organic hydroponic farm near my house. They cleared a tiny lot that was an overgrown eyesore in an urban area and turned it into a fully functioning farm :)
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:22 am
Some of our garden photos can be found here–http://www.flickr.com/photos/42051744@N07/
user name is maynekitty.
We are going to trellis as much as possible this year so we can plant more. I bought some netting to use for that. We are rototilling a special area in the front yard away from the rest of the garden for melons, winter squash and corn.
They are huge space takers and we usually only grow one of each and one row of corn, so this year we are trying something different.
maynekitty [at] live [dot] com
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:30 am
Me need GREAT GRUB NOW! Round about this time of year, I go so antsy with the square foot beds covered in snow that I absolutely MUST sprout!
Here are some pics of my current tiny-scale operation.
http://ronypony.blogspot.com/2010/01/sproutin-time-is-here-again.html
Amazing how reviving the sight of anything growing can be in January (or February)…
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:42 am
I love the tomatoes and herbs in the second photo here: http://www.likemerchantships.org/search/label/frugal%20gardening
Would love to have plants for my 2-year-old to help me with! Thanks for sponsoring this giveaway.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:46 am
I am hoping to create an herb garden along my fence similar to this:
http://blog.atomic-ranch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/herb-garden-595×335.jpg
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:54 am
I would love a copy of the book! I am buying my first home and super stoked to put stuff in the ground! I am going to grow a fig tree! Here are pics from last year’s picking from the farm and a gumbo recipe
http://lazysmurf.wordpress.com/2009/10/20/chez-rolez-gumbo-a-day-at-the-farm/
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:59 am
I am currently doing my sketches for my new expanded veggie garden and marking seed catalogs. Your beautiful book looks like it would be wonderful inspiration!
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:05 am
I’m embarking on my second year of gardening–while we have a backyard we don’t have a lot of space. I love you grow girl and know this book must be great too!
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:07 am
Sorry, I misread the instructions. This is what is inspiring me: I want to preserve food I grow myself!
http://tigressinajam.blogspot.com/2009/11/tigress-can-jam-food-blog-challenge.html
In particular, I want to grow cornichons!
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:11 am
Ooh, I’m so excited for your new book. I got a copy of your first book years ago at the Canadian Book Expo and would love to have this new one two.
As for a link of inspiration, how about this?
http://tomorrowortoday.com/2010/01/29/bare-necessities/
It will definitely be my gardening motto this year :)
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:15 am
Ciao Gayla-
Wow, I had a hard time coming up with ONE photo that really summed up the best of 2009 for me. Sure, I could have given you a basket of tomatoes photo or a wide-view shot of the tomato/eggplant/basil/nasturtium beds. I opted instead for a close-up of the Japonica Striped Corn that I grew for the first time. I’ve been looking forward to growing this ever since I saw a photo of it in the Seed Savers Exchange Catalogue in 2004. I put it off thinking that I would need an acre of land to grow corn. That’s the idea I always grew up with..that corn is a field crop, so you need a field to grow it. Not really. I’ve even grown some smaller corns in a half whisky barrel. Anyway, the Japonica corn gave me such joy and delight with its variegated colourful leaves and in the Fall, pomegranate-coloured cobs. I HIGHLY recommend growing it in your community garden.
http://s45.photobucket.com/albums/f60/Sorellina66/Garden%202009/Veggies%202009/?action=view¤t=JaponicaStripedMaizeShowingLotsofPi.jpg
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:20 am
I am a fairly novice gardener and wannabe homesteader in Portland, OR, and my latest scheme is top-bar hives for keeping healthy happy bees! I’ve already ordered the bees, the seeds for my garden, and the seeds for the flowers that will keep them happy. I plan to build the hive with the help of my bf. I would love a copy of your second book to help me out with the growing seeds and food side of it all. I’m a big fan of your work, especially your style of presentation. http://raindropteablog.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-bar-hive-beekeeping.html
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:27 am
I’m a little behind the times - no link for pics, but picture two amazingly adorable toddlers. I’ve decided to start a veggie garden this year because of my kids. I want them to understand the life cycle of food - what they eat and where it comes from. I think it’s a valuable lesson for all kids.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:37 am
This book has been on my Amazon wish list since before it was released! So happy for you to have another book out, I loved the first one so much, which introduced me to this site and the forum which has been amazing. :) I’ll be keeping my fingers firmly crossed.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:40 am
Hi Gayla!
I’m very excited to see your new book, order my seeds for this upcoming season, and get back into the dirt. My inspiration for this summer mainly comes from my new chickens. I got them in September, but they have absolutely renewed my interest in growing my own food and food for them. I’ll be growing sunflowers for the first time this year because of them! They will be giving me good fertilizer, so I’ll grow them some fun things too. Here is a picture of them right after we got them:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kjmeyers/3971213979/
Thanks!
Kristin
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:57 am
This is my garden (my first attempt EVER) last year - http://lifeinbeta.com/2009/08/05/stopping-to-smell-the-zucchini-blossoms/ - I loved the experience and would love to expand this year and hopefully do a better job!
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:59 am
With the new year came a push to eat more fruits and vegetables along with an even bigger push to get away from all of the pre-packaged stuff. I am glad I found your site too (thanks dooce). I’ve been learning a lot at eatcleandiet and so my picture comes from there
http://www.eatcleandiet.com/food_and_recipes/feature_recipe.aspx
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:00 am
Yay!! My garden, which has yet to be born, was inspired by friends garden success. I decided to start a small raised bed out of a large pile of junk we had on our property, and this is what I came up with:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=8813544&l=be7bf2bb0b&id=559215695
Hoorah for being green! This spring will be my first attempt at a garden of any kind. Wish me luck!
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:23 am
http://theextraordinaryeir.blogspot.com/2008/08/with-silver-bells-and-seashells-and-one.html
This was my bounty from last year’s garden. So proud the potatoes WORKED!
Cheers!
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:24 am
I just recently started following you and checked out “you grow girl” from the library last night! Here is a link to a post from my 2009 garden.
http://www.reddirtgarden.com/2009/12/trellising-a-watermelon/
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:29 am
I just found your blog last week, while my infant son was napping (as he is now. Yay!). I LOVE it and am going to buy your book if I don’t win it. If I do, I will buy one as a gift ’cause it looks that great.
Some pics of a make-it-happen sort of urban garden:
http://badatsports.com/2009/chicago-pocket-garden/
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
After joining an organic CSA last summer, we tried to start growing more at home and started vermicomposting. Our plans this year are to buy a new home with a larger yard, but we are staying within city limits so more yard may be hard to find! This book looks like it very helpful for growing as much as we can no matter how much yard we have! Here’s a link to a blog post about a trip to the CSA farm we joined and our vermicomposter.
http://foradisfamily.blogspot.com/2009/06/frustrated-farmers.html
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:16 pm
I just happened to hear about your new book on dooce.com and was so thrilled to do so! My husband and I are FINALLY able to start a vegetable garden in our new construction home after an agonizing 2 yr wait. Our previous home had a beautiful vegetable garden that was my husband’s baby.
Here is a link to a (a little out of focus, I’m sorry) picture of our daughter when she was younger as she helped us pick peppers. She LOVED eating the fresh veggies that came out of it every summer (the peas never made it into the house!) and I hope to share that love with my other 2 children.
http://community.webshots.com/album/576595211KGScNj?vhost=community
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:27 pm
sorry, i have no blog or links, but i would love this book. i erected my walk-in green house last weekend and i am dying to start my seeds!
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:51 pm
I am going to attempt my first garden this year and the following pic makes me DROOL…I can only hope mine produces results like this!
http://www.dutchlabusa.com/looking-for-vegetable-garden-styles/
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I love growing food with and for my kids. They get so excited when something comes from our garden, and my daughter even harvests and saves seeds for the next year, all of her own accord, I did not teach her to do that. It’s such a good feeling knowing that the food I am serving my family from our garden will nourish them and help the environment as well. In my blog I am discussing how to incorporate whole foods, and other ideas throughout the year in a year of healing and health, and in the spring and summer I will be talking about gardening and fresh produce and their health benefits. Congrats on teh book. Great site.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:53 pm
I successfully grew green beans (only one batch) last year. My strawberries didn’t grow big enough to enjoy, but they did grow! I am looking forward to trying new things this year.
http://tinyurl.com/yf9eaq6
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:14 pm
What is inspiring me this year is I actually have outdoor space! We just moved to an apartment with a terrace and I can’t wait to start my plantings.
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
An abundance of color in my garden is what inspires me, especially after a winter in the northeast. I love to grow vegetables that I have never seen before like these turkish “orange” eggplants (S. integrifolium): http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolehamam/4328471650/
Delicious and sweet but beware, the ant think so too!
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:57 pm
OMG! I would love to have one of these books!! I began gardening in my back yard with a tomato kit from walmart 4 years ago, and that has turned into 1/2 of my yard becoming a garden with snow peas, many different tomoatos and peppers, cucumbers, squash, zucchini and I have just started companion gardening adding flowers and herbs. I would love a copy of your book to propel me to the next level!! right now I am looking thru seed catalogs and planning the spring garden, but with snow on the ground, my itch is needing to be scratched!!
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:07 pm
I visited the 2009 Late Show Garden show at Cornerstone Sonoma in Sonoma, CA. My favorite demonstration garden was by Suzanne Biaggi and Patrick Picard called “Future Feast”. It was a beautifully designed garden with edibles at the forefront. It really inspires me to see a “designed” edible garden and I hope to do the same! Take a look at a slide show of the piece at http://www.equinox-landscape.com/FutureFeast-slideshow/index.html
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
I need some serious inspiration as I will be 9 months pregnant at planting time! How am I going to get my veggies in the ground???
http://barrittchambers.blogspot.com/2009/11/late-harvest.html
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:32 pm
I certainly cannot compete with these other inspired posts. My inspiration is quite simple - I am going into my 2nd year of gardening and I have no doubt that it will be better than the first (since the 1st was not very good). Needless to say, my row for the hungry left everyone still hungry.
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Last year was the first year I grew anything at all. After spending the winter surrounded by gardening books (including the You Grow Girl), I felt that I was ready to tackle the dirt once Spring came (very late here in NL). Even with some beginner’s mishaps I had fresh lettuce all summer, swiss chard, cress… but the best thing was the tomatoes! I planted them pretty late in the season but I was so happy to see those little green things! I can’t wait for this year… I am once again surrounded by books and even bought a beautiful agenda just to write everything that will be happening in the garden.
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:55 pm
My inspiration for the new growing season is actually my little balcony garden from last year. My husband and I moved to a new apartment in July, mid-growing season, and found that we had continual sunlight through our south facing windows and our north facing balcony. Remembering the joy that I had growing a full garden with my father years ago, I bought a windowbox for herbs, a 4″ pepper plant and was gifted with a Topsy-Turvy and a 4″ cherry tomato seedling. The three containers were thriving and I shared my excitement with co-workers who were also beginning their first container vegetable gardens. I was gifted with cucumber and bush bean seedlings from my animation director’s own garden. Los Angeles stayed mild through the fall and I harvested small fruits and veggies to my delight. This year will be better now that I know my cycle better… I already have some Bibb and red leaf lettuce seedlings started and I am going to sow veggie seeds in my south facing window today. This year, I am planning on two types of peppers, a larger variety of tomatoes (in a standing 5 gallon bucket), small eggplants, and cucumber. The eggplant or cukes will go into the Topsy-Turvy to save a tad bit of space. Here’s a post about my garden from the fall:
http://stitchedtogether.typepad.com/stitched-together/2009/11/california-dreamin.html
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Congrats! I was thrilled to find your new book and website through Heather’s post on Dooce.com today! This Spring, I am inspired to landscape the backyard with edibles! We have a killer winter garden right now and want to expand our growing potential!
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:58 pm
I don’t have any pics of my 2009 garden because it was shameful. I have high hopes for 2010 though, and will expand my repertoire to keep my toddler full of fresh veg :)
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:02 pm
I’m new to gardening! We just moved into a small space and I would love to get started growing herbs on our porch like my mom used to do in California.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
I just discovered your site. Congratulations on the book. It looks wonderful!
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:29 pm
I bought my house in the fall of 2008 and didn’t realize until it was too late last year that there was an area for strawberries.
So I was reading up over at Organic Gardening about how to take care of them for this year - http://www.organicgardening.com/feature/0,7518,s1-5-72-573,00.html - and I’m very excited.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:42 pm
When I was a kid, we had a fair amount of land and a large garden like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/didis_zw/86328118/ that I loved to spend my evenings and weekends in. I couldn’t think of anything more soul satisfying as tending to a garden. Now that I’m older I’ve not had an opportunity to live somewhere with enough land to plant a garden. I currently live in a condo with no land to call my own but I still long to tend to a garden. Last year we tried planting a few things in large planters - some things worked, some didn’t but I loved the experience and look forward to it again this year.
I’ve also recently come across this wonderfully inspiring site: http://www.towards-sustainability.com/
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
I just moved to Northern California and have a beautiful backyard that is screaming for an organic garden!! I just don’t have a clue how to do it. I am looking forward to the challenge, and the rewards!!
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
I spent my childhood years on a working farm, and didn’t appreciate until I went away to college. Now I’m becoming passionate (obsessed) with where my food comes from, so I’m planning on starting my garden this year. Can’t wait to check out this site - thanks!
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
I had an urban garden with tomatoes and peppers last summer, but it was ravaged by squirrels living under my neighbor’s roof. They had someone trap them and take the critters away this fall, so I have high hopes for this summer. I’d love to grow my own herbs year round, too. Last week I spent $5 on bunches of mint, cilantro and parsley when I only needed a smidge of each!
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
I can’t wait for my garden this year!! I’m excited and inspired by my first ever compost bin that I’ll have ready this Spring :) Would love to win your book!
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:28 pm
This was, and continues to be, my inspiration for growing.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:43 pm
your book looks amazing! can’t wait to dive in and take advantage of my small balcony to make food!
i am inspired by the alice waters edible schoolyard coming to nyc this year!
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-352/Alice-Waters-Edible-Schoolyard-Coming-to-NYC-Public-School.html
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:18 pm
I’m inspired by one of my office mates, whose family bought a share of a local farm through this service: http://www.localharvest.org/. I plan to buy a farm share this year, but also attempt my first garden ever — an herb garden on my back porch.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:10 pm
My inpirations are the seed savers catalog (I spent hours going through it and got more seeds than I possibly have room for, can’t wait to try the chioggia beets!) and Vegetables by Alice Waters, simple recipes I can’t wait to try.
http://www.seedsavers.org/Details.aspx?itemNo=345
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:05 pm
My inspiration is my daughter, she is 17 months old and she loves plants. Going to the farmers market every week and seeing the great produce makes me want to get her involved in the growing process.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:11 pm
vertical gardens are inspiring me. here’s a link:
http://echostudiochicago.com/learn/patrick-blancs-vertical-gardens
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Last spring I moved into a new place with a small patio and promptly turned it into a tiny second-floor garden, complete with plants from the local farmer’s market. Work was crazy, so coming home and seeing things growing was one of my favorite things I did for myself last summer.
Camera was broken, so I only have fragments of posts from my blog: http://www.livejournal.com/editjournal.bml
I can’t wait til the weather warms up and I can convert the snowy balcony back into a garden!
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:55 pm
I can’t wait to take up more of my front yard with our edible garden. Growing fresh veggies with my kids is my favorite part of summer. I’m inspired by watching them love gardening, getting excited to harvest fresh food, and setting up lettuce stands instead of lemonade stands. To me, it doesn’t really matter what we grow, but that we grow!!
February 4th, 2010 at 1:16 am
We had our first organic garden last summer and it was such a fantastic experience, especially for my four year old daughter. She was so involved with every step, from tilling the soil and choosing seeds and plants to picking tomatoes and shucking corn. My fussy little eater even tasted everything that came out of our garden…a giant step for her! Our biggest achievement was growing pumpkins, carving them, and even making pumpkin ravioli. It was so much more than I ever expected. This year we’re looking forward to doing it all over again!
http://featheredbythemoonlight.blogspot.com/2010/01/interview-with-experienced-4-year-old.html
February 4th, 2010 at 1:25 am
Well, firstly, a BIG Congratulations on completing 10 years and 2 books!! Really - that is some achievement.
I really, REALLY want to have a farm of my own - but I don’t quite know how or when that will be.
I was watching this film: “UP”
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c5/Up_Poster.JPG
It’s an animated film (by pixar)about this couple who are adventurers by spirit and dream of having a big adventure when they build their home by this breathtaking waterfall in South America.
But ‘life’ happens to them and they don’t end up getting there. Instead the woman dies of old-age and the man is left alone and sad. He comes up with some idea to fulfill his promise to his wife only to realise that actually living their lives together itself was their big adventure.
And so… I feel that when I have my BIG garden I’ll garden big - till then I’ll be more than pleased Growing Grub from Small spaces!
(I know I’m not in the continental America - but I can provide an address of a friend who is and will be able to send the book to me - that is if I’m the lucky one :-) )
February 4th, 2010 at 2:29 am
Unfortunately there are no pictures online of what I want to grow. I have a friend who grows these awesome heirloom tomatoes, yellow and red ones. I didn’t even like tomatoes until I tasted the ones he grows, and then I changed my mind completely. I don’t have a lot of space but I’ve failed with tomatoes before, and this year I want to make them grow. Somehow. Even if it’s just cherry tomatoes or something, I want to get started with tomatoes so that eventually I can grow the beautiful things that he grows!
February 4th, 2010 at 3:28 am
Your site is inspiring me! That and the thought of an almost unlimited supply of peas and cherry tomatoes. Oooh, ooh, and having BBQs in the backyard where people can grab lettuce for their burgers straight from the garden. And mint for their mojitos…Mmmm…
February 4th, 2010 at 7:12 am
I wasn’t as lucky as you to get away to Dominica for a month but i do have herbs growing on my windowsill i.e. Basil;parsley;1 small Oregano&dill.I also threw in some flax seed which are quite leggy but i’m hoping for some of those beautiful blue blooms.I’m also hoping to win your
book wml….
February 4th, 2010 at 9:13 am
I am in love with things as they are green - full of potential, before too much rain, or neglect, or squirrels have squandered it…here are my inspirational pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46113412@N00/3843504486/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/46113412@N00/2863980782/
February 4th, 2010 at 9:27 am
Ever since I stumbled upon their blog (http://urbanhomestead.org/journal), the Dervaes family’s “urban homestead” has inspired my gardening and sustainable living efforts! For instance, take the picture at the top of this post:
http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2010/01/10/on-the-road-again-nor-cal-schedule-events/
Someday I hope to have the time to devote to a backyard like that! For now, I’ll just dream big while I putter about in my community garden plot. : )
February 4th, 2010 at 10:05 am
I would love, love, love to grow my own beans to dry and eat all year long. We’re going to try out chickens to, but that’s a different type of thing to grow in the garden. ~H
February 4th, 2010 at 10:35 am
I’m starting my second year as a balcony gardener so any photos of container gardening in small spaces is inspirational to me:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arcarpenter/4140875115/
I’m also growing the flowers for my summer wedding at my parents house. Sweet pea, bachelor buttons, lavender… I’ve even convinced my Dad to start a wildflower garden in the front yard!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amanda_please/641830708/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wxmom/437534223/
February 4th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Alys Fowler and her book Garden Anywhere are breaking me from my winter tedium. I can’t wait to begin seedlings in a few weeks, and I’m already sprouting a number of pits and seeds from the grocery store as houseplants. Most important to me are Alys’s garbage-picking, waste-not-want-not ways. It’s so important to use what we have, and to prevent our garden habits from making us bigger corporate consumers. I’ve just begun a position as Garden Educator at a local Community Gardens organization, and I’d love to use your book as a resource. Thank you!
February 4th, 2010 at 11:58 am
I can’t hardly wait to make myself sick of asparagus….only about 6 weeks.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
hmm, I am currently inspired by the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed, Territorial Seed, and Annie’ Annual’s seed catalogs and websites. Stunning photos of heirloom plants that I can’t wait to start growing this summer.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Oh, me! Pick me! I am planning to build an African-style keyhole garden this year, which will be a challenge in not-so-sunny Half Moon Bay. Nonetheless, I am determined: http://www.rain-barrel.net/make-your-own-keyhole-garden.html. Your site is a constant source of inspiration, Gayla. Thanks!
February 4th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
I just bought a house with a fully shaded backyard. I will be facing the challenge of creating a frontyard garden that is both functional for food and beautiful. I can’t wait!
February 4th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
I’ve had a small vegetable garden in my yard for the past two years. Last year, my harvest wasn’t very good due to too much rain and not enough time to tend to my plants (newborn baby). Right now, with the cold and snow of upstate NY, I’m dreaming of a summer harvest like this one:
http://photos.gardenweb.com/garden/galleries/2007/08/summer_harvest.html
Thanks!
February 4th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
I spent a lot of time and energy this past autumn working on a dry stone flower bed that I filled with a mix of spring bulbs. I’ve got plenty to do outside in spring, but I felt like I just needed the bulbs to get me through winter that much earlier. Now I go outside every day to check how much the little bulbs are sprouting - the muscari are already up, now I’m just waiting for blooms! Seeing spring flowers really gives me the urge to start digging!
February 4th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
My list of people, things & thoughts that are inspiring my 2010 edible garden keeps growing. Just like the buds on the trees & shrubs.
A handful:
#1) Your new book (which I’ve ordered) AND all the shared enthusiasm and excitement about it. YouGOGirl!
#2) Seeing the freshly-stocked seed racks at Whole Foods this week.
#3) Memories of my 2009 balcony garden — e.g., seeing the first seedlings emerge; eating freshly harvested greens everyday for lunch in May & June; munching on fresh radishes on toasted bread with cheese; rubbing the leaves on the young tomato transplants; having enough healthy tomato plants to share with others; growing my first eggplants & peppers.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92348589@N00/sets/72157616635746398/
#4) A little bit of sunshine this morning.
#5) Plenty of clean, empty, expectant pots on my planting bench, along the balcony railing & hanging from hooks, all in position, ready & waiting for soil, seeds & seedlings.
(I’ll save #6 for your next post.)
February 4th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
My knitting heroine also has the most fantastic garden. I couldn’t believe the variety of veggies and the yield she got this summer. She dried, froze, preserved a whole freezer full for the year. It almost makes me want to move to Ohio!
http://knitspot.com/?m=200908
February 4th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
#1 the thought is eating some more truely fresh veggies from my garden…have really missed them…
February 4th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Baby corn!! I saw a picture of it in my Cooks Garden magazine and decided that would be fun.
I always try to grow at least one new thing each year. Last year was black-eyed peas.
http://www.cooksgarden.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/_/Corn-Baby-Corn-Bonus/productID/23b435ed-cea9-4e64-8fab-5419cf405485/categoryID/c03aba33-7128-4508-be74-d29678499fd2/
February 4th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Ooo, I hope I win!! I picked up a copy of ‘You Grow Girl’ a while back and absolutely love it. We are just starting our garden. It’s gonna be pretty large so I need lots of good ideas and info. I’m in the Central Valley of California though, so our weather is MUCH different than yours. Here’s to hoping for a great gardening year!
February 4th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
This sounds a little silly but I just started working for an organic seed company (naturescrossroads.com) and suddenly everyone thinks I know a lot more about gardening than I do… and I want to learn it all! So here I go - another year, another huge bucket of ambition.
February 4th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
I just built my very first raised vegetable beds and am so excited to start planting!! thanks so much for your great energy and help with all things gardening!! http://www.digthedirt.com/contributions/941-How-to-build-a-raised-vegetable-bed
February 4th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Last year was my first home edible garden in some time. My husband helped me to build some raised beds and my 2 year old helped me plant seeds, weed, and pick the veggies. I think I was overly ambitious and planted much too much in my small space. This year I’m inspired by wanting to make the most of my space, but not over do it!
Here is a picture of my snap and sugar peas taking off last summer.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68753330@N00/4330597911/
Thanks,
Susi
February 4th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
I grew a great garden last year and with great success in many canned goods for my family of 7. It is February and we are still eating from our harvest. I was asked by a friend of mine to “teach” a two hour class to low income moms of 3 to 4 year olds. The class I decided on was how to grow your own food, calling it Healthy Living. I decided to teach them how to start small with just a few plants and use containers if they have no yard. I am excited for this class and to share some of the knowledge that I have learned from the many books and experimenting with the soil. Great title on your new book and hope you sell many! We are never too old to learn.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
My son is inspiring me to renew my gardening efforts this year. When he starts eating solid food this summer, I want it to be at least partially made up of what I have grown.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
My husband is an enthusiastic gardener on our 9th floor, north facing balcony. Last year was tough, but he’s already excited about the new growing season. He and our 4-year-old have already drawn a garden plan together. I’m sure we’ll be growing more seeds from the Hudson Valley Seed Library. http://www.seedlibrary.org/ I’m also sure your book would be a great inspiration.
February 4th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Last year at this time I picked up “Four Season Harvest” by Eliot Coleman. By the end of the growing season last year we managed to build a cold frame with scavenged materials. So now I’m getting psyched to put in an early planting. I just have to get that book again (from our great public library!) and figure out what to plant. This year is also the year that I have vowed to not crowd my tomatoes. I hope that fewer plants with more space with produce a greater yield. Thanks for the giveaway!
February 4th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
My husband and I moved in with my Mom for one year (The horror!) to save money for our impending move to the Pennsylvania countryside. Number one on my list is to grow a large garden and your book would be an amazing start to all I have to learn!
February 4th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
This is my current backyard, with purely decorative landscaping:
http://mygrowlist.com/photo/my-backyard
I’m going to install an 8′x12′ raised bed back there and I will start growing food this year!
February 4th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
I find many inspirational posts on this blog
http://awaytogarden.com/
February 5th, 2010 at 12:05 am
My inspiration for this year? Paying homage to the perseverance of last year’s 10-month-old tomato plant that finally set fruit in October.
http://www.indoorgarden-er.com/2009/10/how-garden-grows.html
It took so long for the tomatoes I grew in my living room (because I had no outdoor space) to decide that they’d like to be pollinated instead of the flowers just falling off the plant.
For that level of dedication last year’s tomatoes had, I will continue to find the best way to help them thrive in my living room (and hopefully harvest more than a dozen half-dollar-sized tomatoes from my seven-foot-tall heirloom bush!).
February 5th, 2010 at 1:03 am
We’ve been planning raised garden beds for months in our tiny backyard (and I mean T-I-N-Y). So excited! Growing up, my parents always had a huge garden & fruit trees. We worked the garden daily as a family. Then we harvested, canned, stored, prepared, prayed over, and finally … ate it! Whenever I smell dirt, a flood of happy memories fills my heart.
For a closer connection to the food on our plates, for better nutrition and appreciation of our food, to share with others, and for a heatlhy activity - we want to garden! These things inspire us.
Would so love to win your book! Thanks for the great giveaway!
karen
February 5th, 2010 at 8:02 am
Last summer I grew my own lettuce for the first time and it was a complete revelation. I won’t post a photo of my garden as it is now, because there isn’t a single living thing left on it, except maybe some Sempervivum which I think are impossible to kill. So my motivation is last year’s garden.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amyclendenin/4332515506/
February 5th, 2010 at 10:06 am
When I was growing up my grandfather (who I lived with) had the most gorgeous garden complete with a mulch pile and gardening tips resulting from decades of trial and error. It was ripe with tomatoes, carrots, onions, tons of greens and lettuce, cucumbers, beets, potatoes and even corn (one row of stalks in the back). This would result in amazing old world dinners that my grandmother would spend all day on and that I never appreciated at the time (due to my strict diet of cereal and bologna sandwiches).
They were raised during the depression and this was their way of life. I’ve always wanted to follow in grandpa’s foot steps. Alas, I only have a postage stamp of sunshine in my urbab yard resulting in two tomato plants and one basil plant in pots on the back porch, and the constant debate over the purchase of an aero-garden. I look forward to having a full garden someday (on the long list titled “next house”)…I have fantasies of coming into the mud room (also on the list) covered in dirt and sweat, with a barrel full of fresh food that I’m just going to have to dole out to friends and family…for sanity’s sake. Then I take a shower and make the most delicious dinner, and my family is well-fed, healthy and blissfully happy…
We’re pretty happy right now, but in my fantasy the happiness makes your brain tingle :)
Your book sounds fabulous, thank you for the give-away.
February 5th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
I would love to win this book. Last year was my first year to try a big garden. It didn’t turn out exactly how I’d hoped but this year I’m determined to size it down to keep it manageable.
I love it when my kids go out and pick cherry tomatoes and beans right from the plants and munch on them for snacks. What could be better?
thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
February 5th, 2010 at 12:53 pm
What’s inspiring me right now are all the little bits of green I’m seeing around here–crocuses making their way up, camellia bushes and a few ornamental cherry trees blooming!
February 5th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Please do not include me in the contest (I am in Germany), I would just like to share the following picture: http://twitpic.com/11is4 .
It is a picture of my smallish balcony and the mess I made of it last summer :) by trying to garden for the first time ever and on a students budget. It inspires me immensely because I wanna do sooo much better this year…
February 5th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Sorry for the double post, I accidentally linked the wrong picture in the last comment.
Please do not include me in the contest (I am in Germany), I would just like to share the following picture: http://twitpic.com/11is4j .
It is a picture of my smallish balcony and the mess I made of it last summer :) by trying to garden for the first time ever and on a students budget. It inspires me immensely because I wanna do sooo much better this year…
February 5th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Colours! And as many as possible to interest my little ones in different veggies from the garden. Purple potatoes and carrots were a hit last summer. The 2.5 yr old is loving “sweet, sweet beet treats” from the freezer right now. We’re almost out! I just need time to organize my seed order!
I would love the book. My limit here is the amount of space I can protect from the aggressive deer, so I’m all for small space techniques.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
I’ve come across your site twice in the last two days (both for different searches) so I saved you to my favorites. :)
This year we plan to install three raised bed gardens; plant apple, pear, peach, cherry, hazlenut and walnut trees; plant blackberries, raspberries, grapes; establish two honeybee hives; have 2 Cayuga ducks; seven laying hens and a rooster; 17 meat chickens; all this along with the herb garden and containers we plant.
As for inspiration this year, it comes from many sources - Seed Savers Exchange (www.seedsavers.org), Omnivores Dilemma (http://www.michaelpollan.com/omnivore.php), Hobby Farm Home (www.hobbyfarms.com), Hobby Farm, Mother Earth News (www.motherearthnews.com), all the self-sufficiency books and articles, anything heirloom ( both plants and animals)….. But I think what jumpstarted it for me was this book: MADE FROM SCRATCH by JENNA WOGINRICH http://www.amazon.com/Made-Scratch-Discovering-Pleasures-Handmade/dp/160342086X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265404045&sr=8-1
From reading this one little book, it gave me the inspiration to expand my garden, my yard, my mind, my life.
Thanks!
Missy
February 5th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Tomato lovers check out this website:
http://www.members.shaw.ca/jwlcasey/Caseys_Heirloom_Tomatoes/Home.html
Jefferey Casey has a terrific seed catalogue–good pictures and very informative. And every seed is harvested from his own backyard garden. This small urban farm operation is altogether inspiring.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I would like to grow past my few buckets-as-planters. I’m moving midsummer, so starting the garden won’t happen this year. But I dream of tomatoes and basil with fresh mozzarella…
February 5th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Great contest! Here’s my picture: https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=72d8b1f8e7&view=att&th=126941b155e3f265&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_g586e8j20&zw
This picture shows the community garden and I (along with various other contributors) started in Greensboro, NC. This is an amazing place for the community to chip in and learn about gardening. Pictured here at the Montagnard volunteers, who are such a pleasure to have in the garden! Their entire culture involves gardening and the more time they spend in this vibrant space, the more the community can interact with this typically ignored population. They are always ready to teach others about gardening in exchange for practice with English. Our new community garden is bringing all types of individuals together. We would LOVE your new book! Thanks, Sarah
February 5th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
I would love to win this book! Gardening has always been a passion of mine and with the Grand Opening of the Edible Schoolyard in Greensboro, NC, I am FINALLY able to teach children the art of gardening. This picture shows Alice Waters, Betsy Grant and various children from our area as they break ground in the garden that will be used to educate children about all stages of food production including: growing, maintaining, producing, cooking, and eating vegetables. This is an amazing program that would REALLY benefit from your book. Thanks for your consideration, Sarah Brewer
http://www.gcmuseum.com/programs/images/104.JPG
February 5th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
new cabin in the woods and my starter garden didn’t do so well this past summer….would like to work more than the tomatoes this time..
February 5th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Sounds great! Especially with the new snow we’re getting in Alaska.
February 5th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
the look on my child’s face as he bites into a cherry tomato inspires me to garden
by the way I love caladium for the way they bust out of our pots in our shady back patio where almost anything else refuses to grow, yes, so amazing to see houseplants here in the north as huge trees,vines in the tropics
love your photos
February 5th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
My story is a bit long to post here. But I have written a blog piece about box gardens, big box grocery stores, my son who is a Mater — and WHY I plant a garden where the dogs dig. Please read it and you will see that I desperately need this book.
short link to http://wp.me/pNpoI-t
long link http://www.nsecurecook.wordpress.com
Many thanks and much gratitude!
February 6th, 2010 at 1:17 am
I am just getting into gardening now that it seems my black thumb has finally gone away (I purchased a small basil plant earlier this week and it has gone absolutely bonkers). I got a Burpee catalog and got very excited about using my back patio for some container gardening. I just hope I can conquer the squirrels!
February 6th, 2010 at 5:13 am
Using grafted heirloom tomatoes again this year to stay ahead of diseases without using chemicals. Best Cherokee Purple crop we ever had in 2009.
February 6th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Wow! There are a lot of posts here! I have decided to grow as many wine making things as possible next year. To this end I am planning on growing unusual things like ground cherries and chichiquelites. These are my few ground cherries tried for the first time last year:
http://www.artbysheryl.com/veggroundcherry.jpg
February 6th, 2010 at 11:06 am
I’m inspired by my Chicago porch garden from a couple years ago that I started from seed on my bedroom windowsill. And I couldn’t have done it without this web site. Congratulations on the new book!
February 6th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Hello from India!
The last year I have become really interested in where my food comes from as India moves one more step towards GM food. Despite nation wide protests, the government seems reluctant to learn from the mistakes of the west. I sincerely hope your book is released here by the publishers, as a majority of Indians do NOT want Gm food.
yay! for the greener way of life.
And congratulations on your book. :)
February 6th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I am POTENTIALLY excited about my garden this year because I have taken SOME STEPS to make my soil more than an inch deep.
www.hungersauce.com/?p=840
Also, I live in Central Texas, which is JUST now coming out of the worst drought in 6000 years. I know the rest of the country didn’t hear about it or really care, but in Central Texas the last two years have been Hell of Earth.
THe ground was so dry that if you dug down 2 feet, the ground was just dust even that far down. DUST! If it hadn’t of been for the pernicious weeds, it would have been a dustbowl situation. (I will never complain about the pernicious weeds again. Thank God for Bermuda Grass and Nutgrass! All hail the Milkweed and the henbane!)
Plus The temperature hovered around 107 degrees for three months. (No, that is not normal, not even for Texas.)
It hasn’t stopped raining all winter (I mean for here…it has been raining at least once every two weeks) and it actually got cold enough to kill the bugs (first time in two years). THis spring’s garden is going to be awesome!!
February 6th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Loved the preview of the ‘Grub’! I am looking forward to Edmonton’s Seedy Saturday on March 21 on the Avenue and stocking up for this spring’s planting. This year I am sharing a community garden plot with a friend - can’t wait to plant my greatgrandmother’s polebeans and make a teepee or tunnel!
February 6th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Two exciting things to add to my lifetime of home gardening -
First picture…I am getting a nice greenhouse after 20 years of “want”. It arrives next month and it will be much easier to grow plants!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30642126&l=ca1c958d57&id=1589208870
Next - I started a community garden at my church last year - very successful harvest - but we had too much and I wasn’t fully prepared to get it where it needed to go to feed the hungry. I connected with some home growers in the community so we can collaborate and best serve our community’s hungry. This picture is a “gleaning” harvest late in the season.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30432569&l=64931564a3&id=1589208870
February 7th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Hi! Not to sound all stalkery, but YOU are inspiring my garden this year. I just discovered you from a post on dooce.com. After doing some research about your books on Amazon, I found myself really WANTING to get outside and try my hand at gardening. It’s been a tough winter with illness in my home, and I’m looking forward to a bright, healthy spring. I think gardening and planning for healthy veggies and beautiful plants is just the ticket. THANK YOU for inspiring me!
February 7th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Aside from this site, which is super inspiring on its own (!) This year I’ve decided to try my hand at growing a few veggies vertically outside my apartment, inspired by some great vertical gardens I’ve seen around the web, and those really cool Wooly Pockets.
February 7th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
I am anxiously waiting for the snow to melt and to start getting my little garden spot going. Because of the deer, I can really only plant herbs so this year I am going to get more adventurous.
February 7th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
You inspired my container garden last year (seen here: http://beyondyourperipheralvision.blogspot.com/2009/07/canada-day-catch-up.html ) and I would love to get your new book so I can improve on it.
thanks!
February 7th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
I’d love to have the book! I found your site through Dooce (http://www.dooce.com/daily-style/2010/02/02/taking-hint).
My roommate and I are experiencing health problems and we are trying to switch our diet from processed/unhealthy food, to homegrown, organic food. Having your book would be a great resource to start this healthy lifestyle change!
Thanks!
February 7th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
My husband and I recently moved back to our hometown, and we’ve decided to grow our first vegetable garden in years with my parents, brother, and sister-in-law! We built our first raised bed yesterday at my parents’ house, and I’d love to grow some stuff in containers at my own little apartment as well.
The sight of that raised bed waiting for plants is my inspiration!
February 7th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
I have tried to plant various edibles in various ways but am a very very novice gardener with not much time and have had very little success. However, I planted some local garlic bulbs late last year and they are now 4-5 inches tall! I would love to grow more stuff and use your book as a resource.
My inspiration is this blog: http://www.blagger.co.uk/
Thanks!
February 7th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Thinking of joining a CSA this year is getting me really excited about starting to plant some seeds in my own garden. Also, started a compost area last year and am anxious to see how it’s doing - once the snow clears.
Thanks!
February 7th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
I ran into a friend at Canadian Tire the other day and I commented on the potting soil in her cart that she was going to start planting and she replied that she was going to start transplanting and I realized wow I better get Cracking!
February 7th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
Is it weird to be inspired by one’s own garden? This will be the third year I’ve gardened somewhat successfully. Small, small plot but it (mostly) does so well. I’ve ordered my seeds and can’t wait to start my tomatoes!
Here’s a link to the picture book I did of our garden last year for my boys. It was a way to remind them of what we did and hopefully inspire them for this year. It’s quickly become a family favourite.
http://dachselkerrfamily.shutterfly.com/
February 8th, 2010 at 4:02 am
This is going to be my first year of actually trying to start a garden on my porch. Last year I thought about it, but had no ideas what I could grow.
But I’ve been doing loads of research since then, have a bunch of ideas (miniature varieties! funny-colored heirlooms!) and am very excited.
Here is a picture I took of some pearl onions I bought at Trader Joe’s and made stew with. My goal is that, come next winter, I can make stew with my own pearl onions.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6QRZP28H80U/S24gct0UCwI/AAAAAAAAAZo/rB98Dcsen_w/s1600-h/P1190127.JPG
February 8th, 2010 at 9:00 am
I am inspired all winter by garden books…not just how-to books, althought I love those too, but books on other gardeners thoughts, ideas and inspirations. I love to copy some of my favourite garden quotes, print them in a lovely font and post them on my fridge…here’s 2 of my MOST fave…
The most noteworthy thing about gardeners is that they are always optimistic, always enterprising, and never satisfied. They always look forward to doing something better than they have ever done before
-Vita Sackville-West
and this one by Margaret Atwood:
In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.
Happy gardening everyone!!
-Kathy
February 8th, 2010 at 9:37 am
I am inspired to grow broccoli in my vegetable garden for the first time. The inspiration came from my mom’s outstanding vegetable garden last year; during a visit home, I saw her enormous broccoli plant, and she hacked off a couple heads for me on the spot… normally, I don’t eat enough broccoli at any point in the year because it can be expensive, and sometimes I get tummy aches from eating it raw. Also, it seemed like an inefficient use of garden space. But now that I see that broccoli can be grown cheaply and easily in my region (Belleville-Kingston, Ontario), I’m so inspired to try growing it and finding new uses for it! Maybe I’ll try a little cauliflower or some brussels sprout too!
February 8th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Making jam from fruits that grow in my backyard. Last year it was black raspberries (http://www.dawnabelle.ca/search/label/black%20raspberries). This year I am hoping for red raspberries, strawberries and currants in addition to the black raspberries.
February 8th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
I have read several homesteading and gardening books, including yours (great ideas!), to help get me through the winter.
For inspiration I do a daily meditation that includes all the senses and brings spring that much closer each day.
“Standing in the middle of my garden
I am rooted firmly to the ground,
and as the warm sun shines on my face,
I feel the coolness of the damp dirt beneath my bare feet.
See the vibrant colors of the nasturtium, marigold and violets,
the diverse shades of peppers, tomatoes and eggplant.
Hear a soft rustle as a light breeze
moves through the zucchini leaves and corn stalks,
while the bumblebees buzz from flower to flower.
Smell the wildness of garlic and chives
mixed among the sweetness of lavender and basil.
Taste the freshness of mint and the sharpness of cilantro, wrapped in a handful of fresh salad greens.”
Thanks
February 8th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Fresh air, healthy food, exercise. Planted asparagus last year and hoping to harvest it this year.
February 8th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
WOW!! so much inspiring me right now…learning about container gardening (as i rent an apartment) is really exciting me right now…im vegan and soooo ready to grow my own fruits and veggies!! im new to all of this, but i have a feeling 2010 is going to be a wonderful year!!!
February 8th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
I am inspired by the seed catalogs each and every winter. They bring me the colors and imagery of brighter, sunnier days and help me to make my lists and plan for the growing season ahead. Minnesota doesn’t make it easy, but it is always worth the wait.
This year: heirloom tomatoes, pole beans, raspberries, zucchini, peppers, and a barrel full of assorted herbs.
February 8th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
I don’t have a garden right now but I would love to start one. I also have very limited space so this book looks great!
February 8th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
I’m limited to pots, but am really excited for artichokes. I may still have quite a wait, but here’s a shot of my artichoke at it’s beginning this past summer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53055786@N00/4341706485/
February 8th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
My inspiration for my garden this year is clean, vegan eating. It may be somewhat difficult seeing as how my backyard is almost completely shaded, but I hope to find a way to make it work. I’m thinking window boxes, if my landlord does not protest too much.
Basically I want to get a better handle on where my food comes from and the impact my actions have on the environment.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
I want to make herbs and eventually tomatoes happen in the window sills and on the deck of the brand spankin’ new apartment I’m moving to in 2 weeks. My inspiration? This little market I fell in love with on a trip to Michigan:
http://marthaandtom.com/tag/summertime-market/
February 8th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
my new baby is inspiring my garden this year…I can’t wait to feed him all my organic…home-grown veggies
February 9th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Tomatoes!! I’m so craving a good tomato right now. Last year, I had success both with tomatoes in containers and in my small “flower” bed that is mostly veggies now. Maybe this year I can get into herbs. My problem is knowing what to do with fresh herbs…
February 9th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Bruchetta:
http://thenoshery.com/2009/09/08/heirloom-tomato-basil-bruschetta/
It is the perfect summer food and I dream about it. Heirloom tomatoes on my gray boring balcony is what has me going this year.
February 9th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
I gather inspiration from this beautiful blog all summer (and fall and winter and spring!) long http://66squarefeet.blogspot.com/2009/08/july-31st-evening.html
so perfectly illustrates how much you can grow in a limited space.
February 9th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
I attended the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Groups annual conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee in January. You talk about inspiration.
Although I have more ground to garden than a rooftop or patio, I am very inspired by Gayla, her books and website. I have given You Grow Girl to several friends and can’t wait for Grow Great Grub to be beside my bed.
So…Gayla you are my inspiration, along with the great instructors and fellow farmers/gardeners at Southern SAWG. Cover crops, high tunnels and possibly no till will have a new beginning on our farm this year…we’ll see how it goes!! Thanks for all your hard work!
February 9th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Chives! So easy to grow, so many ways to use them, and it is very easy to share the seeds with friends and family.
http://nestandsparkle.com/2009/06/29/chives/
February 9th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Okay, here goes: I’m an avid amateur gardener and I’m easily inspired to try growing things in my garden–last year it was heirloom tomatoes, carrots and radishes.
I’m thinking of attempting corn this year.
My two young boys love watching the garden grow so I’m trying to think of fun and FAST things to grow for kids to eat–thankfully they are patient enough to wait for the tomatoes!
I’m sure your new book will inspire great ideas.
http://www.home-made.ca/?cat=16
February 9th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Watching the documentary FOOD, INC. has really inspired me to grow more food and take a more active role in my families nutrition. “You are what you eat”. Have been researching different varieties ALL day today and for the past few weeks. Have started seeds last week of Onions, Leeks,Artichokes, Cauliflower and this week will start Broccoli, Cabbage, Kohlrabi,Eggplants. Thanks! and so hoping to win your book!!! xoxo,Dana
February 9th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
I love your site! I’m already learning so much! Last year was my first time growing my own vegetables. We did pretty well. My husband built (2)4×8 raised beds in our backyard. We planted and enjoyed a variety of veggi’s. I’m looking forward to starting this year with some practical know how under my belt!
Here’s my link!
http://thedandelionwrangler.blogspot.com/2009/10/patch-year-in-review.html
February 9th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
This is inspiring me this year:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ehwin/732989272/in/set-72157600280165102/
That was a picture from my herb garden three seasons ago. It hasn’t looked like that sense due to moving into a new yard and not taking the time to reallllly work on it. THIS YEAR is my year to get it looking like that again. I adore herbs.
February 9th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
What is really inspiring me to plant a garden this year is paying $2.69 for one fennel bulb and of course knowing how wonderful anything you grow yourself tastes!
February 10th, 2010 at 1:05 am
http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4742862/fruits-and-vegetables-main_Full.jpg
This year I’ve become increasingly concerned about the pesticides and additives found in regular grocery story produce. Thus - I became inspired to grow my own! I would love to use your book to help jumpstart my journey! Keep up the good work, and thanks!
February 15th, 2010 at 3:16 am
Sorry I have no blog or links, and hope the pricedraw is open for readers overseas!?
I just discovered your blog and find it really inspiring. I*m longing for spring, but with the amount of snow we’ve got, I think it will take it’s time. :)