The word tomato comes from the Aztec word 'tomatl'.  When Cortez visited Montezuma's gardens he discovered tomatoes growing there.  He brought home seeds to Europe where they were planted and enjoyed as ornamentals because the Spaniards thought the fruit was poisonous.  Eventually they realized tomatoes were in fact not poisonous and took them off the...

The time to start planting a garden is fast approaching.  In some areas of the country, it is already here.  One of the most important steps to success in the garden is proper soil preparation. The soil is key to healthy, vibrant plants and people. In studying how to plant a garden, focus a lot...

A farmer’s plow and a gardener's tiller will loosen soil just like worms do.  However, the  plow and the tiller destroy microbes, fungi, earthworms, and the underground relationships that have developed over time and through much effort.  Additionally, the weight of the plow actually contributes to soil compaction as it rolls along.  Tillers create dead...

By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest. ~ Confucius (551-479BC).

When it came to planting a garden, it used to be that we pulled the tiller...