I know that we’re in dire need of rain – but with Christmas over and

new year’s day just around the corner, I can’t help but feel a special

optimism in the air –especially when my thoughts turn to gardening.

 

Gardeners and farmers alike have to have a deep-seated sense of opti-

mism to keep ourselves going… because tests are constantly being

put in our way, mostly in the form of weather conditions.

of my family! –normally include eating better and exercising more.

But as a gardener, naturally enough, my favorite list is my alternative

one with my goals for my garden in the upcoming year. Some of my

2013 garden resolutions include:

 

1. Plant more trees: I would like to plant one a month. Trees add value

to a home and can help with the utility bills as well. By planting ever-

green trees on the north side of your home, they can act as a windbreak

from the cold, north winter winds. Shade trees planted close to the

house provide cooling shade in the spring, summer, and fall. Deci-

duous trees provide shade in the summer and allow warming sunlight

in the winter after they shed their leaves. Trees also absorb carbon

dioxide, and this can help slow down global warming.

2. Plant or expand the vegetable garden. By growing your own vege-

tables, you become more independent – less trips to the grocery and

less trips to the filling station. Working the soil and eating the produce

that you have grown is highly rewarding. Gardening is also great exercise.

3. Start composting. By saving and composting grass clippings, leaves,

and kitchen scraps, you can make rich compost and mulch for your

garden and flower beds. The material is free and just takes a little bit of

effort to convert it to something useful. Compost will save you money

and will help to limit the waste that goes to the landfill.

 

4. Start and expand your use of organic practices. Besides making

your own compost, use organic fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides,

and herbicides. This will make  the environment less toxic. There has

never been as many organic alternatives on the market as there are now.

5. Start gardening projects with your neighbor or perhaps the comm-

unity. Target a piece of ground that’s going to waste and produce some

vegetables for the Food Bank. Reap the mental rewards of volunteering!

 

6. Besides vegetables, establish other forms of food you can grow.

Central Texas is a perfect place for asparagus, grapes, berries, artichokes,

peaches, pears, apples, plums, olives, apricots, nectarines, and pome-

granates. These plants are perennials and will produce year after year

without replanting.

Well, that’s a start for 2013. I guess on Tuesday I’ll get to work on my

first tree planting...  but only after eating my good luck food for the new

year: cornbread for gold, collards for dollar bills, and black-eyed peas

for pennies.   Happy Gardening everyone!