we're gettin' a garden

Yep, we figured it was about time to do our part to help the environment. It's all part of the Sublett plan to go off the grid, go green, go back to our roots...

Kim's family always had a big garden. Her dad has a Ph.D. in horticulture, so it stands to reason. My folks have a whopper of a veggie patch, too.

It's a lot of work just getting started. I bought railroad ties (dad-gum heavy, by the way) to mark off the garden plot, cut out the sod to use in a grassless place that the dog has destroyed, and borrowed a rototiller from the neighbors. Another set of neighbors came over to chat and snagged some of the sod for their yard, too.

Tomorrow it's top soil, leaf mold, fertilizer, pulverized limestone, and planting.

So what are the benefits of all this labor?

• good interaction with the neighbors
• excellent time outside with the kids
• learning about how things grow
• teachable moments about weeding, waiting, and harvesting
• quality fresh veggies for the summer
• no gym fees--working in the garden can be a great work out
• saving money on the grocery bill
• getting in touch with our hunter-gatherer roots

Now, if I can just get the hang of eating tomatoes, beets, and peppers...