” I like your way of gardening! Not much hassle but great rewards.”
“I love your common-sense approach to gardening.”
“—that’s why I’m a reader here – no “overwhelm” just practical advice – that works.”
“I’ve been gardening for over 30 years but have learned so much from your posts. I appreciate your thoroughness and orderliness. Thanks so much.”
“Gardening is so much easier and productive since I’ve met you, Theresa. I really mean that–you have helped me so much! I used to break my back fighting weeds, poor soil, etc. Not any more!”
“—you are providing others with invaluable help. — Tending My Garden is a fantastic resource – and (the feedback) is the proof. I feel so thankful to have found it.”
“I’ve just come across your website and found so much information on onion growing it’s amazing! –”
” I came across your site searching for why my cucumber plants were wilting mid-afternoon and whether I should water them. I have not stopped reading your posts since then. —- very addictive —–will be my go-to site for my gardening needs.”
“I’m so glad I found your website!! The info is exactly what I’ve been looking for! —– more than just the typical stuff you find posted everywhere. While landscape design is my profession Vegetable gardening is a passion. I can’t wait to read more of the past posts!!”
“These days, I am no longer googling for my gardening needs. I am TMGing.”
“One of the things that sets you apart is that you know the difference between tried and true advice as opposed to the stuff we read in those ‘generic’ learn-to-garden books. I have stopped worrying about so many things since I began reading TMG.”
“The way you communicate with your readers is just marvelous! You provide such a wealth of gardening information! I am so glad to have found your blog, I`m learning so many new things here!”
“— your blog was instrumental in getting me past the ‘paralysis of over-analysis’ phase of my balcony garden…I was intimidated and lacked the knowledge I needed to get started. Your ‘can-do’ style inspired me to get started and see my summer-fall season as an experimental phase of ‘research and development’…”
“—This is the most in depth, informative blog on gardening I’ve seen.”
“—–This is what folks need to hear and it is exactly what is missing at the book stores as well. —-With all of the books, videos, encyclopedias, and google searches I could get my hands on, THIS SITE is my #1 source and a benchmark to which all other sources are compared and measured.”
“You have changed my whole gardening life! ”
“I love gardening and would never stop my subscription (to TMG). I’m learning more from you than I have in years of trying it by myself.”
” I am just so encouraged by all that I am reading from you. I can’t make myself leave your site!”
“My garden has doubled in productivity since I started reading here.”
“I wanted to let you know that from your guidance, I have discovered that ‘less is more.’ I was planting the old fashioned way–rows with lots of weeds to take care of–. Then I learned your secret of mulching heavily with straw and/or leaves. What an amazing difference. The soil is always ready for a seed or two in an empty spot and weeding is minimal. Last year we harvested twice as much produce in half the space.”
“Theresa, I’ve been gardening for about 40 years, and in the last 10 or so have tried my hand at gardening organically. I bought the books, read the websites, took the magazines, etc., but have been largely overwhelmed and discouraged. I happened upon TMG and have been reading for around 3 months. Now I know I can really do this!!! Thank you so very much for being so realistic and practical. And also for being so open, willing, and giving. You are a blessing!”
“I have learned so much, actually far more from you than from any gardening magazine I have ever subscribed to.”
“— I’m in the process of switching from chemical-based gardening to organic gardening and your website has helped me tremendously. There’s so much info on organic gardening – some of it very conflicting. You present stuff in an easy to understand, logical way.”
“Every time I hear something “out there” about gardening, I think…….wait that sounds too complicated, Theresa keeps it simple…….do what she does. Lol. You have kept me from jumping on the crazy train! ”
“I discovered your blog just last week while searching the web for information on raised bed gardening. I was actually pricing rough-cut lumber from a local saw mill, and looking for design ideas for wooden boxes when I stumbled upon your post “Contained Raised Beds? NO WAY!” I have not left your blog since!
I am so impressed with the information I have found here, as well as how much you put into it. I appreciate how you respond so thoughtfully to your readers’ questions and comments. And of course I LOVE your “common sense” approach.”
“This is only my 3rd or 4th season (of gardening). (Because of TMG) I am literally years ahead of my time in terms of being an accomplished gardener! ”
“Your wonderful blog and the manner in which you handle explaining things in incremental steps is just amazing. I am on a steering committee for a local community garden effort and your blog will be my recommendation to anyone who gets involved.”
“I just found your site —- when I was checking for what to do with onions. I have never seen so much useful information in one place. — What a wonderful site! I learned more in just a few minutes than I have ever gotten elsewhere. Thank you!!!”
“Finding your site thanks to Diane’s flowers has helped continue my education but in a very easy manner. I’ve found that your experience has confirmed that heritage gardening does not have to be exhaustive but more fun. I find your thinking about gardening assured me that my “maybe I’ll just let nature do the work” is ok and now I’m learning why.”
“Just read your post on Garden diversity- as always excellent, thorough and you have this ability to give all the information one might need in a nutshell – keeping the reader engaged all through.”
“I wish I had found your blog years ago. It would have saved me lots of money spent on gardening books & magazines.”
“Even tho I am on the other side of the world and the seasons are reversed, your insight, knowledge and experience are so valuable to me as a starting out organic gardener.”
“I directly credit the MAJOR increase in productivity in my garden to you. —-(it) is amazing compared to how my garden used to operate.”
“I have learned invaluable lessons and methods from you, have found you to be very well researched, very well thought out, and very methodical. And so easy to learn from.”
“— you infuse encouragement and heart into your website and I greatly receive these gifts.”
” I read each post you write as though I am a sponge; sucking up every last word you write, and holding onto it tightly. … your philosophy on gardening is inspiring. I feel light years ahead of some of my friends who have been gardening for much longer than I, and it is all thanks to you and your easy to read, vital information.”
“I just read your post on using straw once sprayed with 2-4D. Then I read a few more snippets … I think I’m in love…just to find an organic gardener blogging in such a practical way.
It is a fact that we live in a world with more than a few undesirable chemicals infiltrating the world we live in, but we have to understand what will decompose, what is persistent, and how to proceed. … reading your commonsense words just made my day. ”
“I can’t imagine not having TMG for reference and inspiration. It’s one of the few sites I go back to every year for specifics — I hope everyone who reads here, in particular newer readers, understand just what gold is buried in (TMG’s) archives. There’s nowhere else to read some of the things I’ve learned here on TMG, and I’m in NO way overstating.”
” I think there are more people than you know who would love to garden with your ideas – they just don’t know it’s possible.”
“just a note to say thanks again for doing what you do…your gardening updates are like a welcomed letter from a distant relative or a long lost friend. I’ve been veg gardening for 40 years and I continue to use your site as a great reference! ”
“Your postings ALWAYS shed light in a slightly different way —. It’s like taking a walk around the garden with a favorite friend who can be relied on to share the truth.”
(I want) ” to tell you how much I enjoy your blog, your style of writing, the clarity of the information you provide and the very obvious expertise you have achieved.
Reading your blog and the information about your book has given me hope that I can try again (to garden), this time with much greater success and a lot less work.”
“Your information has always been the best out there. The style of your writing is informative but also interesting, honest and humorous at times. You always make me smile and want to get back out there and try something new.”
“Last fall I found TMG and purchased your book. I took to heart your wisdom and applied it to my garden. I added lots of leaves and organic matter. After I planted my garden and applied lots of mulch I have done nothing but harvest. My garden is not perfect but my family is eating, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, okra, cucumbers and swiss chard. That is a complete 180 (degrees) from the previous 2 years. Real soil works, mulch works! If you are a new reader to TMG …unplug from Big Food and the chemical marketing matrix!”
“I have finished your book and am so excited to get to work on preparing my vegetable garden — Your book is full of such great information and takes so much of the “mystery” of gardening out of the equation.”
“What I’ve learned here has proven to be a major life changing part of our lives over the past 5 years.”
“—and I love reading your posts and using them as my garden encyclopedia.”
“I finished reading your book! Thank you so much! It was well worth the price and the shipping! ” (This reader is from Japan and her shipping cost was $25)
“After discovering you and TMG several years ago, I’m happy to say this has changed the way I garden in many ways…and all for the better. You’ve made me think out of the box and question why I’m doing things the way I am, many times the changed behavior results in higher yield with less effort.”
“You have inspired and taught me so much over the years! I thank you most of all for removing the stress out of my garden activities.”
‘Those that have found you are very fortunate to discover how to garden in a healthful, less costly, natural way for us and planet earth.”
Theresa,
Thanks for the friendly reminder of one reason why I wanted to grow healthy foods. I have Parkinson’s. Chemicals are a huge reason why people acquire Parkinson’s. After the fun of gardening leaves there is only the fundamental reason left why we grow produce. I am not as serious about gardening as I should be but I am going down the path none the less. It is easy to think someone can do the gardening for us. Just like a good cook, a gardener wants to be able to whip up a good meal quickly when life gets hectic.
Just so everyone knows the fun of gardening has not left me, but life does get in the way.
Thanks again for the inspiration
Steve
AFTER THE COLDEST WINTER IN YEARS, (AT TIMES -30F)WHEN THE ICE & SNOW FINALLY LEFT AND I COULD OPEN ONE OF MY TUNNELS TO PLANT, I FOUND GREEN LETTUCE STARTED LAST SEPTEMBER!! NOT MUCH BUT IT’S STILL GROWING AND FLAVOUR IS GREAT. WE ATE LETTUCE UNTIL JUST AFTER CHRISTMAS UNTIL AN ICE STORM STOPPED ME OPENING THE TUNNEL. AFTER PLAYING WITH LETTUCE THE PAST 3 YEARS I AM SURE THAT IT’S NOT JUST THE TUNNELS BUT HAPPY SOIL GROWING HAPPY SEEDS THAT PAY OFF IN UNKNOWN WAYS THAT JUST KEEP COMING. THE TUNNELS ARE JUST PLASTIC PIPE COVERED IN ORDINARY PLASTIC SHEETING AND CHEAP. IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE ,GET THERESA’S BOOK. I’VE DONE IT HER WAY FOR YEARS BUT JUST DIDN’T KNOW WHY IT WORKED. THANKS. RAY
Theresa – there are three great gardening truths I have learned from you and applied to my own success: Plant your onions in February, Use more mulch, and Just do a little bit every day (instead of an 8 hour marathon once a week).
This cold spring has really stunted my garden start, so you are absolutely right – it has worked to your advantage. My outdoor plantings have just hung in stalemate waiting for the heat. I am totally good with that as the sheep shearer has not yet arrived and my flock is better for the cool weather, and the plants will catch up. Probably. Or maybe I will come to your house for peppers this year!!
Steve, yes, “life get’s in the way” of everyone. The more severe our problems, the more life “can” get in the way. It’s our job to lessen the damage “life” can inflict and focus on accomplishing things in spite of our problems. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but it can be done. I’ve spent most of my life “battling” the problems of the moment and trying to accomplish things in spite of whatever one of life’s problems is trying to block progress.
The problems we currently have are pretty severe and yet one of the things Bill and I determined right up front was to focus on the outcome we want and not use these problems as an excuse for not accomplishing great stuff. They’ve slowed us down, but they haven’t stopped us.
Even with gardening, as much as I love the end result, I have to force myself to go out everyday. Some days it takes me a lot of hours “talking to myself” to finally get out there in spite of the pain and/or being too exhausted. I know your having Parkinson puts you in a position to totally relate to that, Steve.
Anyway — hang in there and keep up the good work!
Ray – thanks for the lettuce report and the good word about my book. I too think lettuce flavor has been especially wonderful this spring!
Kate,
Loved hearing the 3 great gardening truths you’ve learned from me!
Lifted my spirits and gave me extra incentive.
I think you’ll still get peppers this year. In my area we have a lot of cold starts to spring. I always have peppers and no matter what the weather it seems they always come late in the season.
You might really enjoy reading and looking at the pictures in this post: It Ain’t Necessarily So
Theresa
Hi Theresa, Bill and all fellow TMGers.
This time of year is one of increasing activity in the garden here at Lubersac, as every where, and one of joy and renewal. The weather has been abysmal again this year far too warm in the winter and now a very wet start to spring.
Peach leaf curl is ablaze again on the peaches and nectarines, slugs in the polytunnel eating the tender new leaves on the Wisconsin lakes peppers, but heh ho! these things are sent to “strengthen our character” are they not?
Out in the Veg garden the other day I dug some of the soil in a bed I had deep mulched last Autumn and could not believe my eyes I picked up a fist full of sod and it was alive with worms, as was the next and next “fantastic”.
My seven year old son joins me in the garden sometimes and is keen to help, and as with all seven years old he has an insatiable appetite for knowledge, the questions never stop.
The combined joys of fatherhood and gardening what could be better.
Hoping you all have a productive season ahead.
Best wishes
Steve
Lubersac
France
Wonderful post Steve! Thanks for sharing the joy. It was great hearing from you and knowing you are reading!
Theresa
Hi Theresa! How glorious that the Spring blooms have lingered because of the cooler weather. I have been rejoicing in the visible improvement in my garden soil. With the mulching layer per your recommendations,(from your blog and book), when I dug the little holes to set out my tomatoes and pepper plants, I found the ground teeming with worms. I had worried that my chickens may have cleaned them out since I had let them scratch in there all winter, but the compost did its magic and they have multiplied. I will never go back to tilling and laying fabric in the paths – this works better and is less labor intensive. The improvements are visible in just a year, but after 2 years, it is remarkable. Happy gardening!
I’m delighted with your success Sheila. And yes, this way is definitely less labor intensive!
If I had to garden as most folks do, it would never get done!
Good hearing from you and happy gardening to you too.
Theresa
Echoing everyone else, and I can especially relate to Kate’s comments. I used to be a marathoner in the garden every weekend, and now I’m learning to make a list and plan a few minutes a day. Much better.
That’s thanks to Theresa’s encouragement. Also, she recommends planting by the moon’s phases. It’s helped me to pace myself with planting and maintenance – letting neither one dominate to the exclusion of the other. It’s also been a great way for me to finally plan my to do lists. I’m so grateful that she shared that. Finally, Theresa has taught me to do a whole property sweep daily. Apart from just getting out for a few minutes a day, no excuses – this has been the next best tip for managing things. No surprises because I see everything everyday and can plan accordingly.