Spring is officially here, so now’s the time to start thinking about your garden. What do you want to plant this season? Tomatoes? Pumpkins? Carrots? Strawberries? Ladyfingers? Sunflowers? The possibilities are endless! The only limit to what you can do with your garden is your imagination. And also land area. Because of course, if you don’t have anywhere to plant your garden, you won’t get to have one.

I’ve always prized my cherry tomatoes. They are so juicy and delicious once they ripen. Want to know my secret? Well, I can’t give away everything, but I will give you a hint: the key is in the type of fertilizer you use. Sure, you can go with the same old store-bought brands, but there’s nothing better than the kind you make yourself. Composting is a major ingredient to my garden.

I’ll even go a bit further with letting you in on my secret—organic matter being broken down by the elements and time can feed your garden some of the best nutrients they can use to grow big and strong. Their roots burrow into the flesh and bone, stealing the vitality of the blood they drink. Nobody will miss them. It’s really important that you don’t overfeed your plants though. Only give them enough to produce your chosen flowers, vegetables, or fruits.

This year, I might try planting some cabbages. I’ve always wanted a cabbage patch. Sunflowers might be nice too. They were her favorite. I can make a garden of cherry tomatoes, cabbages, and sunflowers. That’ll really give my garden a splash of life this summer. I can’t wait to see what kind of wonderful gardens you will grow!

-Ashton Rook, Lifestyle, Emerson Valley Gazette