This is my first time growing kale. I planted it in my backyard and i’m hoping that it will do well.

I never have to remind my baby girl to plant her garden. She usually reminds me to get started. We gave her her own garden for Christmas when she turned six since she was such a motivated gardener. Below are some photos of her spring garden.

There was a mix up at the community garden. The plot we were assigned was also assigned to someone else. We finally got it straight but I ended up planting the vegetables later than I would have liked. I only planted flowers from seed and purchased the vegetable plants from different places. Below is a photo of the plot with its llayout and of course, my youngest.

My youngest loves hanging out at the garden. We always stop by after her dance class. (See shoes on grass in background).

A few weeks ago, there was confusion about the assignment of garden plots at the community garden. A new group was mistakenly given our plot. Before I could stop them, they started chopping in the soil with a hoe. The result was two holes in two hoses. I repaired it by cutting away the damaged hose with a utility knife and replacing it with a coupling. The two couplings were purchased from Home Depot for .41 cents each.

(Pictured) Rosemary used as a hedge.  Using rosemary as a hedge can add a different take on landscaping. The herb is a grayish green color with needle-like (but is not sharp) foliage. It can grow anywhere from 1 to 5 feet in height. The plant has a fragrant aroma and of course, can be used for cooking all year long.

I recently took over the plot of a family that moved to Baltimore, Maryland and they have an abundance of lemongrass in the plot. So I had to do some research about it and this is what I've learned. Lemongrass is used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines and also as medicinal herb in India. It has a distinct citrus flavor and can be dried and powdered and used fresh. It's commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It's used as a tea in Africa countries-Togo, (an upper east region of Ghana), the Republic of the Congo, and Latin American countries such as Mexico.

The leaves and oil can be used to make medicine. The grass can be used for treating stomachache and digestive tract spasms, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints, fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. Also, it can be used to kill germs and as a mild astringent.

As an essential oil. Lemongrass oil can be inhaled and used as aromatherapy for muscle pain.
​
Other ways it works. It might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. It also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain, reduce fever, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow.

I've harvested lemongrass. The aroma of lemongrass steeping in hot is heavenly. My kids walked in from school one day and smelled it, and asked, "what is that? It smells so good."

The Nutritional Value of Sweet Potatoes.
The sweet potato consists of simple starches, and are rich in complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and beta-carotene. The potato also has moderate contents of micronutrients-vitamins B5, vitamin B6, and manganese. The potato is listed as one of the ten best foods to eat. Actually listed as number one, ahead of broccoli #4, wild salmon #5, and leafy greens #10, by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
It's acknowledged that the potatoes with orange flesh have more beta-carotene than those with light-colored flesh.
Renown runner, Usain Bolt, credits eating sweet potatoes everyday for his magnificent speed. Maybe he's right. Even the leaves and shoots are edible, particularly in West African countries. However, it is the roots that are most important.
.
I love growing and eating my own sweet potatoes. Not only did our family grow them, but I have raised them in small backyard gardens. I harvested a good crop this year at the community garden. I chose the plot there because it's larger, allowing the vines more space, and the unobstructed sunlight.

The sweet potato is a global food. It is eaten in several countries around the world such as Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Japan, Ethiopia, and Kenya. In Kenya, the Ministry of Agriculture has written a guide using the potato in recipes. It is being used in mashed forms, and flour from the dried tubers to replace wheat flour and sugar in cakes, bread, buns, cookies, etc. A juice drink has been developed and also a deep-fried snacks.

Some other countries that consume sweet potatoes: Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand, Japan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Peru, Papua, New Guinea, and Spain. The potato is eaten globally.

I went by the garden today and picked some bell peppers. This is my first time growing purple bell peppers and I'm pleased with how they turned out. As always, the marigolds never disappoint me. Their color is vibrant and beautiful, one of my favorite fall flowers.

Not tulips but the blossoms on an onion plant in my backyard garden.