Swiss chard growing in the garden.

It’s been an enlightening journey.

Initially, when I signed up for the ENG 304 class, I thought that I was going to blog about historical research.  As I considered it though, I realized that my family was actually doing something that a majority of other residents in Saco are not.  Perhaps it was worth blogging about!  I also had numerous pictures and topics that I could share with readers. 

I’ve learned numerous things.

While blogging and linking, I have read countless blogs to learn what others have to say about my topics.  I have had to investigate a little deeper into subject matter and gain an improved understanding in order to clearly communicate issues to readers.

Red mulch sheeting for the tomatoes.

My enthusiasm for the backyard is re-energized.

I’m in the amazing city of Montreal, and all I want to do is be home with my family, working in the garden.  I know the carrots and beets need thinning.  I want to eat our fresh produce, feed our egg-layers, and see how much the broilers have grown. 

By the time I get back, we’ll be placing red plastic mulch down on certain areas of the garden; especially for our tomatoes and peppers.  The mulch absorbs sunlight and warms the soil and prevents weeds. 

Since my last blog on compost, Joe has gotten inspired and we have purchased a compost rotator to improve the process.  We are hoping that this tool will help us process the compost more evenly, quickly, and in larger quantities.

Thanks for sharing my journey.

We’ve discussed health benefits of a garden, how to regain an awareness or connection with our food, and soil testing.  I’ve shared my burger recipe-I hope you will try it sometime!  I’ve shown you that the backyard is an ongoing process of experimentation as we explore improved methods with our chickens, compost, and garden.

Now go interact with nature and grow something!

As Alena Hall states in her Huffington Post article, you really need to put down your cell phone now and walk outside.  Step into an urban garden, plant some flowers in front of your house, or start some seedlings.   Don’t forget to re-connect with nature!  Mark Sisson, primal enthusiast, reminds us to get back to nature and Grok on!