Garlic, squash, onions, herbs, potatoes and other easy-to store crops have been a huge focus lately. I also try to grow tomatoes to roast and freeze, or can. With my smaller space, I work hard to maximize yield and grow items that will store for most of the year. This year I plan to add dried beans to my mix.

There are many differences between growing to sell and growing for myself. My focuses now are on crops that make a big dent in my grocery list, rather than what will be most marketable. I have also shifted my priorities from growing what will sell well or look good on a farm-market table. Instead, I grow what works well with my lifestyle and cooking. 

In everything I do, my local ecosystem is front of my mind. As we deal with pests, add species, and consider projects, we work hard to keep things safe and healthy for the populations who call the garden home. The buzz of native bees from early spring until the first frost of fall is a welcome sign that we are doing something right!