As the seed catalogs start arriving in the mail, my tendency is to start leafing through them, earmarking the pages with new and interesting varieties of vegetables that I want to experiment with in the spring. Striped tomatoes, crazy-looking squashes, purple carrots, beautiful melons...and the list goes on...

Pretty soon, though, I realize that I need to bring it back to what my goals are for my garden and what is realistic with the time, energy and budget that I have for the season.

Don't get me wrong, it's not to say that there isn't room for inspiration and experimentation.

What I'm trying to ensure, however, is that you (and I!) are successful and not overwhelmed during the growing season. Clear goals determine the scale of your garden, the budget, the resources that you will need and what you're going to grow.

What are your goals for your garden this year? Share them with us in the comments below!

Happy planning and we'll see you soon!

Kareen

P.S. Save the date for our upcoming Composting for the Seasons workshop on February 28th!

Are you thinking of starting a garden or expanding your existing garden this spring? This week's video covers my number one question that you should ask yourself before diving in.

One of the things that we like to say in permaculture is, “the problem is the solution.” The problem may be that we have a short growing season in Montana but the solution is that we have more time for reading, reflection and rest. Reflection and rest are things that I could certainly master better but catching up on my reading is something I love to do.

So click on the video below to find out about the book I highly recommend adding to your winter reading list.

Here is a link to Bill Moyers' interview with Wendell Berry that I refer to in the video.

Finally, what book recommendations do you have for us this season? I would love hear about them in the comments below!

Stay tuned for my next video in a couple weeks. 

Happy reading, 

Kareen

P.S. Don't forget about the Permaculture Film Night next Thursday, January 15th at 7pm. We'll be watching the documentary, Edible City. Please RSVP to info@brokengroundpermaculture.com for location and directions.