There’s nothing quite like the feel of soil beneath your nails, cupping small seedlings, the soreness in your back and shoulders after a day of working the earth, and the promise of what a garden will (hopefully!) turn into. Did I mention the getting dirty part?

We’re still waiting to harvest the onions and garlic that went in this winter. But joining them now are broccoli, peppers, and a side bed with some new netting to promote climbing of green beans, cucumbers and spaghetti squash. Here’s hoping it helps keep off the rot and bugs that make me squirm.

And we’re also giving the upside-down tomato planters a go – to free up raised bed space and to grow better toms.

And what grow season would be complete without our mobile herb and lettuce bowls – cilantro (favorite of Kev’s – makes everything from scrambled eggs to soups to steak taste better), basil, arugula and mixed salad. I’ve been dying to plant and utilize arugula more. Love the bite it brings.

We love to eat local – seeking out the local producers at the Co-op, at Freddy’s and especially at the Capital City Market and our bi-monthly Idaho’s Bounty. But there is nothing quite as local, and as fulfilling, as pulling your meal from your backyard.