Cultivate and Cook

The recent warm dry days energized me to visit a garden center and buy a few herbs for my patio garden. The garden center was filled with folks asking for advice and searching for the freshest plants and the perfect seeds. According to the 2000 Census, about 61% of U.S. households do some form of home garden activity. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers are the most popular vegetables found in home gardens. Home gardening positively impacts our world. It is a great way to connect with nature, exercise, and grow fresh food for the family table. At the garden center there were a number of families with children who were also excited about planting seeds for their home garden. Standing in line with my purchases, I was able to talk with other gardeners about materials available at the Birmingham Public Library that would help answer questions and inspire folks to new gardening heights.

Here are a few suggestions:
A Backyard Vegetable Garden for Kids by Amie Jane Leavitt
The All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew
The Edible Balcony: Growing Fresh Produce in Small Spaces by Alex Mitchell
Edible Spots & Pots: Small-Space Gardens for Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Containers, Raised Beds, and More by Stacey Hirvela
Grow Cook Eat: A Food Lover's Guide to Vegetable Gardening, Including 50 Recipes Plus Harvesting and Storage Tips by Willi Galloway
Grow It, Cook It edited by Deborah Lock
Kitchen Gardening for Beginners by Simon Akeroyd

Teresa Ceravolo
Southside Library