Ha! You were expecting an expose, some juicy tidbits about celebs or authors or whatnot?

Sorry, my bad.

Just want to share a couple of finds for those of you who love to garden but have a back that suggests otherwise. Gardeners Supply is one of my favorite go-to catalogues for planting solutions. They have a number of raised bed and auto-water potting options, many reviews to help you choose, and an excellent customer service department (and no, I’m not getting a kickback for product placement but when a company does good, I like to share that fact).

Earlier this month I ordered their large Trug vee-shaped raised bed planter, the large size (70Lx30Wx31.5H). It required assembly (thank you, Firstborn), came with a liner to protect the wood sides, and requires 380 qts of veggie soil potting mix. We added the frame and cover to the order so it can double as a greenhouse at both ends of the growing season.

Past experience suggested adding peat moss to the mix to keep the soil friable and to hold moisture, so we used about 1/3 of a bag, mixing it well. Then the fun part: at one end we have 4 cherry tomatoes, at the opposite end, 3 pepper plants (green, orange and purple), in the middle spinach, romaine lettuce and scallions. Since this is the first year, I’m keeping it simple since we have the unit on the cement slab behind the house, limiting us to afternoon sun.

The other raised bed planter is smaller and fits on the upper deck. Originally I wanted another flower planter, but after putting it together last night and setting it out on the deck, I’m thinking about herbs and more salad type goodies. But before I do that, I need more potting soil – that’s my next run to the local feed store today. Coincidentally, they also have bedding plants, including herbs, veggies and flowers. Decisions, decisions.

There’s nothing quite so felicitous (sounding all Jane Austen here) as having dirt under your nails and doing something that’s filled with hope, with expectations and exercised with tender care.

Happy gardening, my friends. May the peat moss be with you…