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Carol J. Michel

Award winner author of gardening humor books

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May Dreams Gardens

Start A Garden With This Book and Seed Giveaway!

February 10, 2010 By Carol Michel 145 Comments

As Cicero is quoted as saying, “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”

I would add that if you have a vegetable garden and a book about how to grow vegetables, then you have all that you need to at least enjoy some delicious produce that you grew yourself. Wouldn’t everyone like that?

If you think you would, then this special giveaway is just for you!

For the “library”, I am giving away one copy of Homegrown Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs by Jim Wilson, photographed by Walter Chandoha (Creative Homeowner, $16.95), the book I reviewed yesterday.

For the “garden” part of the giveaway, Botanical Interests has graciously offered to provide six packets of seeds, winner’s choice.

That’s right… a book and seeds!

You can read all about growing vegetables, and then with six varieties of seeds and maybe a few tomato and pepper plants from your local garden center, you’ll have a great start on your own vegetable garden, even if you are a beginner.

You could grow one of my favorite green beans, ‘Contender’. When you pick and snap those beans, they will be so crisp, you won’t believe it.

Near the beans you could plant a little row of radishes, maybe the variety ‘Cherry Belle’. In a matter of a few weeks, there will be some radishes ready to harvest and you’ll get your first taste of eating from your own garden.

I’d also recommend you grow some summer squash, like ‘Black Beauty’ zucchini. Then you can know the thrill of giving away some of your produce because no one person can keep up with a hill or two of summer squash when it starts to produce.

To decorate your garden, I think you should definitely include some flowers. May I suggest ‘Mammoth Russian‘ sunflowers, ‘Crackerjack’ marigolds, and ‘Cut and Come Again’ zinnias? The sunflowers will wow you with how fast and tall they grow, plus the birds will enjoy the seeds. The zinnias will be excellent for cutting for your own bouquets, and the marigolds will add some color to the garden.

Or you can pick any other seeds you’d like, if you are the lucky winner of the book Homegrown Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs and the six packets of seeds from Botanical Interests.

To enter, just leave a comment below by Friday, February 12, 2010, 9:00 PM EST and tell us a little about your experience growing your own vegetables, fruits or herbs.

One entry per person! However, if you tweet about the contest on Twitter, post about it on your blog, or note it on your Facebook page, you can add a second comment with a link for reference and double your chances of winning!  (Maximum of two comments per person.)

You do not have to be a new gardener to enter! Any gardener or wanna-be gardener can enter to win.

After Friday, I’ll pick one lucky winner through a random drawing. The winner will be notified via email, so please make sure your comment links back to a blog where I can find your email address or include your email address in your comment or send me an email to tell me you’ve entered. The book will be sent via Amazon by me, and Botanical Interests will send you your seeds.

Good luck to all!

(Please note we can only ship to US residents.)

**Update February 12th, 9:30 PM EST**
The random number generator returned 11 to me, so the 11th commenter, Caroline, is our lucky winner. Congrats to Caroline! Everyone else, stay tuned for other opportunities to win more seeds and other great prizes here and elsewhere around the garden blogosphere!

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: books, seeds

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Diane says

    February 10, 2010 at 1:39 pm

    Ooh, how exciting! I've been growing ornamentals for years but never tackled growing something edible until last year, when I participated in One Seed Chicago and grew pole beans in a container. The plants were pretty sad and in total I got enough beans for about one side dish. Plus, it turned out I didn't like them much anyway, so my husband ate them. This year we have a new space in the yard cleared out and I'm going to put in a raised bed and grow food for real, things I actually like! We'll see how it goes; I'm a little nervous about the whole enterprise.

    Reply
  2. bcolflesh says

    February 10, 2010 at 1:39 pm

    Book & seeds here I come!

    Reply
  3. Nanette says

    February 10, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    I love the taste of fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden. I like to plant my garden with starts and seeds and would love to win the seeds. I also grow herbs and most of the ones I grow are perrenials, which is nice. However I have to plant the basil seeds every year.
    nanoartaq at gmail dot com

    Reply
  4. Liza says

    February 10, 2010 at 1:59 pm

    Oooh, I live in Albuquerque and I've been totally daunted by the idea of growing my own veggies. Maybe this is the year I get over my fear and actually do it. A book and seeds sure would be helpful!!!

    Reply
  5. Dee says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    I am so anxious to get going on the garden! I will not be able to start anything inside this year though so it's driving me nuts. I am getting my plans ready for what to plant though. A book and seeds (jumping up and down… pick me!) would be awesome!

    Reply
  6. Stacy says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:06 pm

    Oh, I would love to win this giveaway! All this snow is making me go a little stir crazy – have been daydreaming about springtime and gardening season! Can't wait!

    Reply
  7. Helen Yoest @ Gardening With Confidence™ says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    Hey Carol,
    Lorene Edwards Forkner was recently quoted saying "Vegetable gardening is the gateway drug to ornamental gardening."

    I say, Ornamental gardening is the gateway drug to vegetable gardening." While I learned to garden with my dad and we grew vegetables, my love of garden began with ornamentals. It was only last year I designed and added a dedicated vegetable garden. this year, I'm doubling it size.

    I attribute a lot of this due to great gardening blogs like yours to spark my interest. Thanks, Carol. H.

    P.S. you don't need to add my name to the drawing. I have the book. H.

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:22 pm

    Last year was my first year as a gardener. It was hit or miss and sometimes I felt like I was fumbling in the dark. We built 2 raised beds. The veggies in one turned out great, while the one right next to it became overtaken with bugs and worms despite trying to keep them away. I'll still try again this year and I'm not very confident in my abilities but at least I'll be trying.

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    I posted on Facebook regarding this contest. Please see my page at:

    http://www.facebook.com/karlaneese?ref=nf#

    Reply
  10. ddtavener says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    this will be my third year, bean and pumpkins have worked well for me. Lettuce was good the first year, but lacking when i started from seeds last year, hoping for a good crop of tomatoes this year, going to try one of the upside-down set-ups.

    Reply
  11. Caroline says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    My first veggie gardening experience was as a child, helping my daddy grow corn and cucumbers, the latter being the more successful crop. My mother leaned toward flower gardening, but she always grew herbs; she was a wonderful cook. I just started growing vegetables myself this past year and have had an herb garden for the past five years. I remember watching the original Victory Garden show on PBS; today's version pales in comparison. My mother gave me the Victory Garden cookbook as a gift. I would love to have Jim's new book, and Botanical Interests is one of my favorite seed purveyors! Good luck to all.

    Reply
  12. Nikki says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:37 pm

    I am an avid gardener and I love gardening books. I would love to get acquainted with this seller!

    nik_har at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  13. Caroline says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    I tweeted about the contest at http://twitter.com/carolinesays

    Reply
  14. Anonymous says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:43 pm

    I moved into a disabled/old folks apartment and got permission for a big garden out back where I grew LOTS of flowers, vegies and herbs. Check it out…
    http://wendyusuallywanders.wordpress.com/my-adirondack-summer-and-garden/

    Reply
  15. GardenJunkie says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:44 pm

    What a great idea – thank you! February is always such a dreary month – it's nice to have something to dream about 🙂 I've been growing vegetables for years but last year was very disappointing. None of my tomato seeds germinated so I had to buy transplants – which promptly succumbed to early late blight. The lettuce bolted early, the beans turned out to be 2-foot long and nearly inedible (I have no idea what they were, but it wasn't what was on the seed packet!), we went on vacation just before the peas were ready to be picked and they were well past the picking stage when we returned, and I forgot to sow the zucchini seeds. Not a very successfuly year… Maybe what I need is a good book to remind me just how to do it right!?

    Reply
  16. GardenJunkie says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    And here's my tweet about your contest 🙂

    http://twitter.com/GardenJunkie1/status/8903862212

    Reply
  17. Anonymous says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    I tweeted about this give-away
    http://twitter.com/WendyWanders

    Reply
  18. Karen says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    My results in veggie gardening have been mixed. Squash and tomatoes were off the record charts last year, the lettuce was bitter (even before it bolted) and broccoli never got heads. Sigh…will keep trying. Hoping for watermelons this year!

    Reply
  19. Sue says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    I've had great success with herbs. It's great to have fresh herbs to cut and use in my cooking, but I keep moving, so my herbs get left behind. Vegetables, not so much my thing, but I'd like to give it another go.
    Thanks for the fabulous giveaway.

    s.mickelson at gmail dot com

    Reply
  20. Milton says

    February 10, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    I have to grow my vegetable garden in pots which is a challenge and has not been that successful the past couple years, but anything is better than nothing at all. Right?

    Reply
  21. Ramble on Rose says

    February 10, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    I'm really looking forward to my new veggie bed! I've had some success growing vegetables in containers but it'll be nice to expand the operation and move beyond just my beloved peppers (although also had some success with lettuces last year). I've been growing herbs for years and that is set to continue as well. It's funny, my shipment of seeds from Botanical Interests just went out yesterday, but this would be a great opportunity to pick up a few extras I haven't already ordered!

    Reply
  22. Unknown says

    February 10, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    I've gone from garden center plants to seed saving and starting. Went full organic last year. Still trying to figure out companion planting. And how do all those gardens in the pictures look so neat and organized? Mine is always rambunctious!

    Reply
  23. Anne At Large says

    February 10, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    What a great giveaway! This year my goal is some proper teepees for my beans as last year they climbed off their (too-small) teepees onto the fence and I don't think the neighbors even ate them. What a waste! My luck with tomatoes is improving so this year I want to add some peppers and squash to the list too.

    Reply
  24. K says

    February 10, 2010 at 3:37 pm

    Sounds like a great book!

    My experience? 15+ years of getting paid to grow weeds, then kill them, but this coming season will be the first I've ever planted a "real" garden – and of course, I've ordered way too many seeds 🙂

    Reply
  25. Anonymous says

    February 10, 2010 at 4:44 pm

    We had our first garden last year..it went great! Can't wait for Spring, would love to have the book/seeds,thanks for the offer!

    Reply
  26. Hannah says

    February 10, 2010 at 5:06 pm

    My first garden was a very small corner of our yard and kind of an impulsive move on our parts. Neither of us knew anything at all about gardening but we tried anyway. I think we might have gotten 3 strawberries and some peppers for our efforts but it sparked something big in me. We have since turned almost the entire backyard into vegetable gardens and I am loving every second of it! This will be our 4th year growing food.

    Reply
  27. Kitty says

    February 10, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    My Dad always had a large veggie garden and for the last 23 years of marriage, I have had one as well although it is smaller. We enjoy growing veggies, herbs and have two pear trees. The garden is an important part of our life and we derive much satisfaction and pleasure from it.
    Good gardening books are most welcome in our home. There is always something new to learn.
    maynekitty [at] live [dot] com

    Reply
  28. Kitty says

    February 10, 2010 at 5:12 pm

    tweet —- http://twitter.com/maynekitty/status/8909737419

    Reply
  29. Anonymous says

    February 10, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    I've had a small vegetable garden since we bought our home in 2007 – mostly peppers, herbs, and tomatoes. I started a lot from seed last year. After joining a CSA last year and not being 100% satisfied with the variety, I've decided to expand the veggie garden this year into several raised beds. I'll be trying quite a few new varieties and types of veggies and will be starting a lot more from seed via a setup me and the hubby are working on.

    I love coming home after a long day in the office and walking around in the garden a little. The book would be a great reference for me to have around with all the new stuff I'm trying, and what gardening addict doesn't want more seeds?!

    Reply
  30. Anonymous says

    February 10, 2010 at 5:39 pm

    I tweeted, too 🙂 http://twitter.com/jennahw/statuses/8910860046

    Reply
  31. Sandy says

    February 10, 2010 at 5:53 pm

    I'd love to win this book and seeds. I stopped gardening for several years when the kids were small, but I'm ready to start again and learn some new easier techniques!

    Reply
  32. Sherry at the Zoo says

    February 10, 2010 at 6:29 pm

    I really, really need that book. YOU KNOW how little I truly know about gardening…..

    Reply
  33. Anonymous says

    February 10, 2010 at 6:33 pm

    What a fun giveaway!!! I love gardening and when the children were small canned and froze till the cupboards and freezers were bulging!
    Haven't had a garden for 2 years with trying to get our old home we bought fixed up a tad but DH promises me a raised bed this year!

    Reply
  34. erin. says

    February 10, 2010 at 6:59 pm

    I just found your blog and I love it!

    So excited for Spring!

    erin.

    Reply
  35. ifonly52 says

    February 10, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    I used to garden when I was a child. Now I have two grandchildren. Last year I tried to garden. The snow peas did ok. Most of them got eaten right off the vine. Most of the time, the tomatoes were eaten before I could get to them. Strawberries were covered with net, but the plants didn't produce very many. Radishes did ok also, but I didn't have enough room to grow as many as I would have liked. Phoenix AZ is a tricky place to garden. I would love to grow some cantaloupe and watermelon. I could really use the book and seeds. Grandmas should know how to grow food.

    Reply
  36. Lacey says

    February 10, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    My husband and I grew our first real vegetable garden last year. It did wonderfully! We've got jars of homegrown tomatoes and tomato sauce down in the basement (also started canning!) and bags of frozen veggies in the freezer. This year I am excited to do it all again, although I will be heavily pregnant all summer long (30 weeks starting in June!), so who knows how it will turn out. I'm starting my onion seeds today with many high hopes!

    Reply
  37. randio says

    February 10, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    Thanks so much, as I sit watching the blowing snow drift in my driveway, this giveaway gets me excited about planting my garden. It just gets bigger & better every year!

    Reply
  38. Missybeez says

    February 10, 2010 at 9:28 pm

    I love planting herbs,it is so easy and I love having fresh herbs right at my fingertips.
    honeybeez80@yahoo.com

    Reply
  39. Miranda Ward says

    February 10, 2010 at 9:30 pm

    I grow all sorts of things in my backyard

    Reply
  40. mverno says

    February 10, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    we grow a small garden every year .we have corn cuccmbers carrots beets tomatotes beans
    usually a huge success buy last year was a near complete washout we had such a wet growing season
    mverno@roadrunner.com

    Reply
  41. Anonymous says

    February 10, 2010 at 9:57 pm

    Every year we grow a small plot in our Wilmington Delaware backyard. We grow tomatoes, lettuce, peppers and spices. It makes a delicious salad and salad dressing. This year we're adding two more plots. This would be great to win!

    jentl2002 at aol dot com

    Reply
  42. dawns41 says

    February 10, 2010 at 10:16 pm

    We started growing a veggie garden last year and did ok. We have also been planting grapes and have a total of 12 vines now.

    dawns_horizen@yahoo.com

    Reply
  43. Unknown says

    February 10, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    i love to garden we have 8 large raised beds and two hungry kids so we grow alot ! tomatoes , leattcue , chard , beets , beans , carrots , cukes , herbs and strawberrys i would love to win this and we would put to good use !

    Reply
  44. cookiert says

    February 10, 2010 at 10:23 pm

    I've grown tomatoes and squash for the past three years, cucumbers for the past two, and this year my son is asking to add strawberries!

    cookiert at yahho

    Reply
  45. booksandgardens says

    February 10, 2010 at 10:40 pm

    I teach vegetable gardening to aspiring local adults through several of our community education programs. I would love a copy of the book to share with the classes and to get new ideas to include when I teach.
    Kristi

    Reply
  46. Robin Ripley says

    February 10, 2010 at 10:41 pm

    This is a very enticing give-away, Carol. I think my Grocery Gardening experiences are pretty well documented in a book by that name! But since you opened the door here for a shameless plug…

    Robin Ripley

    Reply
  47. T. Hinton says

    February 10, 2010 at 11:23 pm

    After two years growing veggies at the community garden, last year I built a raised bed in my back yard. Unfortunately, it was not a bumper year for favs–tomato, arugula and eggplant. This year, I'm planning to seed seven varieties of tomatoes–from Botanical Interests as well as to incorporate some veggies into my ornamental beds (always, I need more space).

    Reply
  48. Anonymous says

    February 10, 2010 at 11:34 pm

    What a great contest! The book would be helpful since I am relatively new at gardening. For me, cooking vegetables and herbs from my own garden gives me a great deal of pride. The seed packets you are also giving away would be helpful. I would just love to win this contest.

    Reply
  49. MOMFOREVERANDEVER says

    February 11, 2010 at 12:42 am

    first year in 20 years will have a garden

    Reply
  50. Jen says

    February 11, 2010 at 12:59 am

    Just what the doctor ordered. Thanks!

    Reply
  51. Unknown says

    February 11, 2010 at 1:29 am

    Great giveaway. I can't wait for spring to plant my garden. Thanks.

    president(dot)peaches(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  52. Anonymous says

    February 11, 2010 at 1:33 am

    I have always wanted to grow a garden- but circumstances and life got in the way- but now I'm ready!
    My landlady has even offered me a corner of her garden space.writer61@yahoo.com

    Reply
  53. Susan says

    February 11, 2010 at 1:55 am

    I grow most of the fruit and vegetables I eat; freezing, canning and drying take up a lot of my summer spare time.
    I enjoy reading your posts. If you ever get to really missing the rabbits, I have several you can have.
    susan: cinco_00 at yahoo.com

    Reply
  54. cowboyswife says

    February 11, 2010 at 2:32 am

    This is our first time we had a yard, so this year will be our first year to grow a garden and this will help us get a great start and learn how to start and grow our garden. Thanks for the chance.l

    Reply
  55. Anonymous says

    February 11, 2010 at 3:01 am

    Oh how fun, a contest! Count me in! As if I need any more seeds. LOL Just bought a special, beautiful box today just to keep them in. I'm sick, I tell you, sick!

    Reply
  56. demmi says

    February 11, 2010 at 3:28 am

    I so hoping to have a garden this year please enter me
    con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  57. Cheryl says

    February 11, 2010 at 4:45 am

    Well, I am not a complete brown thumb, as last year I grew my own green beans, baby carrots (Oh these were so delicious sauteed)and snow peas. I planted corn, tomatoes and okra, but none of those produced. So I am clearly in desperate need of some mentoring. Thanks for the opportunity to enter my name.

    Reply
  58. Cheryl says

    February 11, 2010 at 4:47 am

    I tweeted this giveaway

    http://twitter.com/HeartnSoulmom/status/8947175936

    Reply
  59. Renee G says

    February 11, 2010 at 5:03 am

    We love our garden. Last year we planted Marblehead squash for the first time. I couldn't believe it, but we had one that was close to fifty pounds, and five smaller ones as well. Even with sharing with our family we had squash coming out of our ears for months. I think we'll probably plant a few less squash this year.
    rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com

    Reply
  60. mr_subjunctive says

    February 11, 2010 at 5:12 am

    Well, so far: I bought strawberries that I then didn't plant, so they may or may not be back in the spring in the grower pot. I planted corn but didn't thin it out, and then waited too long to pick the ears, so they didn't produce much, and what four pitiful ears we did get were horrible. I planted peppers, which turned various weird colors and then were swallowed up by the goosefoot, never to be seen again. The sunflower seeds and raspberries somehow never managed to get planted at all.

    I really don't think I should be encouraged to grow food. But if the hortigods see fit to encourage me anyway, I suppose I'd try again. It's not as though I could do any worse.

    –

    Remove the 3 "h"s for e-mail address: mrshubjunchthive@aol.com

    Reply
  61. marion says

    February 11, 2010 at 5:38 am

    I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
    Lucy
    http://dataentryjob-s.com

    Reply
  62. Anonymous says

    February 11, 2010 at 8:29 am

    This spring will be the first time we trying a garden. I wanted to do something that would envolve the whole family and something that maybe if successful we can share with neighbors. We are doing planting beds.

    waitressdani (at) hotmail (dot) com

    Reply
  63. deb c says

    February 11, 2010 at 9:42 am

    We just bought our new home and last spring I planted a small garden,but the area did not recieve enough sun during the day.
    I was so disappointed. This spring I'm going to have planter boxes in a new spot and am hoping for lots of fresh great tasting veggies.
    missdeb1@earthlink.net

    Reply
  64. Unknown says

    February 11, 2010 at 11:13 am

    I've been gardening since I was a wee lass. Liked it so much I made it my career 🙂

    Reply
  65. lsfish says

    February 11, 2010 at 11:58 am

    I have been gardening for years, I love to grow all three and belong to an Herb club

    Reply
  66. Sharon Harmon says

    February 11, 2010 at 1:27 pm

    Growing up, my family had a pretty large garden full of all kinds of veggies! It had been several years since I'd done a garden, but last summer I made one. I planted corn, zucchini, pumpkins, radishes, and onions! I was worried I wasn't doing it right and my veggies wouldn't grow, but I did very well! My garden absolutely flourished! I was giving veggies to almost everyone I know! lol!
    txgigggles@yahoo.com

    Reply
  67. Melanie J Watts says

    February 11, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    Awee, I live in Canada so I guess I have no chance of winning. But, for the record I've been gardening in zone 2-3 for over twenty years. I grow vegetables, hardy perennial flowers and lots and lots of hardy bulbs.

    Reply
  68. LittleEagle says

    February 11, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    We started growing vegetables 4 years ago when we moved into our new house. Last year we were plagued by white flies and didn't get the yield however we will go at it again this year. Thank you for hosting this giveaway. sharonaquilino at hotmail dot com

    Reply
  69. Leenburke says

    February 11, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    I started planting a veggie garden every year about 3 years ago with decent results. I'm always looking for unique seeds to plant. leenburke@yahoo.com

    Reply
  70. Anonymous says

    February 11, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    Carol.. What a wonderful prize this would be to start out the New year of 2010.

    It would be a fantastic help for someone like myself who love to garden.. But lack the wisdom I need to bring a edible garden to maturity!

    Bugs and diseases bewilder me to no end..I have not yet learned how to stop horn worms from chewing into my zucchini but I refuse to give up growing it.

    If I could just learn what to do to prevent and fight off bugs and diseases I would be very happy!

    Reply
  71. Aimee says

    February 11, 2010 at 4:26 pm

    Last year I had a decent-sized organic garden for the first time and it was awesome. Keeping pests away naturally was a challenge but the fresh food was so worth it.

    This year I haven't even started planning yet, but it's hard to think about when there is a foot of snow on the ground.

    I'm always open to ideas and tips on how to make things better.

    Reply
  72. jennem says

    February 11, 2010 at 5:16 pm

    We belong to a nearly-abandoned community garden, and are working hard to improve soil quality and get a better yield this year.
    Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  73. Sunnyvale says

    February 11, 2010 at 5:22 pm

    We used to have large vegetable gardens, now, we've scaled back, but still grow some vegetables.

    Reply
  74. allysona says

    February 11, 2010 at 5:57 pm

    with all the rain in cali hopefully my garden will grow well this year

    Reply
  75. Gatsbys Gardens says

    February 11, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    I have grown just about everything in my vegetable gardens, corn, broccoli, spinach,eggplant, tomatoes, lettuces, onions, watermelon, pumpkins, brussel sprouts carrots,zuccini,cucumbers, you name it and I probably grew it. I have a very small garden now, so I am limited to what we "really" will eat.

    Reply
  76. Kara says

    February 11, 2010 at 6:17 pm

    My gardens have been a joke recently. Well, ever since getting dogs since they seem to like eating my plants. My my flowers thrive (they're in the front yard) and my brother has been helping me reshape my yard so I'm excited about this year.

    bulgargirl@gmail.com

    Reply
  77. Sarah G. says

    February 11, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    Last year my son and I harvested 52 cukes from six plants we bought at the public market!

    Reply
  78. Heather says

    February 11, 2010 at 6:27 pm

    This will be my third year of having a garden. This year, I'm going to be stagger planting more vegetables, hoping to harvest a little more intermittently. I'm also growing herbs from seed for a culinary herb garden.

    rsbryswrrl at gmail dot com

    Reply
  79. Amanda S. says

    February 11, 2010 at 6:39 pm

    My experiences have not been very good, so I could use the book! I did grow some strawberries successfully, but that's about it, lol.

    Reply
  80. Kim (Randominities) says

    February 11, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    My experience has been that our gardens have to be heavily guarded. We have a tent type fence on our blueberry bushes and an electric fence around our veggies. Funny thing is that our herbs are unprotected and rarely get eaten.

    Reply
  81. Shannon says

    February 11, 2010 at 6:52 pm

    First, I have to say, I just stumbled upon your blog today and what a great day to do so…with a giveaway. We've had a garden for two summers now, but it's not been as prolific as we would have liked so I'm excited to learn more through the book and get most of this years seeds on the cheap!

    Reply
  82. Victoria says

    February 11, 2010 at 7:17 pm

    Hi, I just found your blog. Thanks for the book review and the possibility of getting it for free …. it looks like a great one! If I don't win it — I'll be buying it to scour for my gardening options. I was just awarded a plot in a local community garden, I have my upstairs patio crammed full of edibles … but some things just need to be closer to the earth. I look forward to following your blog …

    Reply
  83. Ali says

    February 11, 2010 at 8:37 pm

    Awesome! I bet they have some lovely chard…mmm
    My experience has been um…do OK with plants, I used to do well in Iowa starting things from seed (had all the little start pots, use a heat pad) but the last two years in Seattle here, I've had success with um…chard and nasturtium from seed.
    I better get started ..its almost march!

    Reply
  84. Deborah says

    February 11, 2010 at 8:41 pm

    Last year I made my first attempt at growing some produce.

    The deer ate all my tomatoes (and most of the tomato plants lol).

    I planted broccoli and brussel sprouts a little too late, but I did manage a small early summer harvest of broccoli and a decent late fall harvest of brussel sprouts.

    I grew cucumbers and yellow squash – they were productive "just enough" to enjoy fresh, cooked and to have some left over to preserve – but they did come down with some kind of fungus or something.

    I'm going to try again this year, but I'll be using a different spot in the yard, and fencing in the garden (darn deer!).

    asthenight at gmail dot com

    Reply
  85. Deborah says

    February 11, 2010 at 8:43 pm

    Tweet: http://twitter.com/AsTheNight/status/8976809927.

    Reply
  86. Donna says

    February 11, 2010 at 8:49 pm

    Hi Carol,
    Thank you for the chance to win these great gardening gifts! I have 2 raised gardens for fruits and veg's:one is in raspberries, and the other has been nearly overtaken by a colossol rhubarb! It is time to find a new plot for edibles! gisch@usfamily.net
    Donna

    Reply
  87. J-Dog says

    February 11, 2010 at 9:06 pm

    Oh yay! A contest! I probably need to keep it short, but I could talk about my vegetable and fruit gardening for a while. I LOVE growing things I can eat! I've got 8 raised beds (4×4) as well as several other random planting areas scattered around my garden. Last year I grew: lettuce, spinach, beets, chard, strawberries, mustard greens, chili peppers, sweet peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, pole beans, bush beans, cukes, snap peas, 5 different kinds of tomato, winter squash, summer squash, and I'm sure a bunch more I'm forgetting. At the end of the season we planted 4 apple tress that I hope to train to a cordon as well as several blueberry and blackberry plans. Oh… just talking about it is getting me excited and completely impatient for spring!

    Reply
  88. Cappoman says

    February 11, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    We have both a veggie garden and a fledgling orchard…We love fresh veggies and what we don't eat through the summer we freeze and use the rest of the year. Donna does the hard work gardening, I do the easy work, picking and eating. I have helped tilling, but most of my contribution to the garden is to move the manure from pasture to garden.

    Reply
  89. Cappoman says

    February 11, 2010 at 9:38 pm

    Update FB status with a link to your site…http://www.facebook.com/cappoman

    Reply
  90. Donna C. says

    February 11, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    We have a vegetable garden and every year it gets bigger and bigger. We try to rotate crops and what we have surplus of we trade with neighbors for things we don't plant. We can and freeze our veggies so we have home grown products throughout the year. we limit our use of pesticides, trying to stay with organic products.

    Reply
  91. Donna C. says

    February 11, 2010 at 10:04 pm

    I posted the giveaway on my facebook page

    http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1729260803

    Reply
  92. flitters says

    February 11, 2010 at 10:10 pm

    I am so looking forward to planting a big garden again this year. I had 2 big trees removed that had shaded my garden area of years ago. And I love giving away all the extra bounty.

    Reply
  93. pattycake says

    February 11, 2010 at 10:53 pm

    the book and seeds are a nice prize thanks

    Reply
  94. pattycake says

    February 11, 2010 at 10:54 pm

    follow you on twitter and tweeted Latest: http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/2010/02/start-garden-with-this-book-and-seeds.html less than 5 seconds ago

    Reply
  95. Anonymous says

    February 11, 2010 at 11:04 pm

    We love ( as well as our friends ) the homegrown tomatoes that burgeon in the garden in the summer here!

    theyyyguy@yahoo.com

    Reply
  96. Anonymous says

    February 12, 2010 at 12:23 am

    Managed to grow hanging, upside-down tomatoes off a hole in the bottoms of suspended pots. Was pretty awesome .. O_Leo_5@hotmail.com

    Reply
  97. Colengal says

    February 12, 2010 at 1:29 am

    Home grown tomatoes have wrecked me forever. there is nothing in the world to compare to that taste. This year we did Heirlooms and I'm hooked. Glorious!

    Reply
  98. Anonymous says

    February 12, 2010 at 1:35 am

    Please include me in the drawing.
    Susie

    Reply
  99. kakihara says

    February 12, 2010 at 2:00 am

    Last summer was our first real attempt—we had 3 huge tomato plants tons of herbs and peppers. The garden was a huge success and mt husband and I loved it! Unfortunately for me. my husband didn't want to part with the plants–so he bought a bunch of plant lights and when it got cold brought them inside—they did not survive– but for Christmas I got a dwarf lemon tree (it's way too cold outside for him) so He gets to use the plant lights and he is growing like crazy!! Thanks for the chance to win—this prize would be perfect for us!
    kakihararocks@gmail.com

    Reply
  100. shirley says

    February 12, 2010 at 2:04 am

    Please enter me in your drawing. I love to work in the garden. It is good for your soul. I follow you on twitter.

    Reply
  101. Rose says

    February 12, 2010 at 2:51 am

    Wow, Carol, I hope #101 is the lucky number! I already have a list of seeds I want to order from Blotanical Interests, so it would very easy to pick a few if I were the lucky winner. And the book sounds like a great addition to any garden library.

    I've had a vegetable garden for many years, but I'd love to add a few more herbs to the garden. The rosemary I planted last year is still doing well in the sunny spare bedroom this winter, but I think she could use a few companions next year. I'd also like to learn how to grow raspberries–I'll eat just about anything with raspberries on top.

    Reply
  102. Cindy says

    February 12, 2010 at 3:25 am

    Hello, what a great opportunity for gardeners. We do the usual veggies, (corn, potatos, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans) This year since my husband loves green beans, we're doing even more of those They aren't my favorite actually, so do I get a prize for smiling about green beans? 🙂

    Reply
  103. EllieB says

    February 12, 2010 at 3:39 am

    My stepdaughter and her husband have a garden and are always bringing me fresh grown veggies. Now maybe I could return the favor.

    Reply
  104. EllieB says

    February 12, 2010 at 3:40 am

    I tweeted at http://twitter.com/ellieb67/status/8992533222

    Reply
  105. Cal says

    February 12, 2010 at 3:57 am

    This is so appropriate! I am in the process of applying for a plot to garden from the city!

    Reply
  106. vegan4life says

    February 12, 2010 at 4:15 am

    nice to have freash veggies ty
    vivianbl@olg.com

    Reply
  107. SolDucky says

    February 12, 2010 at 4:37 am

    This is my first year doing a garden actually, so I'm trying to read up on it as much as possible. I can't wait to start!

    Reply
  108. SolDucky says

    February 12, 2010 at 4:37 am

    http://twitter.com/soluckyducky/status/8994554616

    Reply
  109. Jinxy and Me says

    February 12, 2010 at 4:46 am

    I didn't grow as many vegetables this past year because my raspberry bushes have totally taken over my garden area. I did grow tomatoes and peppers in containers and think I might try some more container gardening this year.

    Reply
  110. bev says

    February 12, 2010 at 5:03 am

    I have a small raised garden, but I can grow a lot of veggies in it. I love to garden, so this would be nice to win. Thanks for having the contest!

    Reply
  111. SheilaBee says

    February 12, 2010 at 6:31 am

    We enjoy growing things for salads. Grren onions,tomatoes,radish,cucumbers,
    bell pepper.

    Reply
  112. SheilaBee says

    February 12, 2010 at 6:33 am

    Tweet-http://twitter.com/SheilaBran/status/8998035084

    Reply
  113. roberta staggs says

    February 12, 2010 at 7:16 am

    My mom had a garden when I was growing up. Living in the inner city at that time I just didnt get it. But now I am 28 and the idea of taking something so little and yielding something bigger and more plentiful then you started with sounds so exciting. I think this will be a way for me to incorporate healthier living to my family and what I dont eat I plan to give away to neighbors. Im hoping this will be a chain effect and that others lives will be enriched. I am hoping I am not being too optimistic.

    Reply
  114. The Running Garlic says

    February 12, 2010 at 9:18 am

    I grow in 2 locations and it can get tough at times – this year I hope to focus more on only one place and want to rethink my plans a bit. The book would be a great help and the seeds would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for the chance! Love how you listed the blogs with their locations.

    Reply
  115. Oneangel says

    February 12, 2010 at 9:24 am

    I really can't wait to start a garden this spring!

    Reply
  116. Karen P says

    February 12, 2010 at 10:01 am

    I havne't grown anything in a really really long time. I used to grow zuchini and tomatos though

    Reply
  117. Happi Shopr says

    February 12, 2010 at 11:19 am

    We had a garden growing up and we all loved it. Since getting married and moving away, I haven't had one. Would love to put one in this year on our two acres. trinitygsd at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  118. wcc says

    February 12, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    It is so very wonderful when you grow beautiful plants from seed – I have been doing this for the past three years. Last year was my second try with tomatoes – my first try was a failure. Anyway, they were cherry tomatoes and tasted wonderful! Most of the things that I start from seed are flowers – my favorites being Morning Glories and Moonflowers (they are so easy!), but I have started some rarer things like Corkscrew vine (well, at least it is rare to me!) Would love to try my hand at other vegetables. Love, love, love growing from seed! Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  119. wcc says

    February 12, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    I tweeted: http://twitter.com/whitechocolatec/status/9010497063

    whitechocolatecherries at gmail.com

    Reply
  120. sksweeps says

    February 12, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    I've been growing fruit (trees) for years and have recently added lots of summer veggies and winter lettuce (So Cal… winter is only time for lettuce to do well). Last year I had so many tomatoes, squash, zucchini, grapes, blackberries… that I spent almost every day preserving (canning, drying, cooking, freezing)! Now I have a bounty to last til next summer! But, I want to do more/better! Gardening is an evolving, learning experience.

    Reply
  121. Jenn S. says

    February 12, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    I love growing vegetables in the spring/summer months, especially tomatos and bell peppers. I think I am going to try my hand at a Fall garden this year as well.

    Reply
  122. scarlette10 says

    February 12, 2010 at 2:51 pm

    I am terrible at growing any kind of food! I have a green thumb with flowers, but not food!

    Reply
  123. Retrogirl says

    February 12, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    What a fun giveaway! This contest is giving those of us in mid-winter planning some light at the end of the tunnel—-bring on spring!

    Reply
  124. Teresa O says

    February 12, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    Gee…I just commented in your current post that I don't plant vegetable seed and here I am leaving in comment in hopes of winning seeds! What a wonderful giveaway…a book and seeds. BTW…I enjoy Jim Wilson's garden writing alot! His book, Landscaping with Herbs, is one of my favorites.

    Reply
  125. Brimful Curiosities says

    February 12, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    My grandfather has a huge garden, but we are starting small with a couple of raised beds. Last year hail destroyed many of our plants. I'm hoping this year will be a better year!

    Reply
  126. carolpie says

    February 12, 2010 at 3:56 pm

    I love this! Where we live the gophers kill just about everything so we have to do container gardening. I love how you listed seeds to try! Thanks for a great giveaway! Love your site!

    spencer1953 at gmail dot com.

    Reply
  127. carolpie says

    February 12, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    I follow and tweet!~http://twitter.com/dresdenrain/status/9014135110 carol.

    Reply
  128. garden girl says

    February 12, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    What a wonderful giveaway Carol! I love Botanical Interests' selection, Their seed packets are works of art, and there's so much information on them.

    I'd already added this book to my Amazon wish list after reading your recent review of it, and winning it would be even better! Besides enjoying it myself, as you mentioned it seems like a wonderful book to lend to friends and family newly interested in growing vegetables. (you should have seen the armload of books and extra tomato and pepper starts I sent my youngest daughter home with last spring when she decided to plant her first veggie garden!)

    Thanks for the opportunity to be in the drawing. Good luck everyone!

    (lintys2057@gmail.com)

    Reply
  129. Barbara says

    February 12, 2010 at 5:09 pm

    Thanks for the info on the book. If I'm not lucky enough to win it, I'll be checking out my local library.

    I've been growing veggies off and on for many years but now live in a place where my sunniest areas are concrete patios. Thus, a lot of container growing is necessary. One of these days I'll hire someone with a jackhammer and get rid of 90% of the concrete but until then, it's a mix of creative containers and support systems for me.

    Reply
  130. Kathy P says

    February 12, 2010 at 5:15 pm

    the only thing i have tried to grow is tomatoes and i had pretty good luck with those but they were a little on the small side.

    Reply
  131. Kathy P says

    February 12, 2010 at 5:15 pm

    http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/9017325650

    Reply
  132. thatlittlehouse says

    February 12, 2010 at 5:31 pm

    When I was young, I loved working in my aunt's vegetable garden, planting, watering and picking vegetables. I've never grown my own, but my DH retired recently and this year we are going to have our own vegetable garden.

    Reply
  133. Retrogirl says

    February 12, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    woo hoo! I tweeted the giveaway. Good luck to my tweeps!!!

    Reply
  134. Unknown says

    February 12, 2010 at 7:23 pm

    I REALLY want these seeds! Botanical Interests is AWESOME!!! Last summer, I experimented fertilizing my tomato plants with coffee grounds. It worked great, but the tomatoes took over the entire garden, especially on heirloom yellow pear plant. Please, I NEED these high-quality seeds!!!

    Reply
  135. Unknown says

    February 12, 2010 at 7:30 pm

    Here is my facebook post:

    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000649737525

    Thanks!

    Reply
  136. Unknown says

    February 12, 2010 at 8:43 pm

    Looking forward to starting an organic garden this spring!

    Reply
  137. Nancy says

    February 12, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    Is there anything better than a free book? Yep.. FREE SEEDS!!!!!

    Reply
  138. Tricia316 says

    February 12, 2010 at 10:43 pm

    I can grow lettuce pretty well. So -so with tomatoes. Peppers do well in my garden. But nothing else. I need some help!

    Reply
  139. MIBirdbrain50@aol.com says

    February 12, 2010 at 10:57 pm

    I used to have a large veggie garden when I owned a house, now I live in mobile home, and have a wonderful herbal garden. Been trying to grow veggies in pots, but so far not much luck, any help would be appreciated!
    Candice

    Reply
  140. /Heather/ says

    February 12, 2010 at 11:57 pm

    I must confess to having a bit of a black thumb when it comes to growing things. I did grow some tomatoes once…but it was an accident. Hopefully, this book will set my thumb to green.

    Reply
  141. /Heather/ says

    February 12, 2010 at 11:57 pm

    Tweeted this: http://twitter.com/choochoo428/status/9031698188

    Reply
  142. Sarahliz says

    February 12, 2010 at 11:58 pm

    My parents gardened when I was growing up and as an adult I find myself really missing garden veggies. Of course I decided to move to a completely different climate (Southern CA vs. growing up in Wisconsin) so I'm still sort of working out what things grow well in our hot rainless summer. But I'm fast learning that winter gardening is a must.

    Reply
  143. Anonymous says

    February 13, 2010 at 12:03 am

    I would love to win this. I grew some vegetables last year and it was success. My email address is jinijose_v@yahoo.com.

    Reply
  144. lilyk says

    February 13, 2010 at 1:50 am

    I grew tomatoes in a pot once and enjoyed the experience.

    Reply
  145. Carol Michel says

    February 13, 2010 at 2:18 am

    Time's up! I'll announce the winner as soon as I generate a random number!

    Reply

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