stores . Hardware stores also carry the components necessary to create a larger system from scratch . Check online sources for advice . Dripworks . com is an excellent source for supplies and information on drip systems and other gardening projects .

Pest Control

Common issues for all gardeners include : diseases , insects , gophers , snails , and slugs . Rural gardeners have to contend with deer , rabbits , and rodents , and gophers . Organic gardening is the best option since pesticides and herbicides will work their way into the water table , soil , and your family , but you will lose some vegetables to the forces of nature .

• Insects / diseases / snails and slugs — Check with Master Gardeners for organic Integrated Pest Management ( IPM ) solutions for pests and diseases . Or search for information online .

• Deer , gophers , and other wildlife — deer fencing is sometimes the solution , but some gardeners have given up when fencing has failed . Hardware cloth on the bottoms of raised beds can help thwart gophers , but this too can fail .

• Weeds — the surest safest solution is to pull them out or rake them under . Please don ’ t use toxic pesticides . Organic alternatives exist .

• Plant flowers that provide color and attract beneficial insects .

I feel like I ’ m still learning ,” said Kristen Schoepe , a gardener for fourteen years in San Martin . “ I tell people to not be intimidated . Just start somewhere , whether it ’ s a terra cotta pot on the back porch or a small box . Just plant .”

“ It ’ s kind of like magic ,” said Lieberman . “ Plants just want to grow . They ’ ll find a way .”

A garden takes a little work , but the return is worth it . You ’ re creating a direct connection to your food — from your garden to your table in no time flat . At the end of the day , you can count your blessings , and the number of vegetables on your plate that you grew by hand .

Ref : ( 1 ) CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture . It is a way for consumers to buy directly from local farmers in an arrangement that benefits both the farmers and the consumers . For more information visit : http :// morganhillcsa . com

( 2 ) The Spruce : ” Why lettuce bolts and how to stop it ” https :// www . thespruce . com

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