There are many rewards in growing and harvesting your own vegetables and fruits. Even though my family lived in town, my parents planted a big garden that included tomatoes, beans, watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries and fruit trees. We kids helped harvest and prepare the produce for canning and freezing.
Mom made the best apple pie and watermelon pickles from some of the harvest. We seldom had to go to the store for a can of vegetables.
To get you started this year, we have gardening books ready to be checked out. The first book I recommend is James A. Fizzell's "Guide to Wisconsin Vegetable Gardening," whether you are a beginner or expert gardener. He suggests the best vegetables and herbs for a Wisconsin garden.
Included are easy recipes, such as focaccia with cherry tomatoes and eggplant parmigiana. Helpful charts are given with information on the number of days required from planting to harvest. The author advises you when, where and how to plant for each vegetable and herb.
Joann Woy's book "Accessible Gardening" is a guidebook of tips and techniques to help you overcome obstacles and return the joy of gardening to your life. Whether illness, accident or advancing age has frustrated you, do come in and check out this book.
There are directions for constructing raised bed planters and specifications for inclines, paths and railings. Horticultural therapy can lead to increased physical strength and self-esteem.
These books and other gardening books can be found at La Crosse County Library branches in Bangor, Campbell, Onalaska, Holmen and West Salem. If the item you are looking for is not on the shelf at your favorite facility, you may request items through the Winding Rivers Library catalog on our website www.lacrossecountylibrary.org, or in person at any circulation desk.
Mary Humm, a La Crosse County Library System staff member in the Holmen branch, retired Monday after 26 years on the job.
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