We have had a small kitchen garden for the past several years, but this is our first year of really being aggressive with trying to raise our own food.  It is amazing how much practical knowledge in the life skills department have been lost over the past several generations, and though we both know a little, Storey’s Guide to Country Living has rapidly become indispensable.  Did you know that planting onions and carrots together prevents pests in both, or do you know which side of the garden is best for planting your corn?  Storey’s Guide has a little bit of everything from gardening to keeping livestock to canning and freezing.  It is a compilation of the things our grandmothers knew how to do that we don’t.  I have not read it cover to cover, but rather once section at a time, as needed.  This makes a great reference book.  I am thinking about getting a 2nd copy just to keep in the tool shed.  Enjoy!

Has anyone else noticed the end of summer clearances going on?  This is the time of year that I like to plan for next summer.  Lowe’s has some patio furniture on clearance, such as these sling stack chairs .  Amazon has this mountable iron hose hanger for $8.74.  Update: Price has changed.  Don’t forget those already bloomed perennials, either!  Our garden is enhanced by beautiful mums which I bought for .50 each several years ago.  They have grown like crazy and would easily be $20 plants now!  A little bit of thinking ahead can save you a lot next Spring!