I grew up tending huge gardens and have always had them in every state we've lived in. Had to learn what would grow where with different soils, climates, etc. I always start my plants inside and never buy the expensive gismos. I roll my own pots from newspaper and use egg cartons and cans, mix soil and perlite, save boxes and plastic bags for greenhouses, hang a shop lamp over the seedlings for light and warmth, and enjoy it greatly when its cold outside. Then I can't wait for spring planting time. DH tills up about an acre in a lower field for me. Toward the road we plant sunflowers all along, then pumpkins and squash and then beans, tomaotes, peppers, etc. Corn just seems to invite all the racoons in the county despite a fence and dogs. One year the broccoli was just about perfect so I left it overnight and the next morning it was gone! Some hungry animals has harvested it off like a lawn mower. Still for this old farm girl there is nothing like digging in the dirt, watching the flowers and veggies grow, canning and freezing the goodies, sharing with others, and enjoying the beauty. I read where gardening helps troubled teens and stops violence. I really believe if everyone grew a garden our world would be more peaceful. :)