Pat Mallett

Growing up in Nebraska, my brother and I were tasked with taking care of our huge vegetable garden – planting, watering, weeding, harvesting & of course, tasting! We watched our Mom cook what we grew and also can the excess. She didn’t come from a farming background, but she sure knew how to garden and use the food she grew! This experience became a part of who I am, and over the years I have always felt in touch with the farmers and their crops.

I gardened when my children were young, but then went for many years after that with no fingers in the dirt, nothing growing, not even a thought of a garden. Now that I am in my 70’s and living in Sierra Vista, Arizona, I have decided to plant a garden again, but for three years I have had no luck , even in a raised bed. This year (2015) I learned about straw bale gardening, bought Joel’s book and my 16 bale garden is doing wonderfully! I am telling everyone I know about what I am doing, sharing photos on facebook and in emails, and talking non-stop about the benefits. I am particularly happy to find that I have no weeds that need pulling, and I don’t need to bend over much, as my back would be screaming at me if I did.

By this time next year I would like to be considered a valued instructor, but in the meantime, I am willing to share what I have learned, find answers for folks who have questions, and do whatever I can to promote this type of gardening.

Happy Gardening!
Pat
(frogladyaz)