Gardening Gene?

Is there a gardening gene? I'd like to think so. I got it from my Mom who got it from her father. I hope to pass my green thumb on to my own daughter because I think gardening is one of the most important things a child should learn that is not taught in school (in fact I strongly believe it should be taught in school - see Edible Schoolyard).

I didn't always like to garden. Growing up I was forced to pick beans, weed and shell peas. I would have rather been doing just about anything. I'm so glad now that my mother instilled in me a love and knowledge of gardening - and ecstatic that she gave me her old tiller!

We were over at my Mom and Stepfather's place last night for dinner. Everything we ate, except for steak, was fresh from the garden - zucchini, red & blue new potatoes, string beans, carrots, tomatoes. Most of the veggies she grilled which really brought out their natural sugars.
Here are some photos their garden. It's HUGE over 3 acres. They sell a lot of their fresh, organic produce to restaurants in the West Chester, PA area. Of course family and friends are welcome to take all they can eat for free:)


Rows of heirloom tomatoes as far as the eye can see!


Sunflowers for beauty and to attract pollinators.


My niece and brother-in-law picking beans to take home.


Would you look at those gorgeous carrots!


Zoe and her cousin, Ethan, catching up to us. After dinner we always have to take a walk in the garden to see what's growing and pick what we want to take home.


Even my Mom's old dog Uno eats her veggies. Here she is getting a string bean!