2005 Stories

RSS

It took a lot of water to keep vegetable gardens flourishing this summer. First, there was all that heat without a single rain-producing cloud in sight. Then - finally - after a few good drenchings from the skies, the drought picked up right where it left off.

Full Story published 10/18/2005

Waste not, want not

As a Depression baby, David Lyons developed strong feelings about letting anything go to waste. On the other hand, he has a big garden. A really big garden. And it's packed with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Full Story published 9/14/2005

Gardeners urged to share bounty with less fortunate

There's always more food growing in the garden than Ron Ory can eat, freeze or share with relatives. "Once my freezer is full, I've got a ton left over," the Naperville man said.

Full Story published 8/22/2005

W. Dundee man doesn't mind sharing bounty, but not with deer

Paul Obuchowski likes to joke that folks who know him run scared during the growing season. "You run out of friends and neighbors before you run out of zucchini," the West Dundee man said.

Full Story published 8/15/2005

Church group sows seeds for garden efforts

Cheryl Besenjak looks out over rows of green beans and tomato plants to see families gardening together. She sees Bible study groups, a children's garden, teams of volunteers, even a gazebo area where people sit back, relax and watch the harvesting.

Full Story published 8/8/2005

Harsh summer testing veteran gardener

With six children, 14 grandchildren and a whole lot of neighbors, Floyd Lundeen is well acquainted with the concept of sharing his garden's bounty.

Full Story published 8/2/2005

Fresh fruits, veggies filled with nutrients

The taste benefits of fresh vegetables are obvious. There's just no comparison between something that's newly picked and something that's been sitting frozen in a plastic bag for who knows how long.

Full Story published 7/25/2005

Time to get growing

Vegetable gardeners start out with big dreams. They picture juicy red tomatoes on strong, healthy vines. They imagine tall green stalks bearing crisp ears of corn. They envision long, tidy rows of lettuce well on their way to fabulous summer salads.

Full Story published 5/15/2005

Experts provide bumper crop of advice

Some vegetables are easier to manage than others. We've picked some relatively simple ones here to get you started, though you need to note that squash does quite a bit of sprawling. You've either got to provide plenty of room, give it a big fence or arbor to run up, or check it off the list and pick an alternative.

Full Story published 5/15/2005