first 2014 seed giveaway, plus dear santa: a battery mower and more cats, please!

Dear Santa,  

A girl my age doesn't need any more "stuff," so let's emphasize the practical, shall we, old friend? Easier mowing; less mess with kitchen scraps; more pro tools to process garden harvest into food that keeps; warmer (and also skid-proof) tootsies in winter; oh, and a tactic for truly flipping squirrels the bird (as in squirrel-proof feeders).  Those gifts would make garden types like myself truly happy. Those -- and maybe just a small herd of the madcap cashmere cats that my neighbor makes from recycled sweaters? The holiday gift guide.

seed giveaway: turtle tree's special touch 

The conversation continues about a different kind of seed company -- seed companies that don't just package and re-sell seeds, but actually grow some or all of their inventory themselves, making sure each crop is its best. This week, my expert guest is Lia Babitch, co-manager of Turtle Tree Biodynamic Seeds. We talked about exceptional peas, beans, yellow tomatoes, winter squash and even a chicory -- a new-to-the catalog crop for winter forcing. Plus: Win one of 3 gifts of seeds in my latest giveaway. Start here. 

miss it last issue?

The December garden chores are awaiting your attention. (Truth be told, I haven't exactly dug in, either. My excuse: a blanket of snow!)