We often receive nice feedback from our gardening students about how well they're doing. When those testimonials are heartfelt, well-written, and come packed with beautiful photos, then we just can't resist sharing! Here's one we just received last week:
Dear Cynthia:
It is surreal as in something out of science fiction. Abundant growth, spaghetti squash and zucchini tentacles (runners) out of control, escaping the elevated garden, reaching through the wire fence, and descending on the cement patio and continuing to reach and stretch with fruit everywhere (35 "visible" spaghetti squash and 18 zucchinis) all from two zucchini plants and one spaghetti squash!!!!! Unbelievable!
I planted the same amount with exactly the same space considerations I have always done for the last 40 years here in San Mateo and the results this year are in another category due to your advice. I believe, even in this lousy year of weather, that your suggestions were solely responsible, i.e., Sun Land compost and 4-6-4- Sustane. I rototilled both in and have never experienced anything like this. The enclosed photos do not do justice to what has taken over my backyard, and this despite overcast fog till 11:00 a.m., no good sun, no wind until 5:00 and then the fog rolls back in. This has meant the tomato plants are growing and are at 6 feet tall now, and finally all the fruit has sent on them but they will be a little late and maybe a little smaller than normal.
I want to thank you for this prolific (understatement) of a crop. My neighbors are astonished. You are the best. Do you think it was the compost or the Sustane or a combination of both? Thanks for all your help and your responsiveness in dealing with my periodic queries in a very timely fashion. This was truly a gardening breakthrough for me!
Steve Gehre, San Mateo
Dear Steve: Thanks so much for the kind words. To answer your question, I do think it was the fertility. And your excellent care! Cynthia
Dear Cynthia,
I took my first class with you, and redesigned my garden, using all the materials you advised. Then took your tomato classes, and early spring gardening. The recipe for the soil and the world of knowledge and guidance, has made my garden look the best ever. I have so much bounty this year that I am giving away to friends, and saving some for the winter.
I keep referring to my notes all the time.
My children and their friends and of course our family are enjoying our new backyard farm. Everyone keeps asking what really happened, magic ?? Our children are excited to name our farm- "Mellow Earth Farm"
I think you are amazing and have the greatest gift of changing each garden and life, one at a time.
Looking forward to taking more of your classes in the future.
Your recipe for the garden is really the recipe for success and health.
Thanks for bringing me closer to earth and gardening.
Your student,
Purnima.
Posted by: Purnima Sreenivasan | August 21, 2011 at 10:24 PM