On the edge of common sense: Home gardens good for this nation

Mrs. first lady Michelle Obama's organic gardening is good for all of us involved in agriculture. So few have the time or interest or space to grow anything they eat, that they have no way to relate to the land and what it takes to make it fruitful. Even fewer know how to can or preserve their homegrown produce for winter's larder. She, the first lady, is a modern suburban dweller and has adopted the banner of "organic," which has now morphed into a brand name like NAVY or Danish Ham. I doubt she could explain the difference except to say, "no hormones or chemicals," but it doesn't make any difference. Organic has become a great niche market for "real" farmers too. It is a high-end product like prime beef, wild salmon or Roquefort cheese. However, home gardening may be making a comeback, whether you choose to use chemical fertilizer or fresh chicken manure. People out of work have more time on their hands and are on a budget. As Steve said, "When you've got enough to eat, you've got lots of problems. When you don't have enough to eat, you have one problem."And yes, I do have a garden. It looks like the solitary confinement cell in "Cool Hand Luke!" It is javelina, jack rabbit, locust, bird, rattlesnake, rat, cottontail and cowdog proof! Good enough for six rows of jalapenos and tomatoes. You'd think I'd have an abundant crop; alas, this morning I called the extension service Master Gardner. DIAGNOSIS: Blossom end rot. ETIOLOGY: Too much water. TREATMENT: Stop it!...Amarillo.com