With the growing season moving into summer, gardeners who had planting fever in the spring will soon be reaping the fruits of their labor.

Many gardeners possess a positive attitude and share a love for growing healthy vegetables. My Hungarian grandfather toiled hours and hours in his garden. I always think of how he worked hard but never complained. He enjoyed what he was doing, never dwelling on the negatives, such as the heat, bugs, weeds and other weather. Many of our ancestors were like my grandfather. They worked long hours. For some, gardening may have been their way of relaxing.

Even today, some gardeners have a competitive spirit, toiling daily in their plots of land in order to have the best possible garden. Several gardeners have told me that they plant and maintain gardens simply for exercise and fresh air.

Gardening can be therapeutic, helping to relieve stress, depression or anxiety. Everyone seems to be in a hurry to get from one place to another. Gardening may take a person's mind off of negative thoughts helping us to feel better about our lives.

Practical gardeners use common sense when organizing their plots. Like good farmers, they must also implement a conservation plan on the land - such as using mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and preventing weed growth As the mulch decomposes, it puts organic matter back into the soil. However, soil quality may still require additional nutrients.

It is hard work maintaining a garden when the hot summer heat and high humidity slows everyone down. Weeds seem to be growing everywhere and their removal from the garden is a constant chore. Proper planning can put gardeners a step ahead of unwanted weeds, insects and diseases.

Gardening can also become a group activity. Families can spend quality time together sharing the duties of maintaining and raising successful crops. At age 5, my job was to remove tomato bugs and pull weeds. My father knew keeping me busy meant a decreased chance of me getting into mischief.

There also are various garden clubs in the region that are open to members.

There can be great satisfaction from growing your own vegetables, but it takes hard work throughout the summer to get the job done. The task of gardening can be successful if a person is willing to follow a plan and keep a regular schedule, even when it is uncomfortable outside. Gardeners also like a little help from mother nature, mostly in the form of rain.