With the growing season moving into summer, gardeners who had planting fever in the spring should be reaping the so-called fruits of their labors.

Many gardeners possess a positive attitude and share a love for growing healthy vegetables. Great effort is taken to establish a meticulously kept garden full of homegrown vegetables.

There are gardeners who possess a competitive spirit, toiling daily in their plots of land to have the best possible garden. One gardener told me his garden produced the first tomato in his neighborhood last year. He purchased plants with small, green tomatoes, covering them to prevent frost damage during the entire month of May.

Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the country. There are many reasons why people plant vegetables. Some believe their vegetables taste better than those purchased at the local store. Others believe they are saving money or preventing the consumption of pesticides or chemicals.

Many gardeners have fond memories of working in the garden, spending time with grandfathers or other relatives and friends. Our grandfather saved seeds in mason jars. He worked day after day, even when he had retired, to grow vegetables for the entire family. They would can vegetables and fruits every year and store the food in a special room in the basement. The food they couldn't use would be shared with others.

Several gardeners have told me they plant and maintain their gardens simply for exercise and fresh air. Gardening can be therapeutic and lift spirits, reducing stress.

Friends will always want to have us take a look at their garden when we visit. There is a sense of pride in watching vegetables grow. It's amazing to see the largest cucumber or pumpkin at the annual fair or farm show.

Driving around Butler County, I cannot help but notice the outstanding farms and gorgeous gardens. There are roadside stands where fresh produce will be available for sale. It is hard work producing the vegetables, especially when the hot summer heat and high humidity slows everything down. The weeds seem to be growing everywhere and their removal from gardens and fields is a constant chore.

Practical gardeners use common sense when organizing their plots. Like good farmers, they implement a conservation plan for their land, such as using mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weed growth. As the mulch decomposes, it puts organic matter back into the soil. Rainfall is also important —- sometimes we must have watering cans on hand. There is great satisfaction from growing your own vegetables, but it takes hard work throughout the summer to get the job done.

We would like to thank Harold Foertsch for plowing the gardens at Sunnyview Home in Butler Township. He works hard to make sure gardeners can start their gardens around Memorial Day if the weather cooperates. He is a great steward of the land.