Meet Farmer Jones—your not-so-expert neighborhood gardener. He loves planting, growing and harvesting just about anything, even though he occasionally has to look up what he planted after the label disappears. Farmer Jones doesn’t have a giant farm, a tractor or a degree in horticulture. What he does have is a love for gardening, a little free time, and enough confidence to give just about anything a try. Each issue, Farmer Jones will share what he’s planning, planting, growing or harvesting—and maybe a lesson or two learned the hard way. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back and garden along with him. You may not get your hands dirty, but you might learn something... or at least have a good laugh! -------------------- Q4 2026 -------------------- October is coming, and I’m already making plans for my fall garden. After surviving another Florida summer, I figure my plants and I both deserve a little cooler weather. This fall, I’m planning to grow some leafy greens, herbs and a few vegetables that enjoy cooler temperatures. I’m also going to try growing a few things in containers so I can keep everything close enough to watch without having to make a long expedition across the yard. At my age, I believe gardening should provide exercise—but not require a search party. I’m especially looking forward to growing fresh herbs. There’s something satisfying about walking outside, picking a little basil or parsley and bringing it into the kitchen. Of course, I’ll probably grow enough to feed a family of eight, even though there’s only one of me. Here’s a funny one… “I asked my garden if it needed anything. It said, ‘Yes… a little thyme.’” I also plan to spend some time cleaning up my containers and getting everything ready for the cooler months. I’ve learned that gardening equipment has a strange habit of multiplying. I’m pretty sure I have three garden trowels, but I can only find one. The other two are probably enjoying retirement somewhere in the garage. Speaking of gardening mistakes, I had a memorable one this summer. I planted what I thought was a vegetable plant in one of my containers and proudly watched it grow for several weeks. I watered it, moved it into better sunlight and even talked to it a couple of times. Then I discovered it was a weed. Apparently, I had been providing five-star accommodations to a plant that had moved in without paying rent. That’s gardening for you. Over the next few months, I’ll be preparing for the cooler season, planting a few new things and seeing what I can coax out of my little garden. I know many of you here at Strawberry Ridge remember having much larger gardens years ago. Maybe you grew tomatoes, peppers, flowers or enough vegetables to keep the neighbors supplied. Our gardens may be smaller now, but I think the enjoyment can still be just as big. So this fall, I’ll be out there with my gloves, my watering can and my questionable gardening knowledge. If you see me talking to my plants, don’t worry. I’m just trying to keep the weeds from getting any ideas. — Farmer Jones, Still not an expert gardener. But I’m getting pretty good at making mistakes look intentional.