Whenever we do have a garden in the future, I would like to have a compost tumbler because I’ve read about how great they are. And I definitely want to have some protection around all of the plants to keep hungry critters from ruining our produce!

I entertained the idea of a greenhouse, but then there’s still the problem of pests.  I’ve read a little bit about hydroponics and a tiny bit about aeroponics.  If I were to start a garden again, I might be interested in something like that.  That way, I wouldn’t be bothered by hungry animals taking bites out of my plants and pests would be greatly reduced.

Some people use growing lights for their plants.  I don’t know much about them and would have to do some research as to whether I would prefer them or not.  Right now, I’m not sure what type of garden I want.  But I do know that I want one that is safe from hungry animals and is not troubled by pests, one that is organic and easy to care for.

According to the Environmental Working Group’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, there are twelve produce items they call the “dirty dozen” because of the high amount of pesticides on them.  This list was based on test data from the USDA.  If at all possible, the EWG says to buy these 12 in organic form or buy in a very limited quantity from time to time.  If organic is too expensive, then choose something off the “Clean 15″ list on the Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides.  Here is a list of what they consider to be the twelve worst fresh produce items as far as the amount of pesticides on them:

• Celery
• Peaches (check farmer’s markets and ask if pesticides were used)
  
• Strawberries (I watch for Krogers to put organic on sale)
• Apples  (I buy organic either at Target or Brookshire’s.  The peeling is so healthy, and it defeats half the reason for eating apples if they have to be peeled because of pesticides.)
  
• Blueberries (we buy organic at Sam’s)
  
• Nectarines
• Bell Peppers  (I buy organic at Central Market or when Krogers puts them on sale)
• Spinach (we buy organic on sale either at Central Market, Krogers or Tom Thumb)
  
• Kale
• Cherries
• Potatoes (I try to buy organic at Central Market, whichever kind of organic potato is the best price)
  
• Grapes (imported)  (I don’t buy imported, only domestic)

Organic produce can be expensive, but if you watch the grocery ads then you can usually find it on sale, especially during the summer, at one of the grocery stores that carries organics.

We have been so busy, but our plans are to start a small garden using something similar to the Square Foot Gardening Method.  We hope to plant potatoes, okra, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, and green beans.  So, we’ll see how that goes!

(I was not compensated in any way for this review.  It is strictly my opinion.)

Ezekiel Bread is the main type of bread we eat at our house.  We toast it most of the time when we eat it, even for sandwiches.  And one great thing about it, besides the fact that it’s so healthy, is that it has the low glycemic seal for those of you who are concerned about that.

We buy it in the frozen bread section at Central Market or a health food store.  It’s a little pricey but worth it for the health benefits. Coupons for Ezekiel Bread can be found here if you’re like me and like to use coupons .