As many of us are taking a well-earned rest from gardening this time of year, it’s a great time to take stock of all the things there are to be thankful for where our gardens are concerned. This was a tough year for me in the garden, and it led to some big decisions. But I’m glad of the struggle, as I learned a lot. Next spring is a whole new opportunity to try something new, and I’m grateful for that, too.

As I get ready for the holidays, I’m thankful for the jars of jam lined up on my shelves and the turnips, kale, spinach and radishes growing under cover in my raised bed. Most importantly, I’m thankful I grew up with my hands in the dirt, learning to grow things from an early age.