[Roland]

As I read through all the comments in this thread, I am reminded that, as rewarding as gardening is, it is always a challenge. Weather and pests can make or break our yield. Even with years of experience, we all have years that are more difficult than others. I often think how lucky I am that my survival does not depend on my success gardening, as it might have a few hundred years ago. I also chuckle when I read comments on preparedness channels, posted by viewers with no gardening experience, who claim they are ready to survive any SHTF because they purchased a 100 packets of heirloom seeds online. Good luck to them. Becoming a successful gardener is a lifelong evolution.