Start of Journal.

I started this journal to jot down my challenges, ideas and improvements for future plantings, my yield rate, and uses for the produce I've harvested.

I enjoy cooking and I enjoy "farmer's market" fresh produce. In the past, when I first started to cook, I noticed a couple of things. One, fresh herbs always improve the flavor of dishes over dried; and two, fresh herbs from the market are expensive, and the majority of these purchases tend to end up in the trash. After a few years of spending a small fortune on herbs at Whole Foods (A.K.A. 'Whole Paycheck'), I decided to grow on my apartment balcony a few of my most frequently used herbs; rosemary, thyme, Italian parsely, etc.,... That was eight years ago.

Now fast-forward to 2008. I have a backyard in the heart of Silicon Valley where I can garden to my heart's delight. I've redesigned the yard to accommodate edible plants from Full Sun to Full shade. This summer I've grown much more than the usual herb fare. I now have six varieties of tomato plants, summer squash, pepper plants, and of course, the herb garden of my dreams.