Planting seeds of change: time to grow a garden.

• Author: Harrington, Susan
• Position: FROM THE EDITOR - Editorial

Audrey Hepburn said, "To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." Alaskans all over the state might do well to grow a garden of fruits, vegetable, and herbs this summer; after all, with the climate changing more rapidly in Alaska than anywhere else on the planet we can all be productive gardeners. The food we grow could bolster our own health and personal budgets.

According to the National Weather Service and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) every day this year Alaska has had above average temperatures-considerably. NOAA reported, "Alaska was record warm for January through March with a temperature [average] of 17.8 degrees Fahrenheit, 11.9 degrees Fahrenheit above average. Barrow, Bethel, Homer, Juneau, and King Salmon were record warm."

With temperatures heating up across the state and the onset of summer, it's time to grow a garden. There are many methods of gardening that would work, including straw bale, square foot, raised bed, container, vertical, cold frame, windowsill, and greenhouse. A garden doesn't have to be big to put food on the table. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service has outreach statewide for seasoned and aspiring gardeners alike. They offer newsletters, articles, and topical publications...