"Backyard gardening and locally-based, sustainable farming are a big part of the answer to so many of the problems we face..." from Dear Organic Gardener by Scott Vlaun

Dear Organic Gardeners,

This is my eighth spring editing the Cutting Edge eNewsletter from my farm in Maine and this issue will be my last. With 53 editions behind me, I’m delighted to be handing the reigns over to Lindsay Dozoretz, who many will know from her thoughtful writing here in the last two years or her current moderation of the Seeds of Change Gardening Forum.

It has been more than an honor to edit this publication and work with the dozens of writers who toiled long and hard to share their knowledge and experience so that we could become better gardeners. Recent years have seen a resurgence in organic gardening and I’d like to think that all of our hard work has played a small role in making that happen, and that the movement will continue to burgeon, thanks to people like yourselves, who are leading by example and working in your communities.

As I move on to new projects, I remain committed to what we’ve worked for. Backyard gardening and locally-based, sustainable farming are a big part of the answer to so many of the problems we face as individuals, as communities, and as a planet. A secure supply of genetically diverse and adaptable seeds and the knowledge of how to grow them and complete their cycle by saving seeds is a priceless gift that we can leave for the generations to come as they cope with the ecological challenges ahead.

	Food of the Future An introduction to Oca, a delicious and vibrant Andean tuber... Read More >
	The Organic Rise A look at the encouraging growth in the number of home gardeners… Read More >
	Chicken Tractors An intern project examines the finer points of a mobile shelter for chickens… Read More >

As a father of a young son, I think about those challenges every day. What will my son’s world look like? Often I hesitate to ponder the question too deeply, but I find some comfort in the fact that, although he is not yet three years old, he joins me in marveling at the miracle of a seed emerging from the soil, delights in harvesting fresh greens from the greenhouse, already discerns the weeds from the crop, and pretty much daily, checks on “my worms” in our kitchen vermicomposter. The recent surge toward edible schoolyards and community-based food and farming are also beacons of hope in the face of often bleak news.

I also find great hope in what is going on at Seeds of Change these days. As you will read below, more committed and experienced people are joining the team to meet the growing demand for seeds, plants, gardening tools, and knowledge. New and exciting food plants are finding their way into our diet. New techniques are being explored. The seed quality is better than ever. And, most importantly, thousands of new gardeners are experiencing the myriad joys of growing organically. Thanks for being part of it and have a great season.

Scott Vlaun
Editor

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eNewsletter #70
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