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When you are growing your own food, you control every step of the process — from seed selection and soil management all the way to carrot peeling and pie baking!

But with so many variables, chances are some things will not go according to plan. And the subreddit r/MightyHarvest has plenty of proof to back this up. Created in 2018, it has 88.4k members, who regularly post pictures from their gardens.

While a select few see it as a platform for humble-bragging and uploading images of their Pinterest-perfect tomato baskets, most people do it ironically and share their hilariously underdeveloped fruits and veggies instead, reminding each other that failing is part of the process.

Continue scrolling to check out the content and don't miss the chat we had with Alison Levey, the creator of The Blackberry Garden blog and Todd Heft of the Big Blog Of Gardening.

#2

Hmm, Not Bad

Hmm, Not Bad

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"A common challenge for gardeners when growing fruit and vegetables is having the actual space to grow in," Alison Levey, the person behind The Blackberry Garden blog, told Bored Panda after we asked her about the biggest obstacles in the field.

"Thankfully, you can grow some edibles with very little space, even if it is some chili plants or herbs on the windowsill. When growing outdoors, a lot of vegetables and fruits can be grown in containers. Carrots and courgettes grow well in containers as do potatoes too. Some soft fruits will grow well in containers as well. If you have a garden and have space for a small fruit tree, there are many available to buy."

Another challenge, according to Levey, is finding the time to do all of it. "That is a harder one to deal with, but little and often can work well or spending a nice afternoon at the weekend tending to your crops."

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#4

The Asparagus Saga Continues. It Is 5" Taller Today

The Asparagus Saga Continues. It Is 5" Taller Today

Luvnmylife Report

#5

Behold My Bounty! It Will Feed Villages Throughout The Winter Months!

Behold My Bounty! It Will Feed Villages Throughout The Winter Months!

Sharcbait Report

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Hawkmoon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perfect for a fancy restaurant where the bill can't be less than $1,000.

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Todd Heft, who runs the Big Blog Of Gardening and has released a book called Homegrown Tomatoes, is 100% organic so he places the focus on the soil.

"If you get your soil conditions right, plants will thrive," he told Bored Panda. "By soil conditions, I do not mean fertilizers. I mean drainage and organic matter to feed the soil food web."

The gardener said this means using lots of compost to condition your soil.

#6

One Might Be Enough For Today's Recipe

One Might Be Enough For Today's Recipe

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Bouche, Audi, and Shyla, oh my!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm thinking all sorts of dirty comments, but I don't need to make any of them, because the carrot is already dirty.

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#7

This Thai Chilli Shall Flavour My Dishes For The Next Eon

This Thai Chilli Shall Flavour My Dishes For The Next Eon

The_Untracable_Conch Report

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#8

The Central Valley, Cornucopia Of The World

The Central Valley, Cornucopia Of The World

tunafeeesh Report

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"In the early spring, top dress your garden bed with 2" of compost," Heft continued. "After planting, add another 2" around the root zone of whatever you're planting. Only use fertilizers if a soil test indicates the need for it."

"After harvest, add another 2" of compost or use a cover crop to overwinter your garden bed. It's all about the soil."

#10

This Season, I Learned That The Biggest Secret To Yuge Sized Broad (Aka Fava) Beans Is… *gasp* Leave The Damn Plant Alone To Grow To Full Size

This Season, I Learned That The Biggest Secret To Yuge Sized Broad (Aka Fava) Beans Is… *gasp* Leave The Damn Plant Alone To Grow To Full Size

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Harley Lee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my problem- I ‘fuss’. I fuss every day twice a day checking and gardening them. I left my cucumber plant alone for two days while I off for work- and like an ungrateful child it flourished and produced 2 FAT snack cucumbers. Moral: I kill with love. Leave them alone. Why does everything have to b left lol

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#11

Tonight.. We Shall Feast!

Tonight.. We Shall Feast!

skav2 Report

#12

Who Wants Rhubarb Pie?

Who Wants Rhubarb Pie?

Heavens-2-Murgatroyd Report

#13

Oh The Great Potato Harvest Of 2023. They Shall Write Epic Tales Long Into The Future Of The Horticultural Triumph. God As My Witness, I'll Never Be Hungry Again!

Oh The Great Potato Harvest Of 2023. They Shall Write Epic Tales Long Into The Future Of The Horticultural Triumph. God As My Witness, I'll Never Be Hungry Again!

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For beginners, Levey thinks that French beans are good to start with since they generally are well-behaved. "If you have the space, purple sprouting broccoli is easy too and tastes wonderful," she added.

"Potatoes I find easy especially if grown in a container. Courgettes are very easy to grow, but be warned, they do produce a lot of courgettes and you might just run out of different ways to eat them!"

#14

My First Harvest! Get Ready To Feast

My First Harvest! Get Ready To Feast

GlitteryBorko Report

#16

My Mighty Flock Has Provided This Tiny Egg

My Mighty Flock Has Provided This Tiny Egg

MrBean1512 Report

#17

Carrot Harvest, For Ants

Carrot Harvest, For Ants

ZiggysSack Report

Heft agrees that beans are easy. "[It's] practically plant and play, especially bush beans. Tomatoes are easy to grow, but you have to be vigilant about disease if you're having a wet summer. Peppers are easy too and less prone to disease. So are potatoes."

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He too believes that each of these can also be grown in containers if you have limited room or just a balcony or porch to work with.

"If you're growing tomatoes in containers though, make sure you choose a variety that is labeled 'determinate.' That means it's a variety that grows like a bush, not a vine. Some varieties are also bred to be grown in containers," he explained.

#18

My Giant Yellow Raspberry

My Giant Yellow Raspberry

ellenayla Report

#21

I Cannot Wait To Pluck This Perfect Snap Pea And Indulge

I Cannot Wait To Pluck This Perfect Snap Pea And Indulge

BrokenPug Report

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Tabitha Stella
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, this little plant is a badass. It's tiny and struggling a bit, but it's still determined!

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After you start experimenting, Heft said you should pay attention to watering. "Deeply water 1" per week if it doesn't rain. Overwatering or "giving them a little drink" three times a week does more harm than good."

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And don't overwhelm yourself. "Only plant what you'll eat. It's better to grow a big variety of stuff on fewer plants than growing too many potatoes or tomatoes," he added.

#22

Okay, I’m Not Going To Lie. I Like Boasting. My Lettuce Harvest:

Okay, I’m Not Going To Lie. I Like Boasting. My Lettuce Harvest:

dreamingirl7 Report

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cerinamroth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never managed to get my lettuce seedlings to come up at all, so that looks pretty successful to me!

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#24

The Whole Neighborhood Will Be Feasting For Weeks! I Grew... Pea

The Whole Neighborhood Will Be Feasting For Weeks! I Grew... Pea

azulkachol Report

Heft stressed people should also not use fertilizer indiscriminately. "Plants will only use what they need and the rest runs off into local waterways," he said.

"This causes havoc for marine life and aquatic plants. Most soils hold plenty of nutrients for plants. If your garden has problems, the cause is usually not a lack of nutrients."

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#26

Behold

Behold

WinstonTheFrog Report

#27

From Seed To Salad In An Apartment Balcony!

From Seed To Salad In An Apartment Balcony!

asparaguscunt Report

#28

Behold! The Jalapeño Bonsai!

Behold! The Jalapeño Bonsai!

GanacheMeUp Report

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Jane No Dough
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can't blame the poor thing, it put every bit of it's nutrients into giving you this pepper.

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#29

The Only Radish I've Ever Been Able To Actually Grow

The Only Radish I've Ever Been Able To Actually Grow

pd0210 Report

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Jane No Dough
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a gorgeous radish! You could have moles in your garden, making your radishes disappear from underground.

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Levey added that it's important to look out for weeds. "If they start to take over, it can make the whole experience very tiresome. Also, keep an eye out for pests such as slugs and snails who can decimate young plants very easily."

"But the main tip is to grow what you enjoy eating and then enjoy growing them and eating them. It should be a happy thing to do, not a chore," she said.

And don't forget to show off your produce!

For more 'mighty harvest', fire up our first publication on the subreddit .

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#31

Acorn Sized Acorn Squash

Acorn Sized Acorn Squash

HippieG Report

#32

First Crack At Growing Garlic Was A Rousing Success

First Crack At Growing Garlic Was A Rousing Success

reasonably_handy Report

#33

From Less Than A .5g To 31g, My Family Will Feast For A Decade

From Less Than A .5g To 31g, My Family Will Feast For A Decade

DreamsofApplePie Report

#34

This Mighty Asparagus Will Make Sure To Pass On It's Superior Genes

This Mighty Asparagus Will Make Sure To Pass On It's Superior Genes

nooksak Report

#35

Last Chile Pequin Of 2022 (3 Mm X 4 Mm)

Last Chile Pequin Of 2022 (3 Mm X 4 Mm)

scarlet_sage Report

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#39

Looks Like I'll Be Getting A Currant This Year

Looks Like I'll Be Getting A Currant This Year

TheAlrightyGina Report

#42

Rad...ish?

Rad...ish?

Proncus Report

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Jane No Dough
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But it is a lovely perfect miniature. I'd give it to a squirrel just to watch him eat it with his tiny hands.

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#43

Container Radishes Are Really Working For Me!

Container Radishes Are Really Working For Me!

ktcardz Report

#45

I Don’t Like To Boast, But

I Don’t Like To Boast, But

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#47

Stupid Radishes!

Stupid Radishes!

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WindySwede
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the first one is a string, and the second, third etc. Maby wait one week? 🤷‍♂️

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#48

Feeling Inadequate

Feeling Inadequate

Psychological-Long-5 Report

#49

Three-Months Harvest Of Pak Choy

Three-Months Harvest Of Pak Choy

ArizonaTea_24 Report

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#50

My First Radish Harvest Of The Year!!

My First Radish Harvest Of The Year!!

odawg0007 Report

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cerinamroth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not being American, I don't know how big that coin is. Maybe it's the size of an orange - I just don't know. Need banana for scale!

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#51

Behold! The Mightiest Butternut Squash Known To Man!

Behold! The Mightiest Butternut Squash Known To Man!

Dewdropmon Report

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#52

Squirrels Decided To Rip Up My Plants, So I Guess This Is My Potato Harvest

Squirrels Decided To Rip Up My Plants, So I Guess This Is My Potato Harvest

VomitMaiden Report

#53

I Shall Make A Pie, That Is Envied By All, With This One Strawberry

I Shall Make A Pie, That Is Envied By All, With This One Strawberry

XxmsmaliciousxX Report

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#54

It’s Got The Juice

It’s Got The Juice

kjbaran Report

#55

Vetch Peas In Garlic Butter-- My First Harvest Of Spring

Vetch Peas In Garlic Butter-- My First Harvest Of Spring

tavlove Report

#56

I Planted This A Year Ago And Now It Has Flowers. I'm Starting To Think These Aren't Really Brussels Sprouts

I Planted This A Year Ago And Now It Has Flowers. I'm Starting To Think These Aren't Really Brussels Sprouts

LaLaLaLeea Report

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Brenda
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cut off the flowers and those weed looking things that are tall. Your plant bolted ,meaning it is going to seed. You can try these things to save it, but it usually only works when you catch it early. It might resume growing, but don't get your hopes up. Some plants you can use the parts growing when it bolts. Look it up

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#57

Vampires Beware, Im Growing Garlic!

Vampires Beware, Im Growing Garlic!

ressie_cant_game Report

#58

It’s Happening!

It’s Happening!

SpicyThunder48 Report

#59

The Hard Part Is Deciding If I Should Make Pie Or Sauce?

The Hard Part Is Deciding If I Should Make Pie Or Sauce?

nooksak Report

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JJ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah, I can relate so well. It's not that our cherry tree doesn't have enough cherries, no, the blackbirds are just waaay faster with harvesting. (I'm not mad, though, they have babies to feed and the population seems to increase.)

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#60

Breakfast For Weeks!

Breakfast For Weeks!

Kindasortawannanotta Report

#61

Did Someone Want To Make A Marinara Sauce?

Did Someone Want To Make A Marinara Sauce?

reddit.com Report

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#62

The Mighty Potato

The Mighty Potato

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Spanish Cat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Note: a European two-cent coin is approx. 1 cm in diameter, so i guess the potato is around 2cm

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#63

My Mighty Cauliflower

My Mighty Cauliflower

Superb-Entrepreneur4 Report

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cerinamroth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get dizzy looking at cauliflowers. They sort of suck me in, like something in space.

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#65

The Mightiest Red Pepper!

The Mightiest Red Pepper!

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#66

First Tomato Harvest Of The Season: Caprese For Everyone!

First Tomato Harvest Of The Season: Caprese For Everyone!

thinklikeamanduh Report

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#67

Harvested My First Blackberry Ever! It Was Too Tart After Having Turned Black For Only Two Days. How Long Should I Wait To Pick The Next Ones Once The Red Fades?

Harvested My First Blackberry Ever! It Was Too Tart After Having Turned Black For Only Two Days. How Long Should I Wait To Pick The Next Ones Once The Red Fades?

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Jane No Dough
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm no expert but I think they haven't been getting enough heat and sunlight this season to sweeten them up.

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#68

We'll Eat Like Kings!

We'll Eat Like Kings!

TheGiantKorean Report

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cerinamroth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my, I wish I lived somewhere where we could grow pineapples. My favourite fruit!

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#69

Mighty

Mighty

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#70

My God We Will Have Enough Ketchup For The Whole Sub!

My God We Will Have Enough Ketchup For The Whole Sub!

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#71

Behold My Almost Mighty Zucchini! This Beast Fed Most Of The Possums In The Area And Many, Many Snails. If I Had A Pan Big Enough I Could Make An Enormous Ratatouille For All The Neighbourhood To Feast On. Happy Days

Behold My Almost Mighty Zucchini! This Beast Fed Most Of The Possums In The Area And Many, Many Snails. If I Had A Pan Big Enough I Could Make An Enormous Ratatouille For All The Neighbourhood To Feast On. Happy Days

tomesx2 Report

#74

I Shall Carve The Skinniest Daikon Rose Of All Time

I Shall Carve The Skinniest Daikon Rose Of All Time

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#75

Bite-Sized Broccoli Heads

Bite-Sized Broccoli Heads

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#77

Moved From A Village To The Capital And I Couldn't Help Myself... So I Planted Some Potatoes In My Window Box. Here's My "Harvest"! :d

Moved From A Village To The Capital And I Couldn't Help Myself... So I Planted Some Potatoes In My Window Box. Here's My "Harvest"! :d

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#78

Morning Harvest

Morning Harvest

Josh979 Report

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Huddo's sister
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is that a golden raspberry? I planted one last year and am hoping it fruits this year.

#80

Behold! My Blueberry Bounty!

Behold! My Blueberry Bounty!

Bitter-Lab-4375 Report

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Jane No Dough
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awwww. Sorry. If it's a mature planting, critters may be eating all your fruit.

#81

No, These Are Not Alpine Or Wild. No There Aren’t Any Others

No, These Are Not Alpine Or Wild. No There Aren’t Any Others

littleperogi Report

#82

My First Maple Harvest Boiled Down It At Least Taste Great!

My First Maple Harvest Boiled Down It At Least Taste Great!

Lampy5 Report

#83

A Sub-Par-Snip Harvest

A Sub-Par-Snip Harvest

FelicitousLynx Report

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#84

Bumper Crop! Each One Bigger Than The Last!

Bumper Crop! Each One Bigger Than The Last!

CupboardFlowers Report

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#86

This Will Surely Make Enough Salsa To Last The Winter

This Will Surely Make Enough Salsa To Last The Winter

kyungp00 Report

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#87

My Months Of Anticipation Have Finally Payed Off!!!

My Months Of Anticipation Have Finally Payed Off!!!

Mother-Ad7139 Report

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#88

Praise Be! These Brussel Sprouts Will Keep Us Healthy All Spring!

Praise Be! These Brussel Sprouts Will Keep Us Healthy All Spring!

Prior_Lobster_5240 Report

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#89

Saved My Entire Harvest For Seed. Going To Plant A Whole Field This Year!

Saved My Entire Harvest For Seed. Going To Plant A Whole Field This Year!

Nimindir Report

#90

Potatoes

Potatoes

Alocasialover-00 Report

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Brenda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried the garbage can method. It actually worked. Simple instructions at the Farmers Almanac.

#91

We’re Definitely Having Some Real Hearty Dinner Salads Tonight

We’re Definitely Having Some Real Hearty Dinner Salads Tonight

Trolivia Report

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#92

After 15 Months Of Carefully Tending To My Chicory Patch, I Have Come To Terms With The Fact That Most Of These Plants Are Not, In Fact, The Chicory I Planted

After 15 Months Of Carefully Tending To My Chicory Patch, I Have Come To Terms With The Fact That Most Of These Plants Are Not, In Fact, The Chicory I Planted

just--questions Report

#93

I’m Gonna Feed My Whole Family For Months With My Radishes

I’m Gonna Feed My Whole Family For Months With My Radishes

Trolivia Report

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#94

My Last Ripe Little Guy Until The Rest Start To Catch Up.thank You All Who Have Joined My Cherry Tomato Journey

My Last Ripe Little Guy Until The Rest Start To Catch Up.thank You All Who Have Joined My Cherry Tomato Journey

embrvsser Report

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#95

Time For A Big Batch Of Hot Sauce!

Time For A Big Batch Of Hot Sauce!

meatballlady Report

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#96

Deemed Me As A Shower Not A Grower

Deemed Me As A Shower Not A Grower

allhailth3magicconch Report

#97

Gonna Make Some Lemonade With These

Gonna Make Some Lemonade With These

Mainzer1308 Report

#98

Sweet Treats For The Kiddo!

Sweet Treats For The Kiddo!

throwaway88588858 Report

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#99

Behold!! Radish!!

Behold!! Radish!!

rhiready Report

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#100

So Proud Of The Spinach Crop This Year

So Proud Of The Spinach Crop This Year

4EVAH-NOLA Report

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#101

The Entirety Of Last Seasons Carrots Harvest

The Entirety Of Last Seasons Carrots Harvest

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#102

I Waited 2 Months For This Bok Choy

I Waited 2 Months For This Bok Choy

Circumsisedtoenail Report

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cerinamroth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mine went like that too this year and bolted after a very warm spring while we were away... The bees absolutely love the flowers though, so at least somebody won!

#103

Little Buddy

Little Buddy

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Jihana
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty good with mushrooms, but I do not recognise that one. Does anyone know what kind it is?

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#104

Mash Em, Boil Em, Stick Em In A Stew

Mash Em, Boil Em, Stick Em In A Stew

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Auntriarch
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it meant to be that colour? I've planted purple taters this year

#105

This Salsa's Gonna Be *so Spicy*!

This Salsa's Gonna Be *so Spicy*!

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#106

Been Growing All Winter!

Been Growing All Winter!

hellobunnyxo Report