Ten Tips for the Beginning Gardener- Notes to Self

1. Start seeds inside.  Yes, it does make a difference.  You'll have produce sooner.
2.  Give tomatoes and squash A LOT of room.  They may start small, but they definitely don't stay that way.  In fact, maybe give squash it's own location in another part of the yard. 
3. Think more about what you eat- look to plant at least kale, celery, cukes next year.  Keep the other good essentials- tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, other greens/lettuce, squash, herbs.  This means. . . dig up more of the yard next year... or find other creative places to have food growing amongst the landscape.
4. Weed twice a week, but leave the purslane because you can eat that too.
5. Talk more to the plants.  It's okay.  No one can hear you but them.
6. Have more stakes handy and know how to use them.  Or find a better system for the ever expanding tomato plants.
7. Make sure all poison ivy is cleared from the area before beginning a garden
8. Don't go on vacation too long.  You're garden will miss you and it will show.
9. Plant more marigolds.  They are a beautiful and functional border.
10. Keep a log of watering to avoid thinking "I watered yesterday right? I don't think they need it today."