Fulshear Living monthly

Top L-R: Dr. David Thurmond, Dr. Bryan Ping, Dr. Michelle Hessell

Bottom L-R: Dr. Sadie Bowling, Dr. Cynthia Aswad

Not Pictured: Dr. Jessica Rivera, Dr. Andrew Faist, Dr. Tyler Ping, Dr. Emily Rimes (Galvin)

Clyde King cking@hartmannews.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com

ADVERTISING

Stefanie Bartlett sbartlett@fbherald.com

Ruby Polichino ruby@fbherald.com

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Marquita Griffin Nick Irene

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Melinda Maya mmaya@fbherald.com Rachel Cavazos rcavazos@fbherald.com

Early Detection Starts With Your ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM

The recommended age to start your annual mammogram is 40. Schedule yours today.

At Houston Methodist Breast Care Centers, our board-certified experts use the latest imaging technology to provide you with cutting-edge breast screenings — such as 3D mammograms — to detect even the smallest lumps and abnormalities with accuracy. We offer:

• 10+ convenient locations across Houston

• Online scheduling with readily available appointments

• Expanded hours available at most locations

• Access to medical records and test results through MyChart

Scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/breast-care or call 832.522.PINK (7465) to schedule your mammogram today.

We do not require a doctor’s order for your annual screening mammogram.

During the first week of Fort Bend Hope’s Reading Summer Camp, Sierra Ridley with the Natural Science Museum, taught the students about butterflies. In the following weeks, the children experienced cooking, art, science and crafts activities, watched movies and heard from experts like NASA and Brazos Bend State Park representatives.

Volunteers, like the ones who showed up for the summer reading camp, are vital to the health and impact of the nonprofit.

Want to Volunteer?

As a volunteer-driven organization, Fort Bend Hope has "lots of places a volunteer can plug in. You could help a child with homework or reading in our after-school program. You can teach a class in ESL, GED, or something else. If you would rather work behind the scenes, we could use help making review videos for ESL, event organization, maintaining our library and so much more,” said Executive Director Adam Yates. “There are lots of different ways that people can use their gifts and talents to make a difference in someone’s life. The saying that a rising tide lifts all boats is true. If you want to help, bring the tide in for this community, come volunteer with us. I promise you will be blessed.” Visit www.fortbendhope.org.

OCT OBER

HOMETOWN SPOTLIGHT

Patrick Broadway of Fulshear weaves through Magnolia’s defense during game last month at Edward Mercer Stadium in Sugar Land. He concluded a nearly seven-minute opening drive with a 17-yard touchdown, giving the Chargers an early lead. The Chargers won a 46-21 victory. [Photo by Dave Sanders]

Gumbo Cook-Off returns to Cross Creek Ranch

Gumbo chefs are fine tuning their recipes to see which creations will tickle tastebuds when the Fulshear Police Foundation Gumbo Cook-Off returns to Cross Creek Ranch, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Gumbo gourmands can sample and vote on their favorite gumbos at the Cross Creek Ranch Welcome Center, 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane. Additional activities will include live Zydeco music, live and silent auctions, food vendors, games and more. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the Fulshear Police Foundation.

For more information, visit www.crosscreektexas.com.

Cmdr. Johnson is Vinson’s first woman maintenance officer

PACIFIC OCEAN — When Cmdr. Courtney Johnson joined the Navy in 1998, there were considerably fewer women serving in her job field (aviation maintenance) than there are today. Even though the ratio since shifted, she still blazes the trail for women in that field.

Johnson, a graduate of Brazos High School, is the first woman on Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to serve as the Maintenance Officer (MO). This watershed moment wasn’t the first time she’s broken barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men. That started with the “Golden Warriors” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87.

“At VFA-87 I was the first woman MMCO [maintenance/ material control officer] and that was very challenging, especially in the strike fighting community,” said Johnson. “I think that was more challenging than coming here.”

Johnson attributes an easier transition into her role as Vinson’s Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) department head to having other women peers. It’s important to note that Vinson currently has three women serving as department heads out of 20 total and Johnson’s assistant maintenance officer (AMO), Lt. Cmdr. Amy Ellison, is also a woman. Her pool isn’t exactly large, but after coming from a command where she was the only senior woman leader, Johnson feels it’s a welcome change.

“Every job has its challenges,” said Johnson. “But I feel blessed to be the Carl Vinson MO.”

The ground-breaking didn’t stop there. With Johnson as the MO and Ellison as the AMO, this marks the first time in U.S. Navy history that an aircraft carrier has both positions filled by women.

“It’s pretty cool that her and I are making history for women,” said Ellison. “I just hope that shows it doesn’t matter what your gender is, anyone with the right ambition and drive can do the job.”

Johnson’s drive and ambition aren’t her only defining qualities, and neither is her being the first woman MO aboard Vinson. Johnson is a woman who didn’t let being a leader in a field dominated by men diminish her openness and kindness.

Pictures of her family and figurines of Wonder Woman line the walls of her office. For one of her Sailor’s birthdays, she participated in a Zumba class with her entire department. She has an open-door policy that her Sailors truly believe and trust.

“She is the best maintenance officer I’ve ever had. She cares about

her Sailors,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Shamara James, AIMD’s leading petty officer. “Anybody can come to her at any time for any reason and she listens to them. That’s who she is: a genuine person.”

Johnson started her career as an enlisted airman and this month marks 25 years of her service. Her family planned for her to go to college and become a doctor, but she had no desire for that walk of life.

“I went off the beaten path,” said Johnson. “I graduated high school a year early and I wanted to join the military.”

After high school, her parents refused to sign her waiver and let her join the military before turning 18, but that didn’t stop her. She waited until she became of age and enlisted in the Navy.

Only four years before, in 1994, were women allowed to serve aboard combatant ships. Around this time, less than 15 percent of women were in the Navy, most of which were in administration, health care, and supply. Where did this passion come from in such a young woman during the 1990s?

The answer lies in the letters that Johnson’s grandfather wrote to her grandmother during his time as a prisoner of war.

“The things he said made me want to join the military even more,” said Johnson. “I knew that I wanted to take the same path as my grandfather.”

Her path wasn’t quite the same as her grandfather, but there are a couple similarities: they both joined enlisted then commissioned as officers and they both worked with planes. Her grandfather flew in them, and she’s in charge of maintaining them. In a way, she is protecting pilots like her grandfather by making sure their jets fly properly.

Because of this, Johnson believes in a Sailor-first leadership style that reflects in her department.

“AIMD is a family-oriented department,” said Johnson. “I have an amazing department, and that’s because of the people we work with every day.”

Johnson’s leadership style brought something to AIMD that some feel wasn’t there before.

“She’s very caring, and wants to make sure that every one of her Sailors is taken care of,” said Ellison.

Her genuine care was fostered from Johnson’s time as an enlisted Sailor.

“When I was an airman, I always said that if I ever made it up this high, I was going to be the leader that I would’ve wanted when I was that airman,” said Johnson.

When asked what kind of legacy she wants to leave as Vinson’s first woman MO, her answer is this: “I don’t want to just be remembered as the first woman MO onboard the USS Carl Vinson, I want to be the person that helps even just one Sailor. I want to be the person that changes someone’s life for the better.”

Fort Bend County Farm Bureau supports area food banks

To support the Texas Farm Bureau Food Connection Program, Fort Bend County Farm Bureau has stepped forward to make a significant contribution to local food banks. The organization donated more than $1,000 worth of food to three prominent Fort Bend County food banks.

The recipients of the donation include Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, and Needville Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry - Hosted by Immanuel Evangelical Church.

The $1,000-plus worth of food donations will help provide essential food supplies to individuals and families who are struggling to put food on their tables.

“Farmers and ranchers are an integral part of our community, and we understand the importance of supporting one another,” said John Cotterell, the President of Fort Bend County Farm Bureau. “Especial-

Brazos High School graduate Courtney Johnson is the Carl Vinson’s first-ever female maintenance officer. Johnson is a native of Wallis, Texas and a 1996 graduate of Brazos High School. She has been in the Navy since high school.

ly in challenging times, it’s essential that we come together as a community to ensure that no one goes hungry. This donation is one of the ways we contribute to the well-being of our neighbors.”

Fort Bend County Farm Bureau encourages other community organizations, businesses, and individuals to join them in their mission to combat food insecurity.

Fort Bend County Farm Bureau is a nonprofit organization that represents the interests of local farmers and ranchers and is committed to being the “voice of agriculture” in Fort Bend County.

Sabrina Greenlee to speak at Annual Healing & Hope Luncheon

S.M.O.O.O.T.H. founder Sabrina Greenlee will speak at an upcoming luncheon focused on healing and hope for domestic and sexual assault survivors in Fort Bend.

Following an acid attack that blinded her in 2002, Greenlee battled many challenges before founding a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women impacted by domestic violence (S.M.O.O.O.T.H.).

On Oct. 17, as the featured speaker at the Fort Bend Women’s Center 6th Annual Healing & Hope Luncheon, the center’s annual keynote event in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Greenlee will share how she transformed from victim to victor.

The luncheon is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Houston Marriott Sugar Land, 16090 City Walk, and will benefit the Fort Bend Women’s Center.

“Healing & Hope [...] will provide a powerful testimonial of courage, strength, and resilience,” stated Fort Bend Women’s Center officials. “You will be inspired by the tenacity of a woman, who despite all odds, continued to persevere by not just surviving, but thriving.”

For more information, visit fbwc.org.

Visitors thrilled with $120 million EpiCenter

by NICK IRENE | nirene@fbherald.com

The Fort Bend EpiCenter is open for business at 28505 Southwest Freeway in Rosenberg.

The open house months ago showcased games, prizes, food, and an opportunity for guests to snap photos with the Houston Astros’ World Series championship trophy.

During ribbon-cutting ceremony, General Manager Toby Wyman attributed the EpiCenter’s realization to the diligent work of elected officials and anticipated providing the community with exceptional must-see events.

“The grand opening weekend of the Fort Bend County Epicenter was truly an epic experience,” Wyman expressed. “We are excited to introduce this exceptional venue to the community, and our partners have been crucial in bringing this to fruition. We appreciate the support and are enthusiastic about presenting a range of incredible events in Fort Bend County.”

The $120 million, 230,000-square-foot sports and entertainment venue has a capacity of up to 10,000 guests in the main arena, featuring a 38,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion, six basketball courts, and 12 volleyball courts.

The Fort Bend Commissioners Court approved the project in 2021, and in 2022, they agreed to allocate up to $26.78 million for the facility’s operating expenses during its initial years. Stonehenge LLC initiated construction in February 2022.

The venue is fully equipped to accommodate concerts, rodeo events, graduation ceremonies, sports events, and more. One of the first events scheduled for the complex was the inaugural Fort Bend County Festival of One.

The complex will also serve as the venue for Fort Bend and Lamar Consolidated ISD graduations, according to George.

Among the major events slated to take place within the arena are All Elite Wrestling’s Dynamite and Rampage tapings on Oct. 18, airing on TBS. Wyman also mentioned that the arena will host an ESPN Top Rank boxing fight and a Hot Wheels Monster Truck show.

“This will be an asset to the county for years to come,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales said during the public opening.

Eric Garcia and Ender Friloux, owners of Uncanny Comics and Games in Rosenberg, said they were impressed with the size and amenities of the EpiCenter.

“I’m super excited about all the concerts and exhibitions that will start coming to Rosenberg now because of the EpiCenter,” Garza said.

Friloux said he expects local businesses to benefit from the EpiCenter as visitors to town stop and dine, gas up or stay the night.

Fort Bend County Farm Bureau donated food to three Fort Bend County food pantries. County Farm Bureau representatives load food to be delivered by board members Ross Werlla, Lois Meyer, and John Cotterell.

Sabrina Greenlee

Electrical lineworker

Summer graduation at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus has come and gone, but it will be one remembered forever by those present in no small part thanks to Kelly Gomez.

Cheers poured in from everyone in attendance on graduation night as they announced Gomez as the first female student from TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus to graduate from the Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program.

“They told me I was the first when I enrolled here, but I was sure there was no way,” she said. “So when they announced it at graduation as well, I thought it was super cool and felt blessed to have that spotlight.”

graduate is happy to be a trailblazer

find a place within top-level management at a utility company.

“There were times when I first started that I felt like I couldn’t do it due to my height or strength,” Gomez said of the lineworker program. “For any woman looking into the program, if you feel like you can’t do it, just know one person did and you can do it, too.”

She is glad that she can be a role model for women in the program. And thanks in part to an interview she did a few months ago, three other women are now enrolled in the lineworker program.

Gomez urges those who follow her to do their best and do it because they love it. While she admits there are challenges, she believes that anyone can overcome them and succeed.

Gomez graduated from the lineworker program with her certificate of completion. Before graduation, she had already lined up a job with Spark Power, a Canadian-based power company with headquarters in Houston.

While the job will require quite a bit of traveling on her end, Gomez still plans to move forward with more education, focusing on an associate degree next. Her experiences have left her more driven than ever to gain whatever knowledge she needs to meet her goals.

She hopes that after gaining her associate degree and further experience in the field, she will be able to become a foreman or even

TSTC offers Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology at its Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall and Waco campuses. An Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate of completion are available.

The program is part of TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds a participating graduate’s tuition if he or she has not found a job in their field within six months of graduation.

For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu and tstc.edu/ mbg.

Kelly Gomez is the first woman to graduate from TSTC’s Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program in Fort Bend County.

Arts & Entertainment

Cross Creek West saddles up for Trail of Treats

All Cross Creek West, trails will end in fun, sweets and treats during a Western-themed Trail of Treats from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21.

The free event is an opportunity for guests to explore the Fulshear community’s trail system and model homes while enjoying a hoedown featuring inflatables, a food truck, photo opportunities and more. Builders will be handing out candy and other treats to young buckaroos at their model homes.

For more information about Cross Creek West, visit www.crosscreekwesttx.com.

Fiction, nonfiction, collectible sets, CDs and more finds at library book sale

The Friends of the University Branch Library will host a Fall Book Sale on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar

Land, on the UH campus.

People who love books, people who love bargains, and people who need to get rid of some spare change will find a lot in common at the book sale, where they will discover adult and children’s books, all at prices that are hard to beat. Items of special interest at this book sale include jazz CDs (Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk); religious studies and inspirational books; literature anthologies; and collectible sets.

Also available are adult fiction and nonfiction books, foreign-language books (especially Chinese), infant and toddler books, Young Adult teen and “tween” selections, homeschool materials and textbooks, and special-interest books.

Prices range from 50¢ to $2.00, with special items slightly higher. Checks or cash are accepted; bills larger than $20 cannot be accepted.

Donations of gently-used books (fiction and nonfiction adult, youth, and children’s hardback and paperback books that are clean and not torn), CDs, and DVDs are always welcome and may be taken to the library throughout the year during regular business hours. Textbooks published within the past five years are also accepted. Items that cannot be accepted include cassettes, VHS tapes, encyclopedias, magazines, medical/legal/computer books older than 2019, or books that are damp, moldy, dirty, or insect-ridden.

The Friends of the University Branch Library organization is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. Donations and contributions to the Friends are tax-deductible.

For more information, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us.

The season for Sugar Plum Market is fast approaching

Since September, excitement has been brewing behind an upcoming Fort Bend County holiday staple — the Sugar Plum Market.

This popular annual shopping event held at the Stafford Centre in Stafford features more than 100 vendors and lunch options provided by Chick-fil-A Sugar Land with refreshment choices such as water, soft drinks and adult beverages sponsored by Molson Coors Beverage Company.

Presented by Fort Bend Junior Service League and Title Sponsor Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, the 22nd annual Sugar Plum Market will open to the public Nov. 2-4, with the special Preview Night held on Nov. 1.

The hours are: Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m..

Preview Night tickets are $100 and include a complimentary drink ticket, bites of holiday cuisine, an exclusive shopping bag and entry to one general market shopping day to come back either Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

General Admission tickets are available for pre-sale online at sugarplummarket.com for $12. Tickets will be sold at the box office during the market for $15.

Tickets can also be purchased in bulk. Valet parking is available for $15 via cash or credit card, as well as free general parking. Please contact tickets@sugarplummarket.com for questions or to inquire about bulk ticket orders.

The Sugar Plum Market is the signature fundraising event for the Fort Bend Junior Service League and all proceeds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, vendor fees, etc., benefit Fort Bend County nonprofits. Since its inception in 2001, the market has raised more than $4.4 million.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and the Sugar Plum Committee is also seeking donations for its Premium Raffle. Contact sponsors@fbjsl.com and/or raffle@fbjsl.com to find out more information. Keep up with the latest news and updates by following Sugar Plum Market on Instagram and Facebook.

Rock out '80s style for Fort Bend Seniors

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels suggests the public “get ready to travel back to the ‘80s for a night of music, dancing, and charity” at its 3rd Annual Spazmatics fundraiser.

Known for their high-energy performances and iconic ‘80s tunes, The Spazmatics promise “to keep the crowd on their feet all night long.” Guests are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the ‘80s by dressing up in their favorite ‘80s attire.

“Whether you go for neon leg warmers, acid-washed jeans, or big hair, let your inner ‘80s icon shine,” officials stated.

Presented by Staff Force Personnel Services, the Spazmatics fundraiser is set for 6 - 11 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the Dry Creek Social Club. The event benefits Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, a United Way Agency that supports local senior citizens through recreational, medical, transportation and general resources or services and hot, home-delivered meals.

The evening will begin with appetizers served from 6- 8 p.m., provided by two local favorites — La Cocina Restaurant & Catering and Ol’ Railroad Cafe. Food trucks will also be on site.

Activities include a silent auction (items include Houston Texans and Rockets tickets); a 50/50 Raffle (try to win half the pot - cash only); and an autographed Journey Guitar Raffle (purchase tickets for the online raffle for a chance to win an authentic autographed Journey guitar).

Tickets to the 3rd Annual Spazmatics fundraiser are $75 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit https://bit.ly/ FBSSpaz2023.

Cuisine Corner

DIRECTIONS

1Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly butter an 8- or 8½-inch springform pan.

2To make the crust: Stir together all of the ingredients in a medium bowl until the crumbs are moistened. Press the mixture over the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Increase the oven temperature to 425 F.

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

INGREDIENTS

CRUST

1½ cups gingersnap cookie crumbs

½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup sugar

FILLING

1½ pounds cream cheese, at room temperature

½ cup packed light brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 cup solid-pack pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)

½ cup créme fraîche, homemade (see below) or store-bought, or sour cream

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3To make the filling: With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese, brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large deep bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and then the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour and pumpkin pie spice and beat on low speed until just combined. Add the pumpkin purée, créme fraîche and vanilla, and beat until just combined. Pour the filling into the shell.

4Place the cheesecake on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 250 F and continue baking for 1 hour.

5Turn the oven off and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 21/2 hours. Then transfer to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature.

6Refrigerate, tightly covered, for at least 10 hours, until thoroughly chilled and set, or for up to 2 days.

7To serve, run a knife around the side of the cheesecake and remove the side of the pan. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature, cut into thin wedges with a sharp knife dipped into hot water and wiped dry after each cut.

TO MAKE THE CRÉME FRAÎCHE

½ cup heavy whipping cream

½ cup créme fraîche or sour cream with live cultures

Fort

Generously Sponsored By: Kay Danziger

Presenting Sponsor Polly Shouse

DIRECTIONS

Pour the cream into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and spoon in the créme fraîche. Let sit on the counter, with the lid slightly ajar, until the mixture thickens, from 4 to 24 hours, depending on the weather. Refrigerate, tightly covered, until ready to use

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

¼ cup butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Pumpkin Roll

INGREDIENTS

¾ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 cup pumpkin puree

3 eggs

DIRECTIONS

1Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch jelly roll pan or cookie sheet.

2In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir in pumpkin puree, eggs, and lemon juice. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Spread the mixture evenly.

3Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15 minutes.

4Lay a damp linen towel on the counter, sprinkle it with confectioner’s sugar, and turn the cake onto the towel. Carefully roll the towel up (lengthwise) with the cake in it. Place the cake-in-towel on a cooling rack and let it cool for 20 minutes.

5Make the icing: In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and sugar with a wooden spoon or electric mixer.

6When the cake has cooled 20 minutes, unroll it and spread icing onto it. Immediately re-roll (not in the towel this time), and wrap it with plastic wrap. Keep the cake refrigerated or freeze it for up to 2 weeks in aluminum foil. Cut the cake in slices just before serving.

New to fall edible gardening?

by SANDRA GRAY | Fort Bend Master Gardener

If you have moved to this area from a more northern climate, you might be surprised to learn that it is common in the Houston area to plant two vegetable gardens a year. How lucky are we?

Not all fruits and vegetables are planted in both seasons. For example, okra, pumpkins, and watermelons are planted only in the summer months while lettuce and spinach are usually only grown during the fall planting. However, many vegetables can be grown in both spring and fall gardens. Some, like tomatoes, are perennials but are planted twice to increase production.

There are some differences in how the plants grow at different times of the year. Carrots are typically planted from mid-January to early March and late August to early November. It then takes about 70-80 days for them to mature (this varies by variety). However, autumn carrots grow slightly slower as the weather cools, which results in a sweeter taste. Others, like ‘Green Magic’ Broccoli (a Texas Superstar), can be grown in both seasons but perform better in cool growing conditions.

Other plants, such as the Celebrity tomato (a Texas Superstar plant), may be grown in both seasons but are more vulnerable to pests in fall because the insects are more plentiful in fall than early spring. This should not dissuade you from growing tomatoes in the fall but you need to be vigilant about pests and diseases.

Some vegetables that do particularly well in fall gardens are:

Leafy greens: arugula, cabbage, endive, kale, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard

Root vegetables: beets, carrots, leeks, radishes, rutabagas, turnips

Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower.

For all vegetables, you will have more success if you:

• Plant in sunny locations

• Avoid using pesticides

• Choose the right varieties for your locale

• Prepare the soil well by breaking up the top 10” and adding compost and fertilizer

• Add flowers to attract pollinators

• Water adequately

• Fertilize correctly (no lawn fertilizer!)

• Follow the directions for the varieties you plant. Happy gardening!