Good documentation here! I totally relate to standing over the plants and talking to myself.

I've started blessing my plants and seeds as the go in the ground and I believe they are much happier and grow better that way. Don't ask me for proof, I just feel it.

This year was my first big garden from scratch, and I found the best method for soil prep was rototilling compost into the soil and planting straight away. I had to weed a lot but everything is really producing now.