Hi, I’m Sarah the Gardener and I how exciting is this?  Not only is the Vegie Growing Challenge back for another year but it has had a bit of a makeover and looks fabulous!

The challenge has been through many changes over the years and I have to say this one is by far the most exciting.  And the best part about it is while the challenge comes to an end on Dec 13th, the Growing Community will stay open so you can continue to post updates and comment and encourage each other.

I have been involved in the Vegie Growing Challenge since the very first one back in 2010.  In those early days I was just a competitor trying to win the big prize.  I didn’t win on my first attempt but managed to win the one and only Autumn challenge.   These days I work with Yates as their Brand Ambassador and one of the best things I get to do is help out with the Vegie Growing Challenge and I am here to support you all for the next 14 weeks.  I will be reading every single blog post and look forward to doing so.

To get the most out of the Vegie Growing Challenge, if you haven’t checked it out before, check out the box labelled Vegie Growing Challenge as this has all the hints, tips and advice you need.   If you run into any problems at all, if it is in garden or about the challenge just comment on my latest blog post and we’ll help you out as soon as we can.

You can find me easily enough as this year they have given me a spot at the top, so click on the Sarah the Garden From Yates box near the top right to find a link to my latest blog post with gardening hints and tips, challenge updates and what is going on in my garden.  I will update my blog each week on a Monday.

Now some of you might recognise me from beyond the Yates Vegie Growing Challenge.  I have written 3 gardening books and I have gardened for more than a decade and I share my journey on social media.  But my current garden is only a couple of years old as we purchased 10 acres on the wild west coast and relocated a house in 2018 and I have since created a garden with 35 raised beds and a Geodesic Biodome greenhouse on this windy site. 

Also, I encourage you to have a good look around at the other blogs, because community is what makes this challenge wonderful and every year friends are made or renewed.  And don’t forget to enter the first mini challenge:  MEET THE GARDENERS.  The details are in the middle box called ‘What’s Going On’.  Check there often for the latest challenge information, winner announcements and new mini challenges. 

For gardeners who have entered before, I have some sad news to share with you.  Our wonderful fellow gardener Carol Jane Oates – From Waikato, passed away suddenly on August 24th 2020.  She had been in every single challenge and was always there with a friendly welcome and comments of encouragement and support to so many gardeners over the years.   We will miss her terribly in the Vegie Growing Challenge. 

I have begun sowing my seeds and preparing my beds for the new season ahead.  It is always an exciting time and I can’t wait to garden alongside you all as we share the ups and downs of what is to come. 

For seed starting tips check out this helpful link from the Yates website:  >successful-seed-raising<

So once again, thank you for joining us and I hope you have a fabulous season in your gardens and Good Luck. 

Happy Gardening and have a wonderful week.

Sarah the Gardener  : o)