If you have not already, check out Karen Hager’s new gardening blog, “Down to Earth.”

Karen writes a column of the same name which appears in The Roanoke Times Extra section every other Saturday, so you may already be familiar with her writing voice and the deep level of gardening knowledge she possesses. Karen launched this blog a couple of weeks ago but it is really starting to ramp up now as we head into PRIME gardening season in Virginia.

I am personally very excited about this new blog because I’m a gardener-in-training. I was raised by two parents with very green thumbs but my thumbs so far are more of a yellow shade. Gardening is one of those hobbies that really takes practice, but when you have success it is so gratifying (plus, very few things feel as good to me as a hard day of work in the garden followed by a refreshing shower and a cold beer or glass of lemonade). I’ve learned and implemented something new every year.

So far this year, I’ve expanded my herb garden and my vegetable garden. Boy, cutting out grass by hand with an edging shovel is really back-breaking work, but now I have more space for my plants to grow. I have planted two zucchini plants which are so far taking off, but I plan to keep a close eye on the weather. Next up: tomatoes!

Karen welcomes gardening questions on her blog and also encourages experienced gardeners to share their observations and insights with the rest of her readers. So head on over and have fun! And don’t forget, when you are out there in the yard, to wear a hat and sunscreen!