Gardeners in Arlington, TX

Bill Sullivan. His info is in the All Fairlington Bulletin.

I second Bill Sullivan.

Bill Sullivan. Google it

JP Landscaping. Jose was so knowledgable, professional, and friendly - and was WAY under all the 7 quotes I gathered. He and his team did great work.

I agree with Bill. Bill Sullivan, founder/owner Sullivan's Landscaping, Inc. Email: billsullivan41@gmail.com Web Site: www.sullivanslandscaping.net Cell: 571.213.9567

Tomatoes and peppers are pretty easy. Cherry tomatoes are usually popular with kids, but if your toddler still needs things that shape cut in half/quarters, you might find a larger variety easier to deal with. I like cucumbers, particularly a variety called Little Leaf (pickling cukes, but you can eat them fresh too). Green beans are pretty straightforward to grow too. But really you should grow the stuff you and your family like to eat:). You will need to consider how you're going to protect your plants from critters. We've ended up with some pretty heavy-duty fencing thanks to woodchucks/rabbits, which are prevalent in my end of town (northwest corner). And chipmunks and squirrels *will* go after strawberries. You might just get away with your first year, but sooner or later the critters will find you. Also, I should mention that if you're planting anything directly in the ground rather than in a raised bed, you should first get a soil test to check (among other things) the lead level in the soil. UMass does soil testing. http://soiltest.umass.edu/services

If you haven't already, check out Lexington Community Farm (next to the Arlington Res). They sell seedlings and have many toddler-friendly activities http://lexfarm.org/farm

Every year, I try to grow watermelon, pumpkins and other squash. As a renter in a two-family, i do it container-style, with the vines danging off the porch rails. Also inhabiting my neighborhood in East Arlington is a gang of jack-booted squirrels and bunnies. I think they call themselves "The Spoilers." They wait until the fruit gets to be about 3 inches in diameter, and then rip them off the vines. They sign their victims' flesh with the 'Mark of the Incisor,' and then run away, like the cowards they are. It's the Arlington Massacre that the press refuses to cover, but it happens every year.

Eli Gerzon is very knowledgeable and may have some insight.

Jocelyn Jones@https://www.facebook.com/65164018066 Generous Earth: Gardens by Design

The Cooperative Extension office in the Fairlington Community Center has tons of free seeds for the taking. Just go by during their office hours and you can take what you want.