We make our own compost at each garden and are very generous with this on the plots. This provides rich, organic matter that enriches the dirt, and mulch is added on top to protect the plots from hot and cold temperatures, as well as deterring weeds.

We also have some gardeners that grow their native Southeast Asia produce, which do very well in our climate. Some gardeners are very adventuresome and try a couple of new crops each year. Last year one gardener grew sesame seeds, which did extremely well.

Some of the easiest and fastest growing vegetables are radishes. They do extremely well in the Texas heat. Tomatoes are some of the most difficult because of the weather fluctuations, bugs and diseases.

What we had envisioned was to break it down into four or five smaller retail units. Many people have come up and said they would love to see another food store in there. We're not sure, with Wal-Mart and Giant right down the road, if a smaller food chain would want to open.

There's already been people stopping to see what our plans are. We've only heard positive things. It's very exciting.