b'HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? THESE 5 GARDEN CENTERS CAN HELPBy Ron Jenkins | ContributorWhen we moved to Plano from Davenport, Iowa in 1983, oneI graduated from the University of Missouri in agricultural of the things I was looking forward to is the longer growingjournalism (yes, that is a real degree like my Master of Liberal season for my vegetable garden obsession. Studies in environmental sustainability from SMU is as well), Things were bigger in Texas. I knew my tomatoes were goingso my first call was to Texas A&M Extension Center for advice. to be the size of grapefruits, and my zucchinis were going todallas.tamu.edube watermelonish. Their advicetest your soil. So that was step one. And if you Boy, was I wrong.want to improve the health of your lawn, trees, and plants, get Whats with this soil (or lack thereof?) a soil test as soon as you can.And the bugsjeez. Yes, some things are much bigger inStep two was to find a great vegetable garden retail outlet. Texas. There are several great ones across North Texas. NORTH HAVEN GARDENSSince1951,NorthHavenGardenshasbeenservingtheDallas Communityasthego-tooutletforvegetablegardeners. Their founders, Ralph and Muriel Pinkus, were instrumental in founding the Dallas Arboretum. Less than four weeks after last Octobers devasting tornado, North Haven Gardens was back open serving their huge gardening fan base. As usual, someone quickly asked, What can I help you with?The center also features various other educational opportunities and services including gardening classes and workshops, a Garden Coach Program, delivery and planting, raised bed services, and recycling.Be sure to check out their plant list for North Texas in the educationOn a blistering cold day in February, North Haven Garden tab section on their website.employees Brandon Sorenson (left) and Chris Pyle help Robin Skora nhg.com of Richardson with a selection of lettuce for her early spring garden.34GoodLifeFamilyMag.comMARCH 2020'