(ARA) - Americans craving authenticity and fretting over a bleak economy have reinvigorated the trend to grow-it-yourself (GIY). From blueberries to houseplants, GIY is the new mantra as folks turn "back to the future" to simplify their lives while gardening for the greener good.

Organic gardening calendar for January (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Week 1 Jan. 3-10 Perform a soil test: Using a sharp shovel, slice a 12-inch square 6 inches deep. Count the earthworms. If you see at least six healthy earthworms, you’ve got great soil. If not, improve your soil with organic amendments. Earthworms aerate the soil. Plants and lawn grasses need aeration to be healthy. Turn compost pile. If it is too dry, water it down. Too wet? Add dry ...

Interest grows in fresh supply from community garden (The Telegraph)

With food we eat typically traveling 1,300 miles before reaching our plate, a community organic garden is one way to provide fresher, healthier foods to local families.

Business briefs (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

Networking program Tuesday at Monroe CC Organic conference at convention center Nominations sought for top marketer Group will take tour of Xerox innovation center Record-keeping seminar in Greece All-female board takes charge in HF-Mendon

Follow these gardening tips and 2009 will be the 'Year of the Garden.' (Austin American-Statesman)

Make 2009 the year of the garden by following these simple steps. For more gardening advice, visit travis-tx.tamu.edu.