Author: Ben Ortiz

Something useful to do in the garden

Ben Ortiz learned to garden outside Rockford, Illinois, where his father grew beans and the hose never seemed to be quite where it was needed. The lessons that stayed with him were simple: look closely, do the job in front of you, and find out why something failed before trying it again.

Since moving to Madison with his wife Rosa in 1997, Ben has kept a backyard vegetable plot and a shed that is usually more crowded than he intends. His work as a school-bus mechanic has encouraged a habit of checking the practical details. In the garden, that means sound tools, clear labels, and a plan that can survive a busy week.

Beans remain a favorite. So do the small exchanges that keep gardening connected to family: seeds shared with his sister Elena, a visit from his son Daniel, and the conversation that starts when someone notices what is growing. Ben enjoys repairing useful things and has little patience for making a straightforward task sound mysterious.

Join Ben for gardening stories grounded in seasonal work, imperfect weekends, and the satisfaction of figuring something out. He will tell you what he tried, what needed another look, and which job is still waiting by the shed.