Let’s face it—gardeners are an inventive bunch when it comes to nourishing their plants. We brew banana peel tea, steep compost like it’s fine wine, sprinkle Epsom salts like fairy dust, and even chat sweetly to our squash in hopes it will grow bigger than the neighbor’s. But among the most time-honored and giggle-inducing methods of fertilizing the family plot is one that’s as old as cows themselves: manure.

Now before you wrinkle your nose or clutch your organic gardening guide in horror, let me assure you—there’s nothing quite like The Great Cow Patty Caper, the delightfully quirky and heartwarming story that had us laughing through our lettuce rows.

Click on the title above to read the full story from the March 2024 issue of GreenPrints Magazine!

(You won’t believe what lands right next to the heroine and her niece mid-harvest… spoiler: it’s fresh.)

Told with affection, nostalgia, and just enough stink to make it real, The Great Cow Patty Caper takes us on a playful romp through the Virginia countryside where one woman learns—and later teaches—the art of cow patty collection as a family gardening ritual. From tapping and testing the ripeness of patties with a trusty stick to transforming them into garden gold, this tale is both a hilarious homage to a granddad’s wisdom and a sweet reflection on how the messiest traditions can grow the strongest roots.

The best part? It’s not just about poop—it’s about passing down the joy of growing things, together. And yes, it might leave you laughing so hard you spill your compost tea.

So whether you’re a seasoned farmer, a backyard tomato whisperer, or just someone who enjoys a good chuckle and a thriving zucchini plant, you owe it to yourself to read this gem of a story. Click here to read The Great Cow Patty Caper and discover why the path to great gardening may just lead through a field of fragrant surprises.

Who knew that gardening wisdom and family bonding could come wrapped in a patty?