A word of advice: invest in perennials, those bare-root raspberries, currants, and plums felt expensive when we first began. But, a decade later, that investment has led to a backyard grocery store, the initial cost redeemed many times over in abundant harvests.

Start the kidding season off right by reading up on what to expect, what to look for if things go awry, and learn what to have on hand for when you need it most.

Don’t let store bought Stollen dissuade you from eating this delicious cake and use this recipe to make the tasty German classic at home.