Consider giving him a present of a book the next time you go visit there : "Square foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew.
Mel's program is designed to start small to encourage success, it teaches improving the soil , mulching to minimize weeds and retain soil moisture, pest control,
companion planting,benefits of 'raised bed gardening,etc., and proportions plants per square foot, recommends of different varieties of vegetables, etc., an is easy reading.
Everything a beginning gardener wants to know to be successful, .. and then you build on your successes. Highly recommended !
I will take it under advisement.
I am the Mother-IN-Law, so it is not easy! I am also a YANKEE to this AK, AL, Son of the South! LOL
Thinking...No, it would be taken as interference or criticism. We are so very different.