Tell us about your gardening experience!

I started gardening 4 years ago because I knew that nothing beats the taste of a home grown tomato. I started in food-grade buckets but upgraded to my first garden bed the following year. As someone that enjoys cooking for people, I realized that sharing my produce with others brought me the same kind of fulfillment. Last spring, the uncertainty of COVID-19 gave me an unexpected surplus of time spent at home. That's when I enlisted my boyfriend to help build three raised beds in addition to amending the soil in three more ground-level ones. I bought organic starters from Biver Farms, at Local Harvest Grocery, and I spent hours researching the best way to lay out my new garden.

Describe your garden! What are some challenges in your space?

I have about 1600 square feet in my backyard, and much of it is still dedicated to running space for our dogs. Growing melons and squash for the first time was pretty tricky. I had no idea how their vines would sprawl, so trying to wrangle them into a good space was a challenge. I've also struggled with aphids and trying to repel the pests using organic growing methods. To combat that, I'll be incorporating both trap crops and flowers that repel them this year. I also try to use companion planting and crop rotation to maximize space and soil quality.

Do you have any tips and tricks? What are the benefits of gardening for you?

Trellis gardening is magical, especially for those with limited space! I grew cucumbers on a trellis last year, and it kept them powdery mildew-free while creating a beautiful wall of green on my fence. I highly recommend using trellis netting for any crops that like to climb. This one sounds cheesy, but spend time with your plants! When you visit with each plant in your garden, ideally multiple times a day, you can learn what they like and dislike. Plants are expressive, and you can use that to your advantage. The benefits are endless. Last year, I gave produce to friends in exchange for donations to local, food justice-focused non-profits. As an amateur chef, there is nothing cooler than going out back to harvest food for your meal.

Most importantly, why do YOU garden?

Giving back to the community while fostering connections between friends and their food is joyous. I love walking people through my garden and showing them exactly where their food comes from. It's a great chance to share cooking tips or plug my passion for local, pasture-raised meat as well. Time spent alone in my garden is equally fulfilling. I enjoy taking the time to sit with myself and reflect. Our dogs appreciate it too!

How does YOUR garden grow? Submit your photos and tell us more at urbanharveststl.org/share-your-garden