Featured Garden: Belinda's Secret Garden

How did you become a gardener and what inspired you to start a food garden?

My grandparents were wonderful gardeners and I enjoyed helping them (or at least they said I was helpful). It is something Manley and I like to do together as a couple.  I especially love starting something from seed straight through canning. Manley likes the flowers and enjoys building the gardens. We are both economically conservative (or cheap) so if we can grow something inexpensively and organically we are happy.

What's your favorite plant?

Wild Lady Slipper. To me, it is Mother Nature at her finest. If it has to be a veggie it would be the tomato, they require the extra mile but are so worth it..yum.

What's a favorite feature of your garden?

The greenhouse/potting shed.  I have always wanted a greenhouse.  Somewhere to extend our Maine season.  Once I saw what Manley had built for me, it was truly a dream come true.

What's your greatest challenge food gardening?

Improving poor soil. Our soil is shale. We compost, compost and then compost.

What's your best tip for new gardeners?

Study, ask other local gardeners questions. Find out what grows in your area. Read anything you can get your hands on about gardening naturally. KNOW your soil. Get Mother Earth Magazine ;o)

Thanks to Belinda's Secret Garden for sharing with us! To follow this garden and learn more, visit Belinda's Secret Garden.