BUG Gardener James
15 year old James had done a lot of research on his own about how to grow edible plants, but due to many complications, was never able to put it into practice. Starting in April, consistent (almost) weekly check-ins with Bend Urban Gardens helped him gain more confidence, and he’s supplemented family meals all season long!
Along with some containers on shelves, James has two garden beds in his 100 square foot greenhouse. In the early spring, after consulting with his mom, Elisa, the household’s head chef, he narrowed down his priority crops for the season. Together, they created a crop plan and planting calendar after referencing local OSU Extension Master Gardener publications. Then, with the help of Bend Urban Gardens, James refined his initial plan, started seeds indoors under a grow light, and embraced the idea of planting cold sensitive plants earlier than the publications recommended (one of the big benefits of a heated greenhouse in early spring)!
Considering typical crop lifespans helped James maximize his small space by strategically planting short season crops alongside longer season crops, giving longer season crops more space once the short season crops got harvested. He planned to keep his space in constant production by replacing half season crops with other half or short season crops once they reached maturity.
During each of James’ garden lessons, we spent time checking in about the current state of his plants, fertilizing when needed, and practicing various harvest techniques. Lesson time also focused on the composition of soilless growing media, native soil, and raised bed mix with topsoil. We conducted soil texture, nutrient, and ph analyses. Bend Urban Gardens brought the materials for installing drip irrigation in the greenhouse raised beds and after installing it together, James and Elisa were ready to make adjustments as needed and procure fittings in the future, since they learned the names and roles of the components of their system.
James practiced patience and perseverance when his peppers were invaded by aphids and watched his pepper plants grow very slowly (but steadily) throughout the spring and summer. Finally getting ripe sweet red bell peppers in August and September made the wait worthwhile, yet helped him recognize that crops that provide a continuous harvest are often the stars of small gardens. He reflected, "The plant that has done the best over this season is the kale. The kale has persevered through the cool spring and the blazing summer providing countless harvests.”
James shared, “I think one of the best aspects of gardening is the community and the happiness.” This season has inspired him to modify his crop plan for next season and he hopes others will take up his challenge, “I challenge you to, every year, discard one of the annual vegetables that you like the least and in its place, try something new that you might like better but otherwise may have not considered. For me, I am replacing my zucchini with nasturtiums.”
Although disappointed and frustrated with pest issues that arose, James was enthusiastic, curious, and grateful throughout the season. He said, “Bend Urban Gardens has taught me a lot of new skills and given me more confidence and clarity on all my actions. Ashley has always been there to help me in times of [garden] need and basically has an answer to any question you might ask her about your veggie garden.” Thank you, James and Elisa!
Check out James’ Super Simple Garden Recipe: ‘Tomato, Cucumber, and Bell Pepper Salad’ on our blog!
