Featured Freedom Gardener of July 2008

Freedom Gardens: Hi quincehomestead, congratulations! You have been selected to be the Freedom Gardener of July 2008! Tell us a little more about your garden.

QuinceHomestead: We live in North Minneapolis on a lot that is around 45Wx100L in feet. We are about a block from a large city park that is teaming with flora and fauna.

Last year we had a small garden with tomatoes and peppers due to the condition of the ground. In the back yard, we had 2 layers of pavers that were once used for the cities road with a layer of asphalt between them all under 2 inches of grass.

2 Falls ago (06) we started tearing all this out and built a paver patio and over this Winter with the inspiration of Path to Freedom, we took the next step and went from a 50 sq ft garden to what we have now (~700 sq ft).

We are growing the normal round of food that is pretty local to here: tomatoes, potatoes, beans, peas, lots of greens, carrots, etc. The garden is mainly comprised of raised beds and tries to follow the permaculture principles of restorative gardening. We are also raising chickens for their eggs and reusing their outputs as inputs for our garden.

FG: Behind every garden, there must have been blood, sweat and tears. What have you felt was (is) the hardest thing you’ve faced (or are facing) in your gardening? Would you care to share a story?

QuinceHomestead: The hardest thing is probably the time management of working full-time in the work world and then still having to find time for the homesteading. The other hard part is keeping up with all the changes that spring up.

FG: What do you feel is the most important thing in gardening?

QuinceHomestead: To us the most important aspects of our gardening is being able to feed our family while knowing where that food comes from and also making sure we attempt to garden in a restorative manner, not just a sustainable manner.

FG: Have you changed - emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually - since you’ve begun gardening?

QuinceHomestead: We have always been gardeners, but mainly my Wife. This year, I find myself more calm, stronger, and happier that before. Also quite a bit more tired

FG: Has this website (freedomgardens.org) helped you with your garden? If so, care to share “how?”

QuinceHomestead: Yes, the website along with Path to Freedom has provided the information, connections, and support to take the next step

FG: Be sure to visit quincehomestead’s profile to see photos, learn more about their garden and visit their great website/blog.

Freedom Gardeners of the Month receive a gift from the online store Peddler’s Wagon - Green Goods for the Good of the Planet. (Please support Freedom Gardens and help us grow by purchasing from our store)

Featured Freedom Gardeners are selected by the amount of time they spend on the Freedom Gardens site, the effort put into their profile, how much they have contributed to the site and how much they have shared or spread the word about Freedom Gardens.