Garden Culture Magazine US 32

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

I focus on nutrition and aim for production, not perfection

Author Spotlight

T

he team of writers at Garden Culture is all about helping you become the best grower possible.

Our contributors know what they’re doing, and

this issue’s featured author is no exception! Introducing Anne Gibson, garden consultant and creator of The Micro Gardener blog.

Is there a motto you grow by?

Absolutely! ‘Garden by sustainable principles’, the key one being to ‘work WITH nature’. I focus on nutrition and aim for production, not perfection. My goal is to design space wisely and make every element count, strive for balance and biodiversity, utilize all onsite resources, be observant, and maintain a well-stocked soil pantry.

What is your favorite plant to grow?

Garlic. It’s easy, low-maintenance, grows in pots and the harvest provides flavor and medicinal benefits for around 10 months.

Do you grow Organic? Why/why not?

I follow organic and biodynamic methods, testing my nutrient levels for high Brix or sugar levels, which are achieved by growing without any chemicals and encouraging soil biodiversity and remineralization. Foods grown with high Brix have optimum nutrition, texture, and flavor, and are highly resistant to pests and diseases because they’re abundantly healthy. That’s the kind of food I want to eat!

The best value ‘health insurance policy’ I can grow at home.

What is your favorite food?

Mmm. Tough to play favorites! I’d say a tie between homegrown peas, which I look forward to planting every autumn, and sweet juicy mulberries. I have two mulberry trees grown from cuttings that I coax each year to produce 8

Anne Gibson five harvests and bucketfuls of berries using moon gardening techniques. My husband rarely gets to eat peas because I snack as I pick. Shh! What is your favorite animal/insect?

The stunning attired Blue-banded bees that are highly efficient pollinators in my garden. Love the ‘zit zit’ sound they make as they shake the flowers for a second and the job’s all done. 3

Are you interested in writing for Garden Culture Magazine?

We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email introducing yourself with a sample of your work. editor@gardenculturemagazine.com