We asked the green thumbed in the Champlain community to share what they have been growing, as well as their best gardening tips and advice. See the fruits (and vegetables and flowers) of their labors below!
Tarn Foerg is growing Snap peas, blueberries, black raspberries, & tomatoes. “We have a tiny garden but it brings great joy to pick something each morning! Grab a container or dig a hole, it’s worth it!”
Lisa Bilowith’s Houseplants “Good light, don’t over water, and talk to your plants.” 
Lisa Bilowith’s Avocado Tree “I have tried for years to make this happen. It finally worked!! Patience, patience… and start with it right side up!!”
Stephen Robinson “Don’t let an Irish garden get away from you. This is the view of the backyard of the Dublin Academic Centre after being ignored for 16 months owing to Covid.”
Linda Goodrum: “I did not want this painted pallet to end up in the landfill so with a little help from my husband Don … we repurposed it. My Portulacas seem to be enjoying their new home. Tip: never get rid of outdoor “things” without giving them some serious “garden” thought first!”
Leah Miller’s Lillies “Find the best spot of sunshine!”
Linda Reid’s Frosted Velvet Bearded Iris “Try and stay out of the plant’s way. Especially if you are terrible with plants. Less is more.”
Roz Whitaker-Heck “This is my first time trying to grow cucumbers, turnips, scallions, collards, kales, carrots, and tomatoes. So far I have harvested one cucumber, and it was delicious! I’m such a novice that I’m relying on social media groups to pass along advice to me. But I just discovered the magic of epsom salt!”
Roland Palmer is growing “A little bit of everything but we are in peak day lily season right now!” Roland’s tip: “Have a partner or friend who loves weeding!!!”
Madison Braz is growing Zucchini, summer squash, tomatoes, buttercup squash, snow peas, peppers, basil, cilantro, oregano, parsley, marigolds, & cucumbers. Maddie says “Square foot gardening works great!”
Jennifer Reardon is growing flowers, herbs, berries, and vegetables. Jennifer’s tip: “Stuffed squash blossoms are delicious!”
Sarah Camille Wilson is growing shallots, onions, potatoes, beets. spinach, carrots. and cucumbers. Her advice is to watch out for snakes, but don’t let them scare you off!