“It’s great to see you again Jane. Sure is cozy here in the greenhouse. So tell me, what brought you to Gaia?”
Jane, “Well I started working with Kristl from Gardens North After she didn’t need me anymore, I helped out Greta (Greta’s Organic Seeds) with starting and transplanting. I was here in the transition year with Manish when the farm changed hands and became Gaia’s Organic Seeds.”
“Wow, I know all these people and they are all great seed folk. Gardens North was such a unique company (she now has a great website: called wild plants from seed). I had some really special plants from her seed. What got you started with plants?”
Jane, “I’ve been doing this for a long time. Started in 2005. Basically I moved to the country and wanted to have a garden but didn’t have a lot of money. I heard that Kristl (Gardens North) was paying in plants and seeds. It was such a lovely experience. I get a lot of joy out of it. It’s very Zen, lifting the plant, making the hole and patting it in.”
“Yes, there’s something great about having your hands in the soil.”
Jane, “I’ve always been a green person. Couldn’t live anywhere that’s not green. When you are no longer worried about family and have more time to devote to what you want vocationally, you can make that choice. So I chose to be involved in growing.”
“For me it was when I lived in England. Passing by rosemary hedges and huge fennel to go and buy herbs from the grocery store. It seemed silly. Growing one cherry tomato and a few herbs lead quickly to a huge garden. I often say that some people just have this switch in their head and once it is turned on, they just garden.”
Jane, “Yes, when I lived in Belgium, the landlord had a beautiful French potager. I’ve always been interested in variety. One book I’ve enjoyed is Jabbor’s Veggie Garden Remix as it encouraged me to try more vegetable varieties. This year Manish has some varieties of tomatoes that I’ve not yet heard of.”
“Do you have any favourite tomato varieties?”
Jane, “Oh Malachite Box. It’s a yellow-green one. Petite Moineau. It’s very small and sweet, sprawls everywhere.”
“And what’s an unusual vegetable that you’ve grown recently?”
Jane, “Last year, I grew Cuzzuza. It’s a vining crop that you use like a zucchini. It has to be peeled. I made some lovely stews with it.”
“Do you have any parting gardening tips to leave us with?”
Jane, “Yes, when it comes to seed saving. Many people don’t realize that inside a tomato, all those seeds they see are potential plants. Be brave and give it a try. Trust yourself.”
“I love this advice! Yes be brave.”
