I'm thrilled to share a fascinating conversation with Eric and Christopher Feml-Nelson @growformegardening, two passionate gardeners who have transformed their space with raised beds from Gardener Supply. They’ve combined our Bar Harbor Potting Soil, Penobscot Blend, and Castine Raised Bed Mix to create a thriving garden. Their journey into gardening is as much about fun and experimentation as it is about producing delicious, homegrown food.
Choosing the Right Soil
Chris and Eric approached their raised bed garden with a thoughtful blend of soil to ensure both lightness and nutrient density. Knowing that their elevated beds required a lighter potting soil, they opted for a 50/50 mix of Castine Raised Bed Mix and Bar Harbor Potting Soil. This combination provided the perfect balance of nutrients and weight for their six beds, and the results have been outstanding. As they planted, Chris and Eric added a little Penobscot Blend into each planting hole for an extra nutrient boost. They even top-dressed newly seeded areas with Penobscot to give their plants that extra "recharge." The growth they’ve seen is remarkable, with vines flourishing and vegetables thriving, thanks in part to the diverse diet provided by the soil mix.
Gardening for Fun and Experimentation
What’s truly inspiring about Chris and Eric’s approach is their emphasis on enjoyment and experimentation. They didn’t start as vegetable gardeners; their initial love was for ornamental plants. As they gained confidence, they decided to try growing things they loved to eat. This garden, which they affectionately call the “Poe Area,” is a testament to their philosophy of gardening without pressure—planting what they like, experimenting, and simply enjoying the process.
Unexpected Surprises
One delightful surprise came when a tomato plant sprouted in the rocks beneath a raised bed—self-seeded from the previous year’s fallen fruit. They transplanted it into the bed to see what kind of tomatoes it would yield, embodying their carefree, experimental approach to gardening. For them, gardening is about enjoyment and fun, and they embrace whatever nature throws their way.
Learning and Growing
They’ve had great success, yet Chris and Eric are still learning. For instance, they discovered they don’t eat as many peppers as they thought, but their strawberries have been a hit. They’ve even ventured into growing something new—Mizuna—simply because they received free seeds in the mail.
Their approach to gardening isn’t rigid; they’ve learned to relax about the “shoulds” that often intimidate new gardeners. They don’t obsess over perfect pH levels or worry about getting everything right. Instead, they focus on creating a healthy soil culture and letting the plants do their thing.
Final Thoughts
Gardening, like raising kids, isn’t about perfection. It’s about setting the right culture, experimenting, and enjoying the process. Chris and Eric’s garden is a beautiful example of this philosophy in action. They’ve created a space that not only produces food but also brings immense joy and satisfaction. Their story is a reminder that gardening should be fun, and with the right soil and attitude, anyone can create a thriving, beautiful garden.
Thank you, Chris and Eric, for sharing your journey with us and for using our soils to help make your garden a success!
