CoirProducts.co.uk Featured Grower this week is Dawn Warden(@dawns_gardening). Dawn spoke to us about how she started growing, what she loves to grow, and what she enjoys the most about gardening. Dawn also shared with us some of the environmentally-friendly methods she adopts when gardening as well as her experiences of using CoirProducts. Gardening has helped Dawn both physically and mentally. While she loves to grow a variety of crops, for her, what is important is to keep things simple.
Dawn started growing on her own when she moved into their her home about 11 years ago. “It was a tiny rectangle of land where I started off small and haven’t turned back since,” she says.
Dawn loves to grow peas, tomatoes, sweet corn, potatoes, carrots and garlic. This year as well as these she is also trying some green beans and flint corn for popping.
Reflecting on her process of gardening/growing, Dawn says, “my process is to keep things simple. I’m no dig and have ditched a lot of the ‘jobs’ that don’t really need doing which leaves me the energy to focus on the things I want. Start with things you know you are going to enjoy eating.” Reading books, listening to podcasts, following insta gardeners or watching YouTube videos are a great way to learn more about what you are growing. Many of these resources are available freely. Dawn adds, “things like gardening magazines and books can be good too and you usually get free seeds with mags if you aren’t fussy about what you grow.”
Dawn also tries to adopt environmentally-friendly practices as much as she can. “I grow organically so I’m not adding any chemicals to the ground. I look after my soil with no dig which is great for the micro-organisms. Adding compost is a good way to feed the soil so I like to have a compost bin to make my own. I also have easy access to manure. I try to avoid plastic and waste in the garden as much as possible, using bamboo pots and more recently the coir pots and coins.”
She also opts for peat-free products. “I always make sure if I’m purchasing that I’m getting peat free too. The only time I allow plastic in the garden is when I’m upcycling items such as food tubs or using older pots that don’t need to go into landfill,” she explains.
Having recently started using CoirProducts, Dawn says, “so far I love it.” She goes on to add, “I’m all about keeping things easy and low impact on the environment and the products allow me to do this. The biodegradable pots and trays are brilliant to use, while the coir potting mix blocks are super easy to hydrate and it saves on storage of compost. The CoirCoins have been my favourite so far, making sowing season really smooth going.”
Speaking about what she enjoys the most about gardening, Dawn says, “nurturing something from seed to plate is an amazing feeling. It’s so fresh and tastes amazing plus it’s reducing the air mileage of my food. The gardening itself is amazing for my physical and mental health. There really are no downsides for me.”
On the other hand, reflecting on the challenges, Dawn adds, “as somebody with a disability, it can be challenging how much time and energy it takes. But there are things you can do to work around this.”
Growing her own produce has helped Dawn feed herself organic, fresh, and nutritious food She adds, “the garden looks great during harvest season and is such a healthy hobby that gets me away from screens.”
There are also many people who continue to inspire Dawn. Her current favourite instagram gardeners are Becky Searle (@sow_much_more), Lee (@beardygardener), Richard Chivers (@Sharpenyourspades -who got her through lockdown but is less active now), Rachel (@thegoodlifeainteasy), Clare (@she_sows_seeds) and Gintare (@ambersallotment)c who are great for inspiration and tips. Dawn also loves @Happyskinkitchen and @healthyeatsbyfi for ideas on what to make.
Sharing tips with other gardeners and growers, Dawn says, “the main tip I would give is to not start too soon in the season (unless you have the kit). Starting too early means plants can be leggy and die off later on, there is risk of frost and very quickly lack of room for them all. Sow them a little later and they will catch up and really strong. Don’t be tempted to sow too soon because you see others doing so, you don’t know what their climate is compared to yours.”
Dawn also loves getting her nieces and nephews involved with growing. “They love it, it encourages them to eat healthier and know where food comes from and the plants do well… best potatoes I’ve had is when they planted, under instruction!”
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In today’s world, gardening is much more than a pastime; it’s a mindful choice to support biodiversity, boost sustainability, and cultivate well-being. At CoirProducts of
