“I am 23 years old and live on the west coast of Norway. I wanted to try growing cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, iceberg lettuce and more with my dad when I was a little boy. The memories of this sat well inside, the joy of making something edible was so strong. Ever since childhood, I have always had a fascination for edible plants. We had plum trees, grapes, cherries, apple trees, blueberries and other fun in our garden – and I always remember that I would look forward to the fall where you could harvest EATING THINGS from the garden. The highlight of the year – just like Christmas Eve. Now I am a happy gardener with a large kitchen garden that provides food for me, family and all friends.
It is important to grow my own organic food in my garden because it is environmentally friendly. In addition, I get the pleasure of eating something I have grown myself.
Norway is a country far north in Europe. It is actually possible to grow food here. I have a garden of about 600 square meters. In my garden I have Fruit trees, berry bushes, vegetables, herbs, greenhouses..a dream has really come true.
I cultivate everything you can think of. My favorites are broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin, tomatoes, cucumber, potatoes and mint. My best methods for fighting pests are not to use toxins or chemicals. I pick the pests away with hand or scissors. My hens like to eat pests. In addition, I can use a water hose to flush away small pests such as aphids. My soil is organic and built up with degradable material. I am also very fond of collecting my own seeds from the vegetables I grow.
My biggest obstacle to gardening is fighting rain and wind. In Norway on the west coast where I live, there is a lot of wind and rain. That’s why it is very nice to have a greenhouse and some tall fruit trees that protect my innocent vegetables.
I have been interviewed by Norway’s largest organic food organization. In addition, the state channel team visited my garden for a small feature in the news.
I am independently spreading knowledge about growing organic vegetables. It is my job as a young person to share experiences and tips with others. It is important to take care of our planet and lead sustainable development.
Nothing else in the world makes me happier than when I see people growing something edible – whether it’s in a large kitchen garden, in a greenhouse, on the balcony or something on the kitchen counter. The value is the same no matter how big or small the space is. You’re doing something good!”
