By Jheri Hardaway
Staff Writer
Water, light, food, and air are the major keys, according to Denslo “Dee” Page. A breath of fresh air, and an avid gardener, Dee began gardening in 1978, mostly inside. She has plants nearing the ceiling that she has nursed for years. A vegetarian and health enthuistist Dee decided to begin growing food. Beginning in pots, she noticed her plants growing and thriving, so she moved on to garden beds. She now has three beds that are four by eight feet and was able to feed thirty families this past year. Just last year, her cucumbers were eight to nine inches long. She contemplated entering competitions at the State Fair, but the produce didn’t last until it was time to compete.
Lovingly known as the “Pepper Lady,” Dee grows peppers of all kinds, tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow and green squash, sweet potatoes, okra, corn, green beans, peas, and eggplant, among others. Her expertise is vast, with suggestions like, “For my garden to be productive, I make sure that I feed the garden. So much is taken out of the soil for the vegetables that are produced. I mix new soil in with the old and worm castings.” She suggests the Miracle-Gro garden feeder that attaches to the hose to ensure a thriving garden.
Dee mentioned feeling like a tourist attraction as people pass by and admire her garden. She begins in February with her seedlings, so sprouts are prepared for spring. One special tip she shared was “Only water the roots.” She discussed, “how fruits cleanse, and vegetables heal. This helps to ignite papain in digestion.” I asked Dee what gardening does for her mental health, “It gives me a lot of satisfaction to see plants grow! You get better and better every year. It doesn’t get any fresher than this!”
Are you ready to grow your own food? Grab an almanac and stay tuned to The Carolinian for more tips and insights from area farmers and hobby gardeners.
