La Huerta
The Vegetable Garden
Before moving to Galicia Spain, we dabbled in growing a few vegetables back in Denver, Colorado. With a shorter growing season, a completely different zone, less time to maintain it and cook what we grew.
The area of the garden we wanted to make into our vegetable garden was a debris pit. The pit was not only garden debris, but lots and lots of trash, broken glass bottles and for some reason batteries!
Prickly pear lined the fence, and aside from the pile of plant matter and trash, the space was full of thick overgrown weeds.
It was backbreaking work. After removing the trash, and having the prickly pear cactus removed. Kyle worked to rototill the area several times to prepare the ground before laying the weed tarp, stones, and building the raised beds.
Repurposing the wood from the shed on our property, he created raised beds and prepared them for his seedlings.
Since moving to O Rosal, Kyle has developed a passion for growing plants from seed. Not only can he grow different types of plants, it’s super fulfilling to see something grow from just a little seed! He now grows a variety of tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, kales, beets, carrots, onions, garlic, ginger, tumeric, a variety of potatoes, herbs, cucumbers, blueberries, and melons.
Throughout the property we have a variety of fruit trees that were on the property, we have since planted a lemon, peach, passion fruit and fuji apple.
He’s always on the hunt for unique, heirloom, and hard-to-find varieties. From variety of peppers, lettuce, and root vegetables in the cooler months to a variety of sun-ripened tomatoes, beans, and herbs.
As vegetarians, in the summer months most of our meals and fresh juices are inspired by what we grow.
It’s been incredible to grow our own produce. While it takes a lot of work—battling insects, disease, and the tomato blight, is no joke—it’s all part of the journey. Knowing where our food comes from, and stepping out into the garden to harvest what we need, is deeply rewarding. There’s nothing like a garden-fresh tomato.
With such an abundance, Kyle has learned how to can and preserve what we grow, finding different ways to enjoy the harvest year-round—and share it with others.
Be sure to check out our blog to read more about our experience in gardening here in O Rosal!
